Camaraderie and musicianship are just two of the strengths of the South Eugene High School Band Program.  There are many opportunities to play your instrument here.


OUR BANDS
directed by Kim Melby


WIND ENSEMBLE is designed for the most advanced students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument.  This is a challenging, but exciting group to play in! Emphasis is placed on musicianship and performing great wind literature, symphonic transcriptions, as well as various percussion, brass and woodwind ensemble works.  Impeccable discipline, attitude, musicianship, and attendance are required of all Wind Ensemble members.  Students in this ensemble are highly encouraged to take private lessons.  For those interested, solo opportunities are also available.



CONCERT BAND is required for all freshman, but is also open to all students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument.  Emphasis is placed on playing and performing a very wide variety of band literature.  For students aspiring to play in the Wind Ensemble, daily technical warm-ups support increased technical and musical ability.


PEP BAND is a non-audition coalition of instrumentalists from the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Bands.  The focus of this group is to provide school spirit and camaraderie for athletic events and school assemblies.  Though there is careful oversight by the director, this band is primarily student run.  Candidates are chosen primarily for their interest in a management and leadership position. Preference for leaders is given to Seniors first.


JAZZ ENSEMBLE is an instrumental ensemble that performs big band jazz repertoire. Since this is primarily a chamber group (one player per part), auditions are highly competitive, and by opening only.  Concurrent enrollment in Concert Band or Wind Ensemble is required.  The Jazz Band represents