Symphonic Band
(don't forget to read Info for Parents)
Course Description
Concert Attire Requirements
The Symphonic Band is an advanced level class, and has a long standing tradition of excellence at Courtland High School with a total of eleven "Virginia Honor Band" awards since 1982. Participation in any one of the bands at Courtland requires effort, dedication, and most importantly, a desire to strive for the highest. Most recently, the Symphonic Band earned a "Superior" rating at the VBODA Band Festival at Stafford High School.
Symphonic band requires at least one year of high school Concert Band experience unless approved by Ms. Schoelwer. Percussionists should sign up for Percussion Class, NOT Concert or Symphonic Band.
Performing is an integral part of this performance class, and is required as part of each quartlery grade. Students will also be required to audition for District Band in December.
Prior Expectations for Symphonic Band:
Know all 12 Major scales (see scales below). Be familiar with 4/4 time, 3/4 time, 2/2 (cut) time, 6/8, and any other variations in time signature. VBODA Grade 5-6 proficiency is preferred for performance, grade 4 sightreading proficiency preferred. If you plan on borrowing an instrument from the school, please be aware that you MUST purchase your own mouthpiece.
Symphonic Band Scale Requirements:
| Wind Instrument |
Octave(s)/Scales (these are transposed pitches): |
| Flute |
3 octaves: C
2 octaves: C#, D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B |
| Oboe |
2 octaves: Bb, B, C, C#, D, Eb, E, F
1 octave: F#, G, Ab, A |
| Bassoon |
3 octaves: Bb
2 octaves: B, C, C#, D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A |
| Bb Soprano Clarinet |
3 octaves: E, F, F#, G
2 octaves: Ab, A, Bb, B, C, C#, D, Eb |
| Bass Clarinet |
2 octaves: E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C
1 octave: C#, D, Eb |
| Contra Bass Clarinet |
2 octaves: Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C
1 octave: C#, D |
| All Saxes |
2 octaves: Bb, B, C, C#, D, Eb, E, F
1 octave: F#, G, Ab, A |
| Trumpet/Cornet/T.C. Baritone |
2 octaves: F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C
1 octave: C#, D, Eb, E, F |
| French Horn |
2 octaves: F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb
1 octave: B, C, C#, D, Eb, E |
| Trombone/B.C. Baritone/Tuba |
2 octaves: E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb
1 octave: B, C, C#, D, Eb |
| String Bass |
2 octaves: E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb
1 octave: B, C, C#, D, Eb |
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