Music is such a vital element in the development of each and every child. We are more aware now than ever before of how essential music is to the complete education of a child. Students in band develop a wealth of personal character traits that will help them succeed in life. It is our desire that the Center Grove Band help to shape and enrich the life of your son/daughter. We are looking forward to working with you and your child in many of the band’s activities in the years to come.
Band Classes
Symphonic Band
Intermediate level classes designed to give more individualized attention to students. The daily work and music selected will be used to advance the technique and musicality of the students to a higher level. The literature is moderate in nature and is selected to enhance the knowledge of styles and periods of music. This ensemble performs at the following band concerts outside of the school day: Fall Concert (Sept), Winter Concert (Dec), ISSMA Preview Concert (Mar), and Spring Concert (May). As well as an ISSMA contest (Fri or Sat in April).
Wind Symphony
Intermediate level classes designed to challenge the musician and expose them to literature above the average high school musician’s ability. The men in this group will be loaned a tux provided by the CGTBB. This ensemble performs at the following band concerts outside of the school day: Fall Concert (Sept), Winter Concert (Dec), ISSMA Preview Concert (Mar), and Spring Concert (May). As well as an ISSMA contest (Fri or Sat in April).
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble. Members are selected based on skill, past performance, and instrumentation needs. It is intended for those students with a serious interest in developing their abilities on their instrument and the study and performance of college level music. It is highly recommended that students study privately on their instrument. The students in this group will be loaned a tux or dress provided by the CGTBB. Some evening rehearsals occur in March or April as we prepare for ISSMA State Qualification. This ensemble performs at the following band concerts outside of the school day: Fall Concert (Sept), Winter Concert (Dec), ISSMA Preview Concert (Mar), and Spring Concert (May). As well as 1-2 ISSMA contests (Fri or Sat in April and May) and Commencement (usually a couple weekends after the end of school).
Color Guard (Dance Performance)
The Color Guard is an auditioned ensemble with after school rehearsals and competitions. Participants are required to take the Dance Performance class during the school day. They will learn color guard choreography, equipment, and dance techniques to enhance their fall Marching Band (1st semester) and Winter Guard (2nd semester) shows. Auditions take place prior to the beginning of each season. The students in this group will be loaned costumes provided by the CGTBB. There are competition fees associated with the extra curricular portion of this class so please check the CGTBB payment schedule to see the additional competition costs that will be incurred by members of Color Guard.
Additional Music Classes
Jazz Ensemble – Grade Level 10-12
Jazz Ensemble is composed of students who desire to express different styles of jazz music. There is a heavy emphasis on improvisation and theory. Several performances are given throughout the year which includes festivals, community performances, and concerts. There are competition fees associated with the extra curricular portion of this class so please check the CGTBB payment schedule to see the additional competition costs that will be incurred by members of Jazz Ensemble.
Global Campus Music Theory and Composition – Grade Level 10-12
Global Campus Music Theory is a one semester course that is an introductory study of music notation and music ear training. While this is open to any Sophomore, Junior, or Senior interested in learning the basics of written music, students in the class should have some music background and demonstrate advanced mastery of performance on an instrument and/or voice. It is suggested that anyone planning to major in music in college take this course as preparation. (Please refer to the CGHS Academic Guide for Global Campus requirements and eligibility.)
AP Music Theory – Grade Level 11-12
Prerequisite(s): Music Theory and Composition; teacher recommendation based upon superior performance in the introductory level music theory.
This rigorous course will expand upon the skills learned in the one semester Global Campus Music Theory and Composition and is suggested to any junior or senior planning to major in music in a post-secondary college or university. The focus of the course is to prepare students to take the (AP) Music Theory Examination in the spring.
Piano and Electronic Keyboard – Grade 10-12
Prerequisite(s): Teacher recommendation required
A full year course of study that will give the general student or the music student that is interested in learning to play the piano an opportunity to learn in a classroom environment, limited to 15 students per class. The course teaches the basic skills of learning how to read music at the piano keyboard and allows the student to develop their individual abilities to a basic proficiency. The class is designed to give the student the necessary knowledge and technical skills to be able to continue on their own or secure private instruction.
