Most of us know that our high school has a band, but did you know it’s a lot more complicated than that? Between zero period musical groups and extracurricular ones, the mountain lakes instrumental groups include concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, orchestra, jazz band (which is split off into two different levels), pep band, pit orchestra, bell choir, and, during the holiday season, holiday brass.
In-School Bands
Anyone who joins band at Mountain Lakes starts out in concert band freshman year, which meets during the school day. From there, one is either placed in symphonic band or wind ensemble, both of which are composed of a variety of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. In terms of string instruments, those who join the orchestra meet during zero period starting freshman year, with the orchestra being made up of one singular group.
After School Bands
Pep, pit orchestra, and bell choir are all available for musicians to partake in after school. While pep band—which anyone who has been to a herd game has heard—is a graded requirement for band members, pit orchestra and bell choir are separate activities. Pit orchestra is back and better than ever with the musicians preparing to show off the music they’ve been working on for months in the high school’s upcoming production of Frozen.
Specific Instrument Group Bands
The two jazz band levels and holiday brass groups are unique in that they are limited to specific instrument groups—for instance, a flute can’t join a jazz band since it’s not considered a jazz instrument, and only brass players can join holiday brass. Holiday brass gets to show off at winter concerts and various other winter-holiday events. Lastly, both jazz bands (blue notes, which is less exclusive, and backbeat, which requires an audition) allow students to explore a unique style of music that isn’t always covered in larger ensembles.
Here’s the bottom line: our school has a lot of talented musicians. Beyond these various bands, there are also numerous vocalist-focused groups and extracurricular activities. Don’t forget to support the arts and come see your friends perform if you ever get the chance—for instance, Mountain Lakes will be putting on the musical Frozen on March 5-7. Come check it out!
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