bands & ensembles
Freshman band (Level 1)
Freshman Band is our “entry level” band made up of incoming ninth grade band members from the middle schools. This is where the director gets to know the students and becomes familiar with their playing abilities and work ethic. Students may discover that there is lots of competition for the instrument they play as they continue in the program and consider auditioning for a spot in Concert Band. If students have ever considered trying a new instrument, this is a great band to do so. Needed instruments are: oboe, bassoon, horn, euphonium, tuba, etc. The purpose of this band is to bring the talents from various middle school backgrounds to build a unified group of musicians.
Contact: Bruce Olson
Blaine High School Director of Bands
Repertoire band (level 2)
Repertoire Band gives students the opportunity to continue to develop their musical skills to a higher level. They will be challenged to take more self-initiative and to make a positive social and musical contribution. The music will require them to stretch their musical knowledge and abilities to prepare them for greater musical challenges. This ensemble is also a great place to further prepare those students who are interested in auditioning for Concert Band.
Contact: Bruce Olson
Blaine High School Director of Bands
Concert Band (level 3)
Concert Band is an auditioned ensemble as well as an “honors course” which boosts a students’ GPA. Therefore, there are higher expectations and responsibilities in this band, as well as more performances. Membership in this band will be determined by their playing ability with an audition process, as well as their ability to demonstrate a positive social contribution. The goal is to assemble the best persons and musicians to represent the best talents within the program. To meet the potential of this group, students must create a healthy and positive environment which nurture a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Contact: Bruce Olson
Blaine High School Director of Bands
Pep band
Description
Pep Band is required of ALL members of the BHS band program. Students will be required to perform at 4 winter season events as part of the trimester 2 band course requirements. Rehearsals will occur during the normal band period class and the grade will be recorded as a performance grade during the trimester 3 grading period. This year’s schedule includes 8 events between December and March. In addition to fulfilling course requirements, students will earn 3 points towards a band letter award. Students wishing to earn 5 points should plan to attend ALL events. Post-season tournament games are required of all band students, beginning with region finals (home or away). The post-season schedule will be announced as soon as it is known. Bus transportation is provided for all “away” tournament events. One-half (.5) point per game will be awarded for additional tournament events. Students attending ALL 8 regular season events and ALL tournaments will be awarded 2 bonus letter points. Rehearsals will occur during the normal band period, rather than after school. Students who have attendance difficulties, due to other school sports participation, will be required to participate in a minimum of 3 events during the “regular” pep band season.
Calendar
Contact info
Bruce Olson
Blaine High School Director of Bands
Lane Flaten
Marching Band/Jazz Band 2/Pep Band Director
Jazz BAND
Description
Jazz Band is an co-curricular band that allows students to explore various musical genres such as swing, rock, funk, latin, etc. The success of this ensemble will be based on the commitment of its members! The jazz band performs at concerts, festivals and area swing dances including our own. To receive all lettering points, students are expected to be at all performances and at least 80% of the rehearsals.
Jazz Band 1 with Mr. Olson, Director
Jazz Band 2 with Mr. Flaten, Director
Contact info
Bruce Olson
Blaine High School Director of Bands
Lane Flaten
Marching Band/Jazz Band 2/Pep Band Director
Blaine percussion ensemble (BPE)
Description
BPE is open to any student who wants to develop their skills on percussion instruments. There will be regular rehearsals and various performance opportunities during the season. Lettering points will be earned though effort and particpation. Students will be expected to pay a tuition fee to hire a percussion specialist to direct this ensemble. Band boosters have subsidized this fee in the past and will continue to do so, as long as funds are available.
Calendar
Contact info
Mr. Robert Skoglund
Blaine High School Percussion Ensemble Director