To accommodate a record number of Instrumental Music Department students, the school is offering three band classes: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and a new class, Concert Band.

The Music Department has grown considerably over the past few years. About 330 students are currently enrolled in the entire music program. Due to the increasing numbers, the Music Department decided it was time to create another band class.
“There’s no way we could have 2 [band] classes of 70 plus students … fit in the room,” Instrumental Music Coordinator Ted Ferrucci said.

According to Ferrucci, freshmen, who had dominated the seats in the Symphonic Band, will now have their own class with Concert Band. With the introduction of the new Concert Band class, the music program will separate freshmen into their own group.

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band have been offered before, with Wind Ensemble as the more advanced class and requiring an audition, while the former Symphonic Band was open enrollment. Concert Band will take the place of Symphonic Band as a preliminary band.

The former Symphonic Band teacher, Don Miller, has become the teacher of Concert Band.
According to Miller, Concert Band will start with “high-school level Concert Band” music.
He plans to try and expand the program from there.

Miller is pleased with Concert Band’s progress so far.

“Seems like a really positive group this year,” Miller said. “I’ve been happy … this year it’s a really nice group. Very enthusiastic.”

Students are also responding optimistically to the Concert Band. Freshman Amanda Klein appreciates the music and thinks that overall the class has been “really awesome.”

Amanda thinks Miller is “cool,” and believes him to be a good teacher because he pushes Concert Band to play in a more sophisticated style. She also enjoys his music theory lessons, which she says help enhance the class.

“I wasn’t expecting [for music theory to be taught],” Amanda said.

Freshman David Survilo likes the class because the pieces “are more challenging than [those from] eighth grade.”

Concert Band is currently playing a new piece called “West Highland Sojourn,” which David enjoys.

“[It is more] upbeat and sort of jazzy,” he said.
Like most Concert Band pieces, “West Highland Sourjourn” is a blend of various genres and multiple musical styles.

“Miller … mixes all the genres so we can get a better [perception of music], “ David said.
Concert Band’s next concert will be held Tuesday, October 13 at 7 p.m. in the Eagle Theatre.