GPHS Band Program Information – Glacier Peak High School Bands

Program Information

Grizzly band is the group that the general public thinks of as the high school band. It is the “face” of GPHS Bands.
Marching/Pep Band that supports GPHS teams by performing at all home football games (marching & in the stands); selected boys’ and girls’ basketball games and community parades.
Grizzly Band builds pride in our school & music program.
Any GPHS student (enrolled in a band class or not) can be a member of the Grizzly Band.
It’s FUN!!

All percussion students in the band program enroll in the Percussion Ensemble class.
This class focuses on the specific needs of the developing percussionist.
All types of percussion instruments are covered along with drum line instruction.
JV and Varsity drum lines compete at regional events.
JV and Varsity percussion ensemble large groups compete at the regional solo & ensemble competition annually.
Opportunities to compete as small ensembles are also available.

Wind Ensemble is a performance-oriented course for advanced wind players.
Enrollment is based on audition and is limited to ensure proper balance of the ensemble.
Wind Ensemble will give public performances within the community, as well as festivals and competitions throughout the Northwest.
Private lessons for students in Wind Ensemble are highly recommended.
Our purpose is to enhance musical skills through performance.
Students in Wind Ensemble demonstrate a high level of musicianship and skills development.

Symphonic Band will focus on the performance of quality literature from the band repertoire.
The primary duty is to prepare students for Wind Ensemble by developing skills necessary for a greater focus on performance.
Selection of music for this class will enhance the development of each individual’s musical technique and expression.
Symphonic Band will give local public performances throughout the year as well as regional festivals and competitions.
Private lessons for students in Symphonic Band are recommended.

This class is open to all wind instrumentalists and focuses on the development of each individual’s technical proficiency.
The primary duty is to prepare students for Symphonic Band by developing and refining musical skills.
This class will concentrate on applying fundamental skills to entertaining and exciting concert band literature.
Concert Band gives various public performances during the year and will participate in the MPMEA District Band Festival.
Private lessons for students in Concert Band are recommended.

Jazz I is the top performing jazz ensemble.
Membership is through audition only.
Jazz I members have demonstrated a high level of performance and improvisational abilities.
This zero hour class will expose students to many different styles of big band music, and will encourage band members to develop improvisational skills.
The bands will give public performances in the community as well as festivals and competitions throughout the Northwest.

Jazz II is a preparatory performance ensemble.
This is an auditioned group; membership may include non-traditional jazz instruments.
Students are exposed to many different styles of big band music, and will be encouraged to develop improvisational skills.
The band will give public performances in the community as well as festivals and competitions throughout the Northwest.