Band Club

Advisor: Dan McDonald

The Orchestra and NFA Band are the two major performing groups at The Norwich Free Academy. The students in these ensembles perform a wide variety of high quality music, spanning hundreds of years of traditional Orchestra, Band, and Wind Ensemble literature. All of the other instrumental music ensembles draw students from these two major ensembles. These ensembles include the Jazz Ensemble, Indoor Color Guard, and small ensembles. Any Orchestra, Band, or Color Guard member is eligible to participate in these other ensembles. For more information, please contact Mr. Dan McDonald, Director of Instrumental Music, either by visiting the Band Office located in the Bradlaw/Frank Center Building, or by calling 425 5742.

Orchestra
The Orchestra performs literature from the Baroque Era through the Twentieth Century. The music performed is meant to be challenging and musically fulfilling for every member. The breadth of literature performed allows every student to have a successful and rewarding experience. The Orchestra is open to all string players and meets regularly as part of the daily class schedule. The wind players for the Orchestra meet once a week on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. We combine the winds with the strings for most of the Orchestra performances throughout the year. The performance of string orchestra pieces and small ensemble works are also an important part of the Orchestra. The Orchestra has at least five major performances throughout the year: the Christmas Concert, Winter Concert, Spring Tour bon Voyage Concert, Spring Tour Performance at a National or International Adjudication Festival, and the Spring Concert. It is important for all students to participate in all of these performances, afternoon section rehearsals, evening rehearsals, and the Spring Tour. Students will receive I full credit for Orchestra.

Concert Band
The Concert Band performs grade six Wind Ensemble literature primarily from the Twentieth Century. The music is meant to be challenging and musically fulfilling for every member. The breadth of literature performed allows every student to have an exceptional experience not found at many high schools in Connecticut.

The Concert Band begins to prepare for concerts at the end of November and is open to all wind and percussion players. The Concert Band and Wildcat Marching Band are virtually the same organization known as the NFA Band. The fall activity of the NFA Band is field show preparation and performances. The winter and spring activity of the NFA Band is concert literature preparation and parade band performances. The Concert Band has at least five major performances throughout the school year: the Winter Concert A.S.B.D.A. (American School Band Directors Association) State Concert Band and Small Ensemble Adjudication Festival, the Spring Tour Bon Voyage Concert, Spring Tour Performance at a National or International Adjudication Festival, and the Spring Concert. It is important for all students to participate in all of these performances, afternoon section rehearsals, evening rehearsals, parades, and the Spring Tour. Students will receive 1 full credit for Concert Band.

Wildcat Marching Band
The Wildcat Marching Band is an integral part of the NFA Band program. The Wildcat Marching Band is dedicated to producing a field show that is musically and visually appealing, and is fun for all involved. The members of this challenging ensemble invest many hours in the preparation of the field show and parade routines. The students feel much pride in the finished product, and have memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. The Wildcat Marching Band performs at all home and away football games, United States Scholastic Band Association (USSBA), Musical Arts Conference (MAC) and Connecticut Medals Shows Competition/ Adjudications. The Wildcat Marching Band will perform for thousands of people at the Memorial Day weekend parades, Block Island Fourth of July Parade, and several other events including a National Competition/ Adjudication. Wildcat Marching Band rehearsals begin on August 13, 2001 at Band Camp. Band Camp is the most important three weeks of the marching season. It sets the tone for the entire year. During the camp, focus is placed on the development of musical skills, and marching technique. A large portion of the Fall Show is learned during the Band Camp. After school starts, the Wildcat Marching Band rehearses on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., as well as Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., through mid November. The majority of performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays in October and November. If a student has a regular evening conflict, i.e.: fall sports, then it is possible for that individual to participate in the Concert Band with approval from Mr. Aubin. It is recommended, however, that every student participate completely in the NFA Band Program Students will receive 1/2 credit for Wildcat Marching Band.

Color Guard and Indoor Guard
The Color Guard and Indoor Guard is made up of students who have successfully auditioned to be on the squad. Auditions are held in the late fall and spring. The Color Guard members are also members of the Wildcat Marching Band and receive 1/2 credit. The Indoor Guard is a separate visual performance ensemble that utilizes the gym floor as its performance area. In the spring this group travels all over the Northeast to perform at competitions. The Indoor Guard also travels with the Orchestra and Band on the Spring Tour. Contemporary music is used for the routines which incorporate rifles, flag work, as well as dance.

JazzEnsemble
The Jazz Ensemble members are drawn from the NFA Band. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 8:30 p.m. starting in late November. This ensemble exposes students to various styles of jazz music, as well as providing opportunities for them to refine chord reading and improvisation skills. The Jazz Ensemble will perform at all Music Department Concerts and other special events. The Jazz Ensemble will travel to several competitions throughout New England and will also perform at a National or International Competition/Adjudication Festival. Last spring, the Jazz Ensemble earned the Outstanding Jazz Ensemble Award and special awards for Best Trumpets, Best Trombones, and Best Rhythm Sections at Waterford's Jazz On The Sound Festival. The Jazz Ensemble also earned a First Place Award and was also awarded: Best Overall Jazz Ensemble at Festivals of Music National Competition in Orlando, Florida, 1995. Students will receive 1/2 credit for participation in the Jazz Ensemble.