Band Interests

OBJECTIVES OF THE BAND PROGRAM

Teach music by its actual performance

Develop performance skills of the various wind and percussion instruments and the members of the auxiliary units

Provide for the musical needs of both the school and the community

Develop discrimination with regards to the selection of music

Acquaint the students with the different period and styles of music and how they relate to their time

Provide for group experiences leading the development of Esprit-de-Corps and self discipline

ALL-STATE AND REGION BAND

Members of the Irmo High School band programs (registered in concert band classes) are eligible to audition for the South Carolina All-State and Region Bands. Auditions are generally held on two weekends in January. The auditions are first held on a regional level followed by a “finals” audition held on a state wide level. The Region Band clinic and concert is held in February, and the All-State Band clinic and concert are in March.

HONOR BAND OF AMERICA

Honor Band of America is an organization funded and operated by the Bands of America Association and is held each March in the Mid-West (thus far it has been in Chicago and Indianapolis). Membership is by audition only and you will be notified if the Director of Bands feels you qualify for this event.

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

Students in the Irmo High School bands are offered the opportunity to perform for ratings and comments at the SCBDA Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival held in April/May.

PRIVATE LESSONS

As one might expect, private lessons on a musical instrument will result in increased advancement of performance skills. The one-to-one approach allows the student to benefit from the undivided attention of the private teacher unlike in the traditional band class where the teacher is monitoring a class numbering sometimes over 50 students.

A survey of students in the South Carolina All-State Band revealed that over 75% of those students performing with this band studied privately. The by-products of private study go far beyond increased performance skills. Students are generally more inclined to adopt a regular practice schedule when faced with a weekly music lesson for which to prepare. The Irmo Band Director will be more than happy to assist parents in locating a private instructor that matches the ability and age level of your child.

We offer a Mentor Program for younger students. Those high school band members that are currently taking private lessons, currently performing with the Irmo Symphonic Band and who have exhibited a high level of music education, performance skills and a positive attitude toward the Bands of Irmo program may be selected to participate as a mentor in the program.