EHS Band Ensembles

  • EHS musicians who play small ensemble music for activities at school and in the community. EHS currently has ensembles for flute, clarinet, mixed woodwind, and brass, with percussion and saxophone ensembles in the development stage. Small groups provide a rewarding musical experience for intermediate and advanced players who are interested in exploring the repertoire and techniques of chamber music literature. Open to string and piano students, these groups are formed based on age, ability, experience and instrumentation. Members are placed by audition to ensure skill-level compatibility. All EHS band members are encouraged to join one of the small ensembles.

    Visit our page: http://www.essexbands.org/

    Orchestra

    The high school orchestra program provides an opportunity for students to continue their study of a string instrument throughout high school. The program provides its members an opportunity to represent the school and community through a variety of performance opportunities throughout the year. Students registering for orchestra must have previous experience playing a stringed instrument. After registration, orchestra members will be placed in an ensemble based upon student ability/experience and the ensemble’s instrumentation needs, as determined by the director. The group is dedicated to the study, preparation and performance of music from a variety of musical time periods as well as a survey of music theory and music theory as it relates to the repertoire performed in class.

     

    Orchestra 2017

    Symphonic Band

    Symphonic Band is open to all students at EHS. All freshmen band students enroll in Symphonic Band. This band provides a wealth of opportunities for students to continue developing the fundamentals of musicianship in a positive and supportive setting. Each year the band takes a trip, participates in band social events likal trip to Jay Peak, Movie Nights and more! Symphonic band meets during the school day.

    Symphonic Band 2017  

     

    Wind Ensemble

    Wind Ensemble is open to students by audition in grades 10-12 and provides an advanced experience that builds on the foundation developed through Symphonic Band. This ensemble regularly works with guest artists and will be commissioning new music for a world premiere performance in February. Wind Ensemble members frequently serve as mentors to Symphonic Band and middle school students.

    Each year the band performs at the VMEA festival, goes on a local tour, and takes a trip. Wind Ensemble meets during the school day.

     Wind Ensemble 2017

     

    Essex Jazz Orchestra

    The busiest jazz band in Vermont, the EJO is EHS’ advanced jazz ensemble. Auditions for the group take place spring semester. The EJO performs annually for the Vermont Association for Jazz Education (VTAJE) Jazz Festival, the Discover Jazz Festival, regularly gets asked to play gigs in the community, and headlines the Essex Jazz Festival with a nationally recognized guest artist. Most recently, the EJO won the UMASS Jazz Festival & Competition and was selected to perform for the evening concert, opening for famed saxophonist, Kenny Garrett.

    Essex Jazz Orchestra 2017

     

    Essex Jazz Junction

    The EJJ is open to all students and instruments within the band and orchestra program. Guitar and bass players are welcome too! No prior jazz or improvisation experience is necessary to join this group. The EJJ performs regularly with the EJO at the Vermont Association for Jazz Education (VTAJE) Jazz Festival, the Discover Jazz Festival and the Essex Jazz Festival. This group is a great way to get excited about jazz!

    Jazz Band 2017

     

     

    SWARM! 

    Loud and proud! The SWARM bring the noise and spirit to the stands for the Hornets. The envy of rival teams, fans, principals and athletic directors alike, the SWARM knows how to get the stands rockin'! You can see the SWARM at select Hornet games. Students within the Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble make up the SWARM.  Be sure to join and cheer our Hornets to victory!

    SWARM 2017

     

    Essex Drumline

    The Essex Drumline is our newest addition the the Essex Bands lineup. The drumline rehearses throughout the school year performing with the bands, and, new this year, they will perform as a stand alone drumline at select home winter sporting events.