Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble

Department	Art
Length	Year
Weight	Weighted
Teacher(s)	Mr. Summers, Mr. Abada

Wind Ensemble is the highest performing level of band offered at Gunn. Students must audition to be in the ensemble, and be in grade 10-12. One year in Freshman Concert Band and/or Symphonic Band is required to be in Wind Ensemble.

Course guide description

The Wind Ensemble is a highly advanced and select ensemble open to students with an extensive background in instrumental music performance. This ensemble will focus on the performance techniques and knowledge of repertoire associated with the finest in band and wind literature. All of the selected works, concepts learned, and techniques developed will adequately prepare students to participate in collegiate-level musical ensembles. There is an opportunity for students in this ensemble to participate in small chamber music ensembles. Performance assessment, written assessment and self- assessment will be integral parts of the curriculum. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. Performance opportunities include Fall, Winter, and Spring concerts, California Music Educators Association Festivals, Solo-Ensemble festivals, feeder school concerts, regional and national tours, community events, and graduation. There are also opportunities for students to audition to participate in select ensembles such as the Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra H, the Santa Clara County Honor Band, the California Band Directors Association All-State Honor Band, and the California Music Educators Association All-State Honor Band.

This course is available for Career Technical Education credit to students in grades 12 with teacher approval.

• Prerequisite: Teacher approval and/or audition required. Auditions for Wind Ensemble are held in the spring each year for the following year. At least three years of instruction on a band instrument, and at least one year performing in a Gunn Large Ensemble the prior year. If you are entering from outside PAUSD, you must have performed in your school band for a year: Grades 9-10-11-12.

• Homework Expectations: 2 hours per week

Should I take this course?

If you are interested and passionate about making music, definitely join this ensemble. However, don't get disappointed if you are not given a seat in Wind Ensemble as it has a highly competitive audition reputation. In the past, Wind Ensemble has had the opportunity to perform at various festivals and competitions at locations such as Disneyland and Sonoma State.

If you do make it in, though, the concert attire for Wind Ensemble is different from the other bands. Students may choose to wear a tuxedo (with cummerbund, bowtie, and black socks), or a black top with formal black bottoms.