Competition Activities
Marching Band & Color Guard (May thru November)
The Marching Band is a volunteer ensemble of students from the high school instrumental band and color guard classes. Participation in a CGHS Band Class is required for members in Marching Band. The rehearsal schedule begins in May and goes through November. This ensemble performs at football games and Saturday competitions. It is recommended that family vacations for marching band members be planned for mid June to mid July. All band students must be in attendance for all rehearsals from band camp through the completion of marching season. *Special consideration for interested and qualified 8th graders may be made by directors.
Center Grove Color Guard is a performance group that accompanies the marching band by being the “visual music”. Spinning flags, rifles, sabers, and dancing to interpret the music. Tryouts for Color Guard are held at the end of April and are open to ALL incoming freshmen through seniors. (Audition and participation in the CGHS Dance Performance Class 1st semester is required.) *Special consideration for interested and qualified 8th graders may be made by directors.
The students in this group will be loaned uniforms/costumes provided by the CGTBB. There are competition fees associated with the extra curricular portion of this activity so please check the CGTBB payment schedule to see the additional competition costs that will be incurred by members of Marching Band & Color Guard.
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, enrolled 9th & 10th graders participating in Marching Band have the opportunity to receive 1 Alternative PE Credit Waiver. Please see rules & guidelines in the CGHS Academic Guide or click this link for details.
Pep Band
The Center Grove Pep Band is voluntary and consists of approximately 75 students that play at girls and boys basketball games. The pep band is a great way to meet new people, play fun music, and experience basketball games with your friends. Participation in a CGHS Band Class is required for members of Pep Band. There are activity fees associated with the extra curricular portion of this activity so please check the CGTBB payment schedule to see the additional costs that will be incurred by members of Pep Band.
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble is composed of students who desire to express different styles of jazz music. Several performances are given during February to March, which include festivals, community performances, and concerts. This group will meet after school two days a week from January thru March with performances on weekends. No prior jazz experience is required and all instruments are included! Participation in a CGHS Band Class is required for members of Jazz Ensemble. *Special consideration for interested orchestra students may be made by directors. There are competition fees associated with the extra curricular portion of this activity so please check the CGTBB payment schedule to see the additional competition costs that will be incurred by members of Jazz Ensemble.
Indoor Percussion
Indoor Percussion is designed to offer the percussion students another venue in which to perform. Students are challenged to execute advanced techniques and skills that are required elements of the activity. Students may be auditioned depending on the number of students interested in performing and the needs of the program. Rehearsals are after school beginning in December. Contests begin in February and end in mid-April. Participation in a CGHS Band Class is required for members of Indoor Percussion. *Special consideration for interested and qualified 8th graders may be made by directors. The students in this group will be loaned uniforms/costumes provided by the CGTBB. There are competition fees associated with the extra curricular portion of this activity so please check the CGTBB payment schedule to see the additional competition costs that will be incurred by members of Indoor Percussion.
Winter Guard – World Guard (December thru April)
The Center Grove World Guard is a varsity level competitive ensemble that participates in our local circuit, Indiana High School Color Guard Association (IHSCGA), and the national circuit, Winter Guard International (WGI). This activity is more demanding than the fall program as performers are the main focus. They perform in gymnasiums and arenas to recorded soundtracks. Members continue to grow their technique as well as develop more complex dancing and spinning skills.(Audition and participation in the CGHS Dance Performance Class for 2nd semester is required for all high school members.) The students in this group will be loaned costumes provided by the CGTBB. There are competition fees associated with the extra curricular portion of this activity so please check the CGTBB payment schedule to see the additional competition costs that will be incurred by members of World Guard.
CGCGtoo – JV Color Guard
CGCGtoo is an extension of the Center Grove Color Guard program and is open to all students in grades 6-12. The fall season runs from mid August through the beginning of October where students will learn the basic skills of Color Guard. The winter season of CGCGtoo runs from October through March with competitions throughout Indiana in the IHSCGA circuit. These competitions allow performers to grow and enhance their skills preparing them for the high school color guard programs. The students in this group will be loaned costumes provided by the CGTBB. There are competition fees associated with the extra curricular portion of this activity so please check the CGTBB payment schedule to see the additional competition costs that will be incurred by members of CGCGtoo.