Concert Band
Concert Band class focuses on understanding the basic concepts of music theory that will be used in advanced high school music courses and meets the needs of students who have not yet mastered the skills necessary for Symphonic Band. Playing with mature tone and intonation are stressed, along with the concept of rhythmic subdivision and the ability to follow a conductor's beat. Enrollment is limited to: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet/cornet, French horn, baritone, trombone, tuba and percussion (percussionists must audition for this class).  Participation in rehearsals, sectionals and performances outside of class will be required as part of the student’s grade. Some uniform fees/costs will be requested.  Scholarship funds may be provided to qualified applicants to help defray this expense.

Symphony Band
Symphony Band class provides the most advanced students with the opportunity to study and perform the finest musical literature available for band. Students play the music of great composers representing many periods of music. Participation in rehearsals, sectionals and performances outside of class will be required as part of the student’s grade. Some uniform fees/costs will be requested.  Scholarship funds may be provided to qualified applicants to help defray this expense.

String Orchestra  (Concert and Symphony)

Concert Orchestra class meets the needs of students who have not yet mastered the skills necessary for Symphony Orchestra.  Participation in the instructional class of the Concert Orchestra is limited to members of the string section: violin, viola, cello, string bass, and harp. Concert Orchestra may meet during the same hour as Symphony Orchestra. Special attention is given to individual tuning, proper bow usage, tone production, rhythm, and other musical skills. Participation in rehearsals, sectionals and performances outside of class will be required as part of the student’s grade. Students enrolled in Orchestra will be expected to participate in Full Orchestra. (Woodwind, brass and percussion players will be auditioned for Full Orchestra.)  Full Orchestra rehearsals will be held before school on a regular basis. Students who participate in Full Orchestra rehearsals regularly may receive 5 hours of Independent Study credit. Some uniform fees/costs will be requested.  Scholarship funds may be provided to qualified applicants to help defray this expense.

Participation in the class of the Symphony Orchestra is limited to members of the string section: violin, viola, cello, string bass, and harp. The Symphony Orchestra studies and performs fine orchestra music from all major periods of music history. Participation in rehearsals, sectionals and performances outside of class will be required as part of the student’s grade. Students enrolled in Orchestra will be expected to participate in Full Orchestra. (Woodwind, brass and percussion players will be auditioned for Full Orchestra.)  Full Orchestra rehearsals will be held before or after school on a regular basis. Some uniform fees/costs will be requested. Scholarship funds may be provided to qualified applicants to help defray this expense.

Full Orchestra
Full Orchestra is comprised of all the string orchestra students, both Concert and Symphony orchestras, along with the finest woodwinds, brass, and percussion from Symphony Band class.  North’s Full Orchestra performs some of the finest orchestral literature of the classical and romantic periods.  Rehearsals are held on most Tuesday mornings at 7:00 a.m.
 
Pep Band
The North Pep Band provides school spirit by performing at the football and basketball games.  The pep band is also showcased in front of the community at the homecoming parade and Santa Parade. 

Rehearsals start in August and are held on Monday evenings once the school year begins.  There is no audition for this band, except for percussionists (auditions are in the spring).  Members of this ensemble must be enrolled in band or orchestra class to participate.

Jazz Band
Jazz Band is an auditioned ensemble made up of the most talented jazz musicians at North.  Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  Instrumentation is based on traditional big band scoring and includes sax, trombone, trumpet, keyboard, drumset, guitar, and bass.  Members of this ensemble must be enrolled in band or orchestra class to participate. 

The North Jazz Band performs at many events throughout the year including the Pops and Pastries Concert, Band O Rama, Music on the Plaza, and many more events around the community.  The Jazz Band typically performs at a major music festival each spring.

Pit Orchestra
The pit orchestra, one of the most talented ensembles in the school, performs all of the music for the annual high school musical.  This auditioned group typically begins rehearsing in mid November and finishes with several major productions in early March.
Rehearsals are generally scheduled after school several times per week.

Instrumentation for the pit orchestra is based on the individual scoring of musical and varies from year to year.  Members of this ensemble must be enrolled in band or orchestra class to participate.

Solo and Ensemble Festival
North sends many events to the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival held in early February.  Students participate in this festival by performing a solo or ensemble for a professional adjudicator.  Those students receiving a first division rating have the opportunity to advance to the state level in March.

Students generally prepare for this event on their own time with some individual coaching given by the teacher before or after school.  Private lessons are highly encouraged for all soloists.  Students signed up for this activity must be enrolled in band or orchestra class to participate.