TCHS Bands - Ensembles

Ensembles

Timber Creek High School has numerous Ensembles that make up our Band program. We're way more than the Regiment and Guard!

The Regiment
The Regiment, Timber Creek's Marching Band, is the combined membership of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensembles, Jazz Band and Color Guard. With an annual membership of approximately 200 students, the Regiment is a musical marching unit organized to provide artistic and entertaining performances for football games, parades, pep rallies, concerts and competitions. As per Orange County Public School guidelines, membership in the Regiment is required of all students involved in the Band Program. It is an integral part of instrumental music education at TCHS. Membership requires TOTAL DEDICATION, MAXIMUM EFFORT and INVOLVEMENT in all aspects of marching and music performance. The full Regiment rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. (with Tuesday evening rehearsals replacing afternoon rehearsals August 21 through September 25). Additional weekly rehearsals take place for members in the Color Guard and Percussion section, and members of the Woodwind and Brass sections have additional "rotating" rehearsals after school throughout the fall.

Concert Band
The Concert Band is comprised of 9th - 12th grade students with previous instruction in wind instruments. It consists of modern band instrumentation and provides instruction in common-practice period and twentieth century wind literature and transcriptions. The Concert Band is a class that meets 3rd period every day and performs at several concerts and the District Concert Band Music Performance Assessment each year. Private study is encouraged for all members of the Concert Band.

Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is comprised of 9th - 12th grade students with previous instruction in wind instruments. Membership is by audition only. It consists of modern band instrumentation and provides instruction in common-practice period and twentieth century wind literature and transcriptions. The Symphonic Band is a class that meets 1st period every day and performs at several concerts and the District Concert Band Music Performance Assessment each year. Private study is encouraged for all members of the Symphonic Band.

Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is comprised of mostly 10th - 12th grade students with previous instruction in wind instruments and is the top performing wind group at Timber Creek. Membership is by audition only. The repertoire of the ensemble is extensive and advanced (college level). Private study is expected of members in this ensemble. The Wind Ensemble meets 2nd period every day. After school rehearsals for all Wind Ensemble students are frequent and mandatory. The Wind Ensemble performs at several concerts and District and State Concert Band Music Performance Assessments each year.

Percussion Ensembles I, II and III
Percussion Ensembles I, II and III are three separate class periods (1st, 2nd and 5th) that address specific instruction in the area of percussion. Membership in these classes is by audition only. Enrollment in a specific Percussion Ensemble is based on the instrument of the individual as performed with the Regiment. Students can expect to play challenging literature in an intense percussion environment. The Percussion Ensembles perform at several concerts and other related venues each year.

Color Guard
The Color Guard is the visual ensemble that greatly enhances the performances of the Regiment. Members learn from skilled instructors in the areas of flag, rifle, saber and dance. The Color Guard class meets 6th period every day during the entire school year. Members of the Color Guard are members of the Regiment and take part in all performances and rehearsals. The Color Guard also has separate mandatory rehearsals (usually on Monday evenings) during the fall semester. The Color Guard continues in the spring semester each year with "Winter Guard", an activity that begins at the end of marching season in November and concludes in mid-April. Students in the fall Color Guard are expected to participate in the Winter Guard program, as the class is a full-year course.

Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is a select group of instrumentalists from the Band Program (with the possible exception of piano, bass and guitar). Membership is by audition only. The repertoire of the ensemble is selected from a variety of jazz styles. The Jazz Band is a full-year credited class that begins rehearsals at the conclusion of marching season in mid-November. Rehearsals are after school on a designated weekly schedule (a couple of days a week). The Jazz Band performs at several concerts and District and State Music Performance Assessment each year.

AP Music Theory
AP Music Theory is an advanced class that intensely explores the "how's" and "why's" of music. It is highly recommended for students that are considering a career in music or for students that want a challenge. AP Music Theory is generally for 11th and 12th grade students only, though individual exceptions can be made.

Timber Creek Independent Percussion Ensemble (TCI)
The Timber Creek Independent Percussion Ensemble (TCI) is new for the 2007-08 school year. TCI is an auditioned ensemble with membership open to students from Timber Creek as well as students from central Florida area schools. Student membership will include students through the age of 22. Timber Creek percussion students are not required to participate, but are encouraged to do so. As with the Timber Creek Winter Guard, TCI will begin rehearsals in mid-November and will conclude their season in mid-April. The rehearsal and travel schedule will be aggressive but rewarding, including trips to Nashville, TN and Dayton, OH.