Wind Ensemble -This ensemble is the primary performance group of the HCHS Band program. It is made up of 45-55 wind & percussion students that are capable of playing the very finest in high school band literature. The Wind Ensemble rehearses 50 minutes each day, performs four concerts each year, and focuses on grade 5 & 6 literature. These students should be capable of playing in all keys, sight-reading well, and have a very good understanding of playing their instrument. This band is open to students of any grade level, although it is primarily juniors & seniors. Most students in this class also take weekly private lessons. Auditions for this group take place in January of the previous year. The Wind Ensemble has twice been invited to perform at the state music teachers' convention in Louisville! (KMEA-1990 & 2009) This is one of the highest honors for a Kentucky high school band.
Symphonic Band - This ensemble is the secondary performance group of the HCHS Band program. It is made up of 60-70 wind & percussion students that are capable of playing challenging high school band literature. The Symphonic Band rehearses 50 minutes each day, performs four concerts each year, and focuses on grade 4 & 5 literature. This group is open to students of all ages, although the students should have a good understanding of playing thier instrument. Many students in this class also take weekly private lessons. Auditions for this group take place in January of the previous year.
Concert Band -This ensemble is the primary training group of the HCHS Band program. It is made up of 60-70 wind & percussion students that are capable of playing the very finest in intermediate band literature. The Concert Band rehearses 50 minutes each day, performs four concerts each year, and focuses on grade 3 & 4 literature. These students should have at least two years experience on their instruments and a basic understanding of playing their instrument. Many students in this class also take weekly private lessons and there are no auditions for membership.
Pep Band -The HCHS Pep Band performs at 8 home basketball games and all post-season games.The band rehearses before each game, and during class time once a week during January. All students in the HCHS Band program are divided into two groups: The Maroon Band & The White Band. The game responsibilities will be split and students are expected to be at their band's games. Substitues are allowed for matching instruments, however.
Jazz Bands -The Jazz Bands are open to any high school band student. Beginning in 2009, HCHS began offering two complete big bands. The Tuesday Jazz Band is the more experienced band and less time is spent on the basics of improvisation and style. The Thursday Jazz Band is a younger band that can focus more on the core concepts of jazz style. The bands rehearse outside the school day, typically on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30-5:00. The band performs 4-5 times annually, including community and informal settings. In May of 2007, the HCHS Jazz Band performed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland!
Percussion Ensemble- The Percussion Ensemble is open to any high school band student. Some experience with percussion is certainly preferred although not required. The ensemble will rehearse outside the school day, on Monday afternoons from 3:30-5:30. The group will perform 3-4 times annually, including community and informal settings. In March of 2007, the HCHS Percussion Ensemble performed at Solo & Ensemble festival earning a Distinguished rating. This ensemble is under the direction of Professor Bill Shaltis.
Winter Guard- The HCHS Winter Guard is open to any high school student. This is a competitive group that will rehearse outside the school day, typically on Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 4:00-7:00. The group will perform 5-6 times annually, as a member of the TriState Circuit. This performance ensemble is under the direction of Sarah Emerson. This group was the 2008 TriState Class B Champions!
Colonel's Brigade & Guard - The Henderson County High School Marching Band is a voluntary-competitive group that rehearses after school three days a week. The band performs at all home football games and 5-6 contests. The band also competes in the Kentucky Music Educators Association State Marching Band Championships as a 5A group. The band also performs at Bands Of America events. This group typically marches in 1-2 parades each Fall as well.