Band

The Concert Band

The Concert Band is divided into two groups that meet as a class separately— Woodwinds/Brass and Percussion/Symphonic Band. Students receive one credit each for these classes, along with a grade that contributes towards their overall GPA. These groups meet outside of class time for approximately three morning rehearsals and one dress rehearsal per concert cycle. We perform at the fall, winter, and spring concerts as well as the division assessment.

The Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is the top-performing concert ensemble at Hanover High School. In this class, students receive credit and a grade. Students must audition or be recommended by the band director for entry into this band. Auditions take place in the spring prior to scheduling for the new school year. We highly suggest students take private lessons when performing at the level required in the Wind Ensemble. We perform at the Veteran’s Day assembly, seasonal concerts, division assessment, and other opportunities as they are offered.

The Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble is made up of Concert Band percussionists. They also perform as a percussion ensemble, a totally separate entity that works on extensive drum and mallet technique in music specifically written for this genre. This ensemble performs with Concert Band and as Percussion Ensemble at the fall, winter, and spring concerts as well as an assembly and a possible recruitment field trip.

The Jazz Band

The Jazz Band is an introductory jazz course available to any HHS musician already enrolled in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, or Percussion Ensemble. It is important that instrumentalists expand upon their skills by being fully immersed in classical training before adding this course. Jazz Band explores the history of jazz while introducing students to improvisation and the art of performing as a combo and big band. Students begin to understand and appreciate the music and culture known as “jazz.” Students in this group perform at the seasonal concerts as well as the spring jazz dinner event.

The Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble is an advanced ensemble. Students in this class receive a grade and class credit. Participation is based on audition or the director’s discretion. Auditions take place in spring prior to scheduling for the new school year. Hanover County Schools requires participation in a concert ensemble in conjunction with the Jazz Ensemble. It is important to receive both classical and jazz training as one seeks to improve his or her musical talent. We perform at seasonal concerts and frequent “gigs” in the school and community.

We would like to take this ensemble to venues and concerts that will help teach a better understanding of the music and culture known as “jazz.” Students in this class will receive weighted credit, and in addition to their regular coursework, we require a major end-of-the-year transcription.

Advanced Band

Advanced Band is a weighted credit class that any Wind Ensemble student can test/audition into. Please see the Weighted Credit page in the handbook for more information regarding entry into this program.

A thought on ensemble playing….

“All the other arts are lonely. We paint alone—my picture, my interpretation of the sky. My poem, my novel. But in music—ensemble music, not soloism—we share. No altruism this, for we receive tenfold what we give.” - Catherine Drinker Bowen (Friends and Fiddlers)

Band Boosters

We appreciate our wonderful booster supporters! For more information, please contact the HHS Band Boosters. 

Helpful Band Links

• VBODA

• VBODA District 1

Contact

Please visit, call, or e-mail. We are happy to help answer your questions. 
Vincent Guzman, Director
Phone: (804) 723-3757
Fax: (804) 723-3759 

Physical Address
Hanover High School Band
10307 Chamberlayne Rd.
Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Mailing Address
Hanover High School Band Boosters
P.O. Box 2188
Mechanicsville, VA 23116