Band

Band performing at football gameThe Mechanicsville High School band program is a vibrant and growing organization that provides our students with numerous performance opportunities in an array of ensembles that are fundamental to a well-rounded arts education. The Mechanicsville band program is rich in tradition, having been recognized seventeen times as a Commonwealth of Virginia honor band (program of honor). Our staff and students are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in musical and visual performance.

Follow the MHS Bands on Instagram @mvillebands.

Contact

Don Leonard
Director of Bands and Ensembles
(804) 723-2234

Our Ensembles

The MHS Marching Band and Color Guard, “The Herd”
The MHS marching band is an important part of the spirit and pride of Mechanicsville High School. The group performs regularly at varsity football games and provides the excitement and pageantry that is an integral part of high school football. The band works with the cheerleaders, dance team, and football team to provide an exciting and spirited atmosphere for the entire school community. The band also competes in field show competitions and parades during the fall season representing our school across the state of Virginia.  The pageantry and excitement of the marching band are enhanced by an outstanding color guard. This group combines dance with visual implements to express the band’s music.

“The Herd” offers students one of the most positive growth experiences available to a high school student. The camaraderie, friendship, and fun are balanced by life lessons amplifying intrinsic motivation, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and self-discipline. The mental, emotional, and artistic qualities of the musician combine with the conditioning and physical endurance of any athlete. The marching band experience requires listening, focusing, and analyzing “on the move” while matching pitch and timing with other students spread across the performance field. Participation in the marching band will generate friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Membership in the marching band is open to any student in grades 8–12 (BCMS/MHS). Wind and percussion members must be enrolled in a music class at BCMS/MHS. We encourage you to get involved and we look forward to welcoming you as a member of our band family at Mechanicsville! 

Wind Ensemble (Advanced)
This class is open to advanced students by audition (held in February each year). This is an advanced ensemble. Therefore, the requirements for participation in this class are of the highest caliber. Students should be able to display a high level of playing ability and should exemplify the standards of the Mechanicsville band program. Students are expected to show a higher understanding of music theory, music history, and concepts of basic musicianship. Instruction will be designed to further enhance the individual and ensemble performance skills through the performance and study of advanced band literature. Students receive a .5 weighted credit for participation in an advanced ensemble. As a part of the requirement for receiving this advanced credit, students enrolled in wind ensemble will be required to audition for all-district/all-county band.

Symphonic Band - Brass & Woodwinds (Intermediate/Advanced)
This class is open to all students in grades 9–12 who have prior instrumental music experience. Concert performance skills are developed through group and individualized instruction. Students learn intermediate level music theory and vocabulary, as well as playing fundamentals and sight reading skills. The class is designed to optimize the potential, talent, and musicianship of the intermediate level student, through the rehearsal and performance of quality wind band literature.

Symphonic Band - Percussion (Intermediate/Advanced)
Percussion class is open to students who have previous percussion experience. Performance skills are developed on a wide variety of percussion instruments (snare drum, mallet instruments, timpani, and auxiliary percussion) through group and individualized instruction. Students learn basic music theory and vocabulary as well as basic playing fundamentals and sight-reading skills.  Students will perform as the percussion section of the symphonic band.

Concert Band (Beginning Band)
This class is for students who are interested in learning to play a band instrument. Students with prior experience in instrumental music, but are interested in learning a second instrument, may be considered for this class.  Instruction will be focused on the basic skills needed for participation in an instrumental music ensemble. Students will learn the basics of reading music and playing fundamentals. No prior band experience is required.

Jazz Ensemble
This class is open to any student who is interested in the study of jazz music.  Students are expected to be enrolled in one of the large ensembles (symphonic band or wind ensemble), with the exception of guitar, bass, and piano.  Performance skills are developed through group and individualized instruction.  Students learn basic music theory, history, and vocabulary as it relates to the jazz medium. Students learn basic playing fundamentals, sight reading, and skills needed for basic improvisation. This class is designed to optimize the potential, talent, and musicianship of those students who show a particular interest in jazz music through the rehearsal and performance of quality jazz literature.

Applied Concert Band
Students enrolled in our applied concert band class will learn basic skills of music (rhythm, melody) through daily exercises using bucket drums, boomwhackers, body percussion, and movement. Class activities are varied and are geared to engage students on their level and encourage participation and creativity.

MHS Band Boosters - Parents, We Need You Too!

The Mechanicsville High School band boosters provide outstanding support for the band program at MHS. In addition to providing substantial financial support, the parents are an integral part of the spirit and excitement of our groups. From helping with uniforms, serving as a chaperone, to being a member of the “Pit Crew”, and more, the parents provide the help that is needed to make sure that the students have the best possible experience in band. We encourage all band parents to join in the fun and friendship of being an active member of the MHS band boosters.

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