Rock Bridge Concert Bands

The concert bands at Rock Bridge High School are exceptional instrumental ensembles that perform outstanding literature and are recognized throughout the state for their excellence. Students are divided into three bands based upon ability level. Throughout the year, concert ensembles give four home concerts performing a wide variety of musical styles.

WIND SYMPHONY

The Wind Symphony is a select concert organization comprised of advanced wind and percussion instrumentalists whose desire is to perform collegiate level band literature in a smaller chamber setting.  The purpose of this course is to provide students with knowledge, skill and aesthetic development through applied performance experiences of high quality band literature.   This ensemble generally performs IV-VI grade level literature.  Auditions for the Wind Symphony take place in April/May.  All Wind Symphony members must be in the competition marching band.  Each student must comply with all rules and regulations in the bands.  Each Wind Symphony student must agree to attend all before and after-school rehearsals, sectionals, performances, and festivals. If a band member cannot make the additional commitment, then possibly Symphonic Band might be a better choice because the need for extra time is not as intense.  The Wind Symphony, which rehearses in the Choral Room or Performing Arts Center, meets concurrently with the Symphonic Band, which rehearses in the Band Room.  Private lessons, solo/chamber experiences, and honor ensemble auditions are very strongly encouraged.

In January, 2010 and 2015, the Wind Symphony performed at the Missouri Music Educator's Association State-Wide Conference. Both the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band consistently received the highest of ratings at State Contest.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is a select concert organization comprised of intermediate to advanced wind and percussion instrumentalists.  The purpose of this course is to provide students with knowledge, skill and aesthetic development through applied performance experiences of high quality band literature.  The Symphonic Band generally performs II-IV grade level literature which will include original works for concert band as well as arrangements or transcriptions for concert band composed by some of the finest composers of band literature. Auditions for the Symphonic Band take place in April/May. It is not mandatory for Symphonic Band members to participate in the competitive field band.  However, all Symphonic Band members are required to perform at all home football games and civic/school parades.  Each student must comply with all rules and regulations in the bands.  The student agrees to attend all before and after-school rehearsals, sectionals, performances, and festivals.  The Symphonic Band, which rehearses in the Band Room, meets concurrently with the Wind Ensemble, which rehearses in the Choral Room. Continuous self-improvement of skills will be evaluated through performance tests, knowledge evaluated through written tests and appreciation through submission of a journal.  Private lessons, solo/chamber experiences, and honor ensemble auditions are very strongly encouraged.

Concert Band

The Concert Band is a concert organization comprised of intermediate wind and percussion instrumentalists.  The purpose of this course is to provide students with knowledge, skill and aesthetic development through applied performance experiences of high quality band literature.  The Concert Band generally performs II-III grade level literature which will include original works for concert band as well as arrangements or transcriptions for concert band composed by some of the finest composers of band literature.  Membership into the Concert Band does not require an audition.  However, students not placed in the Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band through auditions taking place in April/May, will automatically be placed in Concert Band.  Starting in the 2014-2015 school year, Concert Band members will not participate in marching band.  Concert band will have a year-round focus on high-quality concert band literature.  Each student must comply with all rules and regulations in the bands.  The student agrees to attend all before and after-school rehearsals, sectionals, performances, and festivals.  The Concert Band rehearses in the Band Room. Continuous self-improvement of skills will be evaluated through performance tests, knowledge evaluated through written tests and appreciation through submission of a journal.  Private lessons, solo/chamber experiences, and honor ensemble auditions are very strongly encouraged.