Prerequisites: Participation in the Eighth Grade Band or audition with the Ninth Grade Band Director

Ninth-Grade Band is intended for students interested in improving their skills in instrumental music. Students work to strengthen and improve their abilities to correctly perform band music at two public concerts. In addition, students enrolled will have the opportunity to participate in the high school Marching Band as well as the High School Jazz Bands

DO NINTH GRADERS STILL GET GROUP LESSONS?

No. We do not have a rotating schedule of lessons at the high school. There is an occasional sectional scheduled during study halls, but no academic classes are missed for band lessons. Most of the best high school musicians begin taking private lessons in ninth grade

CAN NINTH GRADE BAND MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN MARCHING BAND?

Yes. Marching Band is an extra-curricular activity open to any band member in grades 9-12. This group rehearses in the mornings during the month of August, and on Monday and Wednesday evenings during the football season. Additional information and applications to join Marching Band will be made available to the Eighth Grade Band members in March. Although membership in Marching Band is highly encouraged, it is not required. You may elect to participate only in Ninth Grade Band if you wish.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE IN BOTH BAND AND CHOIR OR STRING ORCHESTRA?

Yes! Many band members also register for Ninth Grade Choir or Ninth Grade String Orchestra, which also meets during Block 2, each for a half block.  It is important to keep in mind when registering, that it is possible to schedule both band and choir or orchestra and only use up one of the eight blocks of time. This leaves the remaining seven periods to schedule your required courses in English, Social Studies, Science, and Math, as well as an additional elective (such as Foreign Language) and Phys Ed/Health.

I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I CAN NOT FIT BAND INTO MY SCHEDULE. WHAT CAN I DO?

Don't give up! Please call Mr. Leskowicz at the High School and see if he can help you find a solution to your scheduling problem.

I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT QUITTING BAND AFTER THIS YEAR.  WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE NINTH GRADE BAND?

The time you've spent learning to play your instrument in Elementary and Middle School is rewarded by an increase in enjoyable musical opportunities at the high school. The most obvious reward is your chance to be part of the State College Area High School Marching Band with all of the fun, musical satisfaction, and pride that membership in that group brings. Ninth Grade Band members also have the opportunity to participate in the Jazz Band, the State College Solo/Ensemble Festival, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and even the Pit Orchestra for the spring musical.

Band members in Tenth Grade Band become eligible to join Symphonic Band and Orchestra, and may participate in District, Region, All-State, and All-Eastern United States Festivals. Depending on your interest and talent, you may join from one to five instrumental groups in one year, and participate in many exciting extra-curricular musical events. If you are thinking about quitting, we suggest you give yourself one more year to decide. Most students who stay with the band program are very glad they did!

CAN I PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS AND BAND?

Of course! Ninth Grade Band meets during the school day. The only after school time required is for the two concerts. Our Winter Concert takes place in January, and the Spring Concert occurs in May.