Band Programs
The Band Programs at Seymour High School are divided in to many interactive parts. The foundation of the music experience is established in the concert band courses. The band programs rehearse all year long during the school day, as well as during co-curricular after scchool rehearsals. It is important that students not only receive education through the Seymour Band Programs, but through Private instruction as well. Below are a few of the classes offered here at Seymour High School.
Concert Bands
Concert Band is where our student musicians work to become better players and build their musicianship.
Students try out for these ensembles. The Symphonic Band and Concert bands play at many community concerts, the annual Christmas and Veteran's Day Concerts, and at ETSBOA's Concert Festival for assessment every March. Concert Bands are the core ensembles that truly grow students as musicians, and they are central to all other opportunities offered to SHS Band students.
Marching Band
The Seymour high School Marching Band is the most visible performing ensemble. This group performs at all football games, several parades, several competitions, and at various community events. This group’s main gig comes from performing halftime of each football game and in the stands at each game. All Marching Band participants must attend the summer mini-camp and 2 week band camp to learn music and drill. Once School begins, the Marching Band will rehearse after school on Monday's and Thursday’s from 3:15-6:00 pm until the end of the contest season. To be eligible for the Marching Band, each student must be enrolled in the class and pay all camp fees.
Jazz Band
Jazz Band is one of our most prized performing ensembles. Students who wish to be in this group must audition for a spot in Jazz Band A, or Jazz Band B (if needed). Jazz band meets after school when it is convenient for most members to attend. All practices, once they are set, are mandatory. The Jazz Band will also be responsible for playing at select basketball games; these dates are included on the band’s master schedule. These groups will play a variety of styles, study music theory, and learn improvisation techniques.
Color Guard/Winter Guard
The Color Guard is an integral part in our Marching Band. They provide a visual representation to the music on the field. They also show student pride in the bleachers. Members will audition in April/May before the up coming season. Spots in the Color Guard and Winter Guard will be by auditions from professional instructors. Students in the Fall Guard must be in the Fall Guard class that meets during school, and attend all after school rehearsals. Students in the Winter Guard must attend all practices after school and on the weekends. All Guard members will up-hold the highest level of respect and maturity while performing or being a part of the Seymour Guard.
Drum Line/Indoor Percussion/Percussion Ensemble
All percussionist students will be placed onto a spot for the Marching Drum-Line and Indoor Percussion. These spots are set from auditions by professional percussionist. In order to march with the Drum-Line at football games, students must be enrolled in the fall band class. Indoor Percussion students must be in the spring percussion class. The percussion ensemble will be split among all percussionists. Percussion students will be required to play a variety of instruments (including marimba and vibes) during the school year on the way to making them a well rounded percussionist. All students must have the proper mallets and sticks in order to be part of the group.