GHHS BAND PROGRAM

Dear 8th grade band parents,

Hello! My name is Creighton Flowers, and I am the Director of Bands at Green Hope High School. We want to extend a welcome to you and your 8th grader to the band program at Green Hope High School. 

As you plan your high school curriculum, I hope that your conversations include discussions about continuing music education through band. The 8th grade band students have grown so much since their first experiences as 6th graders and they will contribute greatly to the Green Hope band program.

COURSE REGISTRATION

Since course registration is coming up soon, the band courses that freshmen should sign up for are as follows:

Semester 1: “Instrumental Music: Concert Band I”

AND

Semester 2: “Instrumental Music: Concert Band II”

OVERVIEW OF GHHS BAND PROGRAM

Green Hope High School Band Programs educate young people through music performance. Students in the GHHS Band Program learn confidence, teamwork, coordination, and leadership, just to name a few.  

The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, Indoor Percussion, Winter Guard, and Jazz Band are known to be among the most prestigious ensembles in the state, and the Green Hope Band Program is considered a program of distinction. Students have had the opportunity to perform nationally at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL; the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN; the Georgia Dome; the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta; the Kennedy Center in New York City; and locally at the Progress Energy Center and Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

“The rewards stemming from high school band programs include: teamwork skills, self-discipline, healthy self-esteem, personal confidence, learning to reach short and long term goals. Being a musician maps the human mind for success; success in all avenues of life.”  (Teaching Music Through Performance in Band, by Tim Lautzenheiser)

“College admissions officers continue to cite participation in music as an important factor in making admissions decisions.  They claim that music participation demonstrates time management, creativity, expression, and open-mindedness.” (Carl Hartman, Arts May Improve Students’ Grades, The Associated Press, October 1999)

CONCERT BAND

Concert Band is designed to strengthen the student’s individual musicianship through the study of basic music concepts and vocabulary as well as scales and technical studies.  All freshmen band students will sign up for Concert Band. They may audition for the advanced band (Honors Symphonic Band and Honors Wind Ensemble) as an upperclassman.

MARCHING BAND

For more information on marching band check out our Marching Band FAQs

The Green Hope Marching Band is formed in mid-summer, and performs through the fall semester at 5-6 home football games, and a similar number of competitions. Musicians enroll in one of the music classes for credit. Marching Band camp is planned over the middle of summer and typically lasts for 2 weeks. Marching Band “Fair Share” per student is around $1450 (more on years when we go to Grand Nationals in Indianapolis). "Fair Share" covers all expenses for the season (band camp, travel, lodging, instruction, and most meals). We have several ways to earn part or all of this expense through volunteer participation (see below). I never want cost to be the reason for a young person not to experience the amazing opportunities available in the GH Band program. If you have any concerns, please contact me. 

For important dates please review the GH Band calendar. Please pay extra attention to camp and performance dates. Please make every attempt to make family plans with the marching band calendar in mind. Students with conflicts with camp and performance dates will need special consideration for membership at registration. 

WAYS TO OFFSET BAND EXPENSES

Hello Parents,

Soon your child will be building his/her schedule for their freshman year at Green Hope High School.  This is such an exciting time as a parent!

The Green Hope Band programs and Marching Band is a WONDERFUL way for your student to transition into high school.  Participating in marching band allows your son/daughter to start the school year with over 90 friends AND get previews/tours of the building! 

Please go to the fundraising pages to see the different ways you can help raise funds for the band, and also for opportunities to offset the Fair Share payment for your marcher.

JAZZ BAND

Jazz Band formed in the fall semester and continues through spring, performing at several venues and concerts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do band classes work at the high school level?

The high school is on the block schedule, meaning that students take 4 classes each semester, for a total of 8 each year.  It is possible for students to take all four years of band and fit in other rigorous courses needed to be competitive for college. 

Please see sample schedule below:

This schedule allows the student 4 foreign language credits & 3 electives.

Which band class will my child sign up for?

For the 1st semester, students should sign up for “Instrumental Music: Concert Band I.” 

For the 2nd semester, they should sign up for “Instrumental Music: Concert Band II.” 

Do I have to do SmartMusic in high school?

No :)

Do all students participate in the marching band?

All students are encouraged, but not required, to join the Green Hope Marching Band.  Marching Band is an extracurricular activity. This vital part of the high school band program is the most visible component of the band, both at the community level and across the state.  Students get to travel to different places to represent the school and community in competitions.  In addition, participation in the marching band enhances musical growth and success in the concert bands.

Marching band rehearsals are all outside of school.  Rehearsals start in July with band camps, and conclude with the final competition in late October or early November.  The marching band also participates in 2-3 Christmas parades.  Rehearsals are after school three times per week, with performances at home football games and four to five competitions during the fall semester.  You get a chance to perform and see other marching bands from around the country!  

MARCHING BAND REGISTRATION

Marching Band Registration Night takes place in May of each school year. If you are interested in joining the band program, please reach out to the band director.

QUESTIONS

Other questions?  Email Mr. Flowers or visit the “Marching Band FAQs” section of the band website:  www.greenhopeband.org. The website also outlines other details of the band program and events.  We are very excited to be working with your child soon, and we are already preparing for their arrival!  In the meantime, please contact me at the high school band room (919.380.3700 ex.25428) or via email, cflowers@wcpss.net if you have any questions.

Questions:

Creighton Flowers, Director of Bands, cflowers@wcpss.net