MERRITT ISLAND
BAND PROGRAM
Ensembles
MARCHING MUSTANGS
WIND ENSEMBLE
CONCERT BAND
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
JAZZ BAND
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
Marching Mustangs
The Merritt Island High School Marching Band is one of the largest student organizations at Merritt Island High School. 100+ members strong, the 2016 Marching Mustangs consists of all MIHS band students. These students come from many different schools in the county, including Jefferson Middle, McNair Middle, and several area private schools. Marching Band is a GREAT way to meet new people at a new school, just one good reason why the marching band is such a good organization of which to be a part. The Marching Mustangs are known for outstanding performances and a great social atmosphere.
Rehearsals begin at the annual "BAND CAMP," which runs from July 25-29 and August 1-5. Band Camp runs from 3 PM to 9 PM each day and will conclude the last day with a picnic and a performance. The exact marching band schedule is set on the calendar.
During the school year, marching rehearsals will take place on TUESDAYS from 5:30-8:30 and THURSDAYS from 5:30-8:30. Marching Percussion has an additional rehearsal on Wednesday right after class from 2:30-4:00. The band will perform at Varsity Football games which are typically on Friday evenings beginning in August. Marching Band will conclude with the final football game of the year, typically in early November. Marching Band season is about 12 weeks long!
The marching band is an extension of the classroom and is a required part of the Brevard County Public Schools High School Band curriculum. The only exceptions to marching band are fall school sports and club sports participants that notify Mr. Gonzalez in advance of the upcoming marching season. These students are required to attend Friday night football games.
Wind Ensemble
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Wind Ensemble is the top concert performance ensemble offered at Merritt Island High School. It provides opportunities for advanced student musicians to perform in a concert band setting. The Wind Ensemble performs at school and community concerts as well as Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) regional and state band festivals. Special emphasis is placed on large ensemble fundamentals and major scales. Extra rehearsals and performances are required as part of this course. Marching Band & Summer Band Camp are required for all Wind Ensemble members. An audition is required.
After-school rehearsals begin in November every Tuesday from 6:00-8:30 P.M.
Concert Band
Concert Band provides intermediate woodwind and brass instruction in a class setting. Emphasis is placed on music fundamentals, technical, and listening skills. Most freshmen and new members begin their band studies in Concert Band. The Concert Band performs at school and community concerts as well as FBA regional festivals. Extra rehearsals and performances are required as part of this course. Marching Band & Summer Band Camp are required for all Concert Band members.
After-school rehearsals begin in February every Tuesday from 4:00-5:30 P.M.
Jazz Ensemble I
The Jazz Ensemble is designed for the most advanced wind and percussion players who are interested in learning and performing professional & college level jazz literature. The Jazz Ensemble performs at school and community concerts as well as FBA district and state band festivals. Students must be enrolled in another music class to be eligible for this course. Extra rehearsals and performances are required. An audition is required.
After-school rehearsals begin in January every Thursday from 6:00-8:00 P.M
Jazz Band II
Jazz Band is for wind and percussion players who are interested in learning and performing jazz literature. Topics covered during the class will be Jazz History, Style, Improvisation, Scales, and Modes. Students will perform in both the combo and "big band" setting. Students must be enrolled in another music class to be eligible for the Jazz Band. Jazz Band will perform at school and community concerts as well as FBA district band festivals. Extra rehearsals and performances are required. An audition is NOT required, but consideration will be taken for instrumentation.
After-school rehearsals begin in January every Thursday from 4:00-5:30 P.M.
Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble is designed for both intermediate and advanced percussionists who are interested in learning and performing substantial percussion literature. The Percussion Ensemble performs at school concerts as well as FBA district and state band festivals. Students in the Percussion Ensemble perform in the Marching Mustangs based on auditions in April, and the Symphonic and Concert bands based on auditions in January. Extra rehearsals and performances are required.
After-school rehearsals begin in January every Monday from 4:00-6:30 P.M. (Subject to change)
