NSHS Band: Performing Groups: Information

NSHS Performing Groups

The Wind Symphony consists of the most accomplished musicians in the band program. This award winning group is a perennial UIL Sweepstakes recipient, as well as having been named Best-in-Class and recognized for outstanding performances at numerous regional and national music festivals.

The Symphonic Band is dedicated to the continued development of quality musicians in the band program. This group has also been recognized for superior performance at both UIL and various regional and national music festivals.

The Concert Band consist of 9th through 12th grade students in the band program. The focus is on continued development of musical skills and performance of quality suitable literature. Members audition each spring for placement in one of the other concert groups.

The NSHS Jazz Program consists of two jazz ensembles selected through audition each May. Students in the jazz ensembles must also be enrolled in one of the three concert groups. Student members are generally among the top musicians in the band program. The Jazz Program strives to foster an understanding of the jazz idiom and provide quality performance opportunities for its members. The award winning NSHS Jazz Ensemble I has been recognized as one of the most outstanding high school jazz ensembles in the region through superior performances at area jazz competitions. Both Jazz Ensembles perform a fall concert, pre-festival concert, and a spring concert, as well as competing at two metroplex jazz festivals and at a regional or national festival each spring.

Membership in Smith Percussion is open to all percussionists who have successfully participated in a middle school band program. The members of Smith Percussion focus on the Trojan Band Competition show, along with All-State Concert and Jazz etudes in the fall semester. The Smith Percussion Section participates at all events as part of the Trojan Marching Band, as well as regional drum line competitions.

During the spring semester the Smith Percussion students perform solos at the UIL Solo Ensemble Contest and selected members perform with the UIL performing groups, including Full Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band I.

In addition, Smith Percussion presents two concerts during the Spring semester. The first concert, Drum Dance, is a collaborative effort with the Smith Dance Program's top performing ensemble, the Gallery in Motion. This concert features live music and dance in a variety of styles. The second concert is the Smith Percussion Club concert featuring students from Long, Perry and Polk Middle Schools. Both concerts feature Escola de Smith, or school from Smith, a drum ensemble focusing on regional drumming styles from Brazil.

The Trojan Marching Band consists of all students enrolled in the band program. Students meet separately during their concert band period during the school day and rehearse together after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Summer rehearsals begin 2-3 weeks prior to the start of the Fall semester. The Trojan Marching Band is the most visible part of the NSHS Band Program and is one of the most successful organizations at NSHS. The group performs at pep-rallies and Trojan varsity football games, as well as, competing at UIL Marching Contest and various regional marching festivals. The drumline also competes in several percussion competitions each Fall. The Trojan Band also hosts the annual Carrollton Tournament of Champions Marching Contest which attracts many of the top high school bands in North Texas.