New Member Parent Meeting Presentation HERE.
Welcome to the Grissom Band Family!
YOU need BAND in your life! The Grissom Band experience awaits you with exciting musical opportunities, lifelong friendships,
acceptance, and family.
Here is how you become a member of the largest and most elite organization at Grissom High School.
All new members of the band are required to be in the marching band which performs at all home football games and travels to most away games. We usually attend two marching competitions on Saturdays. We will hold a New Member Orientation May 2-5 from 6:15-8:15 pm at Grissom where we introduce you to upperclassmen, learn about band, and have a good time. There is also a freshman parent meeting on May 9th at 7:00pm in the auditorium at Grissom. We look forward to meeting you.
Please scroll down to see audition requirements for band.
YOU need BAND in your life! The Grissom Band experience awaits you with exciting musical opportunities, lifelong friendships,
acceptance, and family.
Here is how you become a member of the largest and most elite organization at Grissom High School.
All new members of the band are required to be in the marching band which performs at all home football games and travels to most away games. We usually attend two marching competitions on Saturdays. We will hold a New Member Orientation May 2-5 from 6:15-8:15 pm at Grissom where we introduce you to upperclassmen, learn about band, and have a good time. There is also a freshman parent meeting on May 9th at 7:00pm in the auditorium at Grissom. We look forward to meeting you.
Please scroll down to see audition requirements for band.
Why Join the Grissom High School Band?
Imagine attending a new school and not knowing anything about where to go, or who to talk to. The transition from middle school to high school is easier for band students because you will have over 225+ friends to help you through this process. Incoming band freshmen have immediate contact with upperclassmen, in a big brother/big sister kind of way. High school band is very healthy for students in a multitude of ways.
The Facts:
Why should you consider joining the high school band? Because high school band is unlike anything you have done before. It can greatly enhance your high school career, and it is, very simply, the best experience.
Grissom High School’s band program is well known nationally and internationally, not only for its high standards of performance, but also for the quality of experience given to its members. Our band program is a model for programs across the country. As you participate in the program and continue to grow, this will become more and more clear to you, as it has to literally hundreds of students before you. The pride and sense of camaraderie will profoundly impact your future. Most students who come to Grissom High School are aware of our reputation, but how we reach such high levels is at least a mystery, and often the source of great fear. Incoming freshmen often assume that the only way to get so good is to do nothing else. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, one of the facets of the band that we are most proud of is that we accomplish these very high goals while maintaining a balance with the total school experience. We have top scholars, athletes, honor society members, student government leaders, etc. among our ranks.
Some Additional Facts:
Imagine attending a new school and not knowing anything about where to go, or who to talk to. The transition from middle school to high school is easier for band students because you will have over 225+ friends to help you through this process. Incoming band freshmen have immediate contact with upperclassmen, in a big brother/big sister kind of way. High school band is very healthy for students in a multitude of ways.
The Facts:
- We know that high school band students represent the top of the academic scale in our schools. We know that band students are averaging 62 points higher on SAT tests, which would indicate that they are stronger in verbal and math scores than other members of the student body. We also know band students are students who enjoy a successful high school career, go on to college and become the leaders in our society. There is a definite link between the top achiever academically and the band student. They are one and the same.
- In The Arts: An Essential Ingredient in Education, J. Buchen Milley states that "research shows that when arts are included in the student’s curriculum, reading, writing and math scores improve. Like all arts, music has a profound effect on the academic success of the student. Band is a group effort. Members are required to shift from an I/Me reasoning to a We/Us concept. This means extending oneself beyond the normal considerations of much of our day-to-day living. Instead of the logic being, what’s in it for me, it becomes, what’s in it for us. The values of cooperation, communication, concentration, correlation and completion come into play each rehearsal and performance."
- Music is one of the few academic disciplines that require the student to master skills and apply them in performance. In other words, music involves multiple forms of learning.
- Band builds positive self-worth. Although we share many similarities with our athletic counterparts, band is a place for everyone.
Why should you consider joining the high school band? Because high school band is unlike anything you have done before. It can greatly enhance your high school career, and it is, very simply, the best experience.
Grissom High School’s band program is well known nationally and internationally, not only for its high standards of performance, but also for the quality of experience given to its members. Our band program is a model for programs across the country. As you participate in the program and continue to grow, this will become more and more clear to you, as it has to literally hundreds of students before you. The pride and sense of camaraderie will profoundly impact your future. Most students who come to Grissom High School are aware of our reputation, but how we reach such high levels is at least a mystery, and often the source of great fear. Incoming freshmen often assume that the only way to get so good is to do nothing else. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, one of the facets of the band that we are most proud of is that we accomplish these very high goals while maintaining a balance with the total school experience. We have top scholars, athletes, honor society members, student government leaders, etc. among our ranks.
Some Additional Facts:
- Will Band fit in an aggressive academic schedule? Yes! We have students who are planning to enter all fields in college. The class schedule at Grissom High School is made to allow these students to take a full schedule of classes (including A.P.) and play in one or more of the bands during all four years.
- How good do I have to be? All students are admitted into the band program.
- Will band and time commitment adversely affect my grades? Whether you are in activities, or not, at Grissom High School, good grades are dependent upon being a good worker. If you are conscientious and organized, band, or any other activity, will not adversely affect your grades. The bands’ schedules have been carefully developed to work with the school’s academic demands. In fact, many of the school’s top scholars are in band. We average two to three times our statistical allotment of members in the top of their graduation class and National Honor Society.
- College Scholarships? Many of our graduates receive some sort of financial aid while they participate in college band programs. These awards vary deepening upon the school but to just participate in a college band program you can receive financial aid.
Grissom Band Calendar Subscription Link - https://ics.mymusicoffice.com/jtvjazz2.ics
For help getting your calendar subscription going in your calendar you can use the guides below depending on your calendar's platform:
• Google Calendar (Web)
• iCal on Mac
• iOS Calendar (iPhone or iPad)
• Outlook.com (Microsoft)
For help getting your calendar subscription going in your calendar you can use the guides below depending on your calendar's platform:
• Google Calendar (Web)
• iCal on Mac
• iOS Calendar (iPhone or iPad)
• Outlook.com (Microsoft)
Very Important Dates for Grissom Band Participation
*Percussion Spring Training Clinics - TBA
*Percussion placement clinics and auditions - TBA
*Color Guard Training Clinic and Auditions - May 15-19 (4-6pm)
(wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes)
*New Member Orientation - TBA(6:15-8:30 pm) Grissom Band Room
(wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes)
Bring a $50.00 band fee deposit towards your yearly fees made out to GBPA
Freshman Parent Meeting - TBA (7pm) in the Grissom Band room
**Summer Guard and Percussion Camps
#1 - June 5-9 (8am-4pm with a lunch break
#2 - June 26-30 (8am-4pm with a lunch break
*Band Pre-Camp - July 17-21 ALL MARCHING BAND MEMBERS
(8am-12pm) (1:30-4:00pm) (6-9pm)
*Band Camp - July 24-28 ALL MARCHING BAND MEMBERS
July 26 & 27 (8am-12pm) (1:30-4:00pm) (6:00-9:00pm)
Some of these days WILL change times (TBA)
July 28 (6:00-7:30pm) Picnic/Preview Show
*REQUIRED ATTENDANCE FOR BAND PARTICIPATION
**REQUIRED FOR THOSE STUDENTS SELECTED FOR COLOR GUARD AND CONTEST PERCUSSIONISTS
*Percussion Spring Training Clinics - TBA
*Percussion placement clinics and auditions - TBA
*Color Guard Training Clinic and Auditions - May 15-19 (4-6pm)
(wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes)
*New Member Orientation - TBA(6:15-8:30 pm) Grissom Band Room
(wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes)
Bring a $50.00 band fee deposit towards your yearly fees made out to GBPA
Freshman Parent Meeting - TBA (7pm) in the Grissom Band room
**Summer Guard and Percussion Camps
#1 - June 5-9 (8am-4pm with a lunch break
#2 - June 26-30 (8am-4pm with a lunch break
*Band Pre-Camp - July 17-21 ALL MARCHING BAND MEMBERS
(8am-12pm) (1:30-4:00pm) (6-9pm)
*Band Camp - July 24-28 ALL MARCHING BAND MEMBERS
July 26 & 27 (8am-12pm) (1:30-4:00pm) (6:00-9:00pm)
Some of these days WILL change times (TBA)
July 28 (6:00-7:30pm) Picnic/Preview Show
*REQUIRED ATTENDANCE FOR BAND PARTICIPATION
**REQUIRED FOR THOSE STUDENTS SELECTED FOR COLOR GUARD AND CONTEST PERCUSSIONISTS
We look forward to having you as a part of the Grissom Band. This band program has been very successful for over 50 years and you are the future that will continue that success. The Band has the longest record of success of any other program at Grissom. It’s the dedication of the students, parents, and band directors at the Middle Schools and Grissom that make it what it is today.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself, make lifelong friends, learn much-needed life skills that are not taught in your academic classes, and learn to make music at the highest possible level. Come travel with the band to places you may never get a chance to travel to in your life. Perform with your peers and get a feeling you have never felt before of accomplishment and excitement!
Please contact the band directors with any questions.
Mr. Vernon - john.vernon@hsv-k12.org
Mr. Harris - brent.harris@hsv-k12.org
Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself, make lifelong friends, learn much-needed life skills that are not taught in your academic classes, and learn to make music at the highest possible level. Come travel with the band to places you may never get a chance to travel to in your life. Perform with your peers and get a feeling you have never felt before of accomplishment and excitement!
Please contact the band directors with any questions.
Mr. Vernon - john.vernon@hsv-k12.org
Mr. Harris - brent.harris@hsv-k12.org
Incoming Freshmen Audition Information
All new members of the band are required to be in the marching band which performs at all home football games and travels to most away games. We usually attend two marching competitions on Saturdays. We will hold a New Member Orientation in May from 6:15-8:30 pm at Grissom where we introduce you to upperclassmen, learn about band, and have a good time.
AUDITIONS: Be prepared to play these by the first of May!
If you are interested in being a member of Symphonic Band 1 or Symphonic Band 2 you are required to play an audition for the Grissom Band Directors. We use these auditions to place you in the correct band class based on your ability level so please practice and be prepared. We have 2 audition etudes. Everyone auditioning is required to play a portion of each plus as many major scales as you can. You do NOT have to audition to be member of the band ONLY if you want to have the opportunity to be in one of the Symphonic Bands. Play as many major scales with arpeggios as you can. Use a scale sheet for reference and order to play them in. You will also play the chromatic scale. Percussionists will play the major scales and arpeggios as well.
Audition requirements for Symphonic Bands:
12 major scales plus arpeggios (play as many as you can): Use the posted scale sheet for reference.
WIND PLAYERS: 2 etudes: Lyrical and Technical
PERCUSSIONISTS: 2 etudes - Snare and Mallets
Jazz Band Audition Information for rhythm section players (go here for Jazz Band Information)
All new members of the band are required to be in the marching band which performs at all home football games and travels to most away games. We usually attend two marching competitions on Saturdays. We will hold a New Member Orientation in May from 6:15-8:30 pm at Grissom where we introduce you to upperclassmen, learn about band, and have a good time.
AUDITIONS: Be prepared to play these by the first of May!
If you are interested in being a member of Symphonic Band 1 or Symphonic Band 2 you are required to play an audition for the Grissom Band Directors. We use these auditions to place you in the correct band class based on your ability level so please practice and be prepared. We have 2 audition etudes. Everyone auditioning is required to play a portion of each plus as many major scales as you can. You do NOT have to audition to be member of the band ONLY if you want to have the opportunity to be in one of the Symphonic Bands. Play as many major scales with arpeggios as you can. Use a scale sheet for reference and order to play them in. You will also play the chromatic scale. Percussionists will play the major scales and arpeggios as well.
Audition requirements for Symphonic Bands:
12 major scales plus arpeggios (play as many as you can): Use the posted scale sheet for reference.
WIND PLAYERS: 2 etudes: Lyrical and Technical
PERCUSSIONISTS: 2 etudes - Snare and Mallets
Jazz Band Audition Information for rhythm section players (go here for Jazz Band Information)
Go HERE to listen to the 2023 podcasts for your instrument!
Printed Sheet music was give at our 8th grade day at Grissom in January!
Audition Music for all instruments: click here
Scale Sheets:
Flute - Scales
Oboe - Scales
Bassoon - Scales
Bb Clarinet - Scales
Bass Clarinet - Scales
Saxophones - Scales
Trumpet - Scales
French Horn - Scales
Trombone and Euphonium - Scales
Euphonium Treble Clef - Scales
Tuba - Scales
Mallets - Scales
Snare - Rudiments Single Stroke Roll #1 and Double Stroke Roll #6
Percussionists click HERE to see and hear how to practice and perform these rudiments.
Printed Sheet music was give at our 8th grade day at Grissom in January!
Audition Music for all instruments: click here
Scale Sheets:
Flute - Scales
Oboe - Scales
Bassoon - Scales
Bb Clarinet - Scales
Bass Clarinet - Scales
Saxophones - Scales
Trumpet - Scales
French Horn - Scales
Trombone and Euphonium - Scales
Euphonium Treble Clef - Scales
Tuba - Scales
Mallets - Scales
Snare - Rudiments Single Stroke Roll #1 and Double Stroke Roll #6
Percussionists click HERE to see and hear how to practice and perform these rudiments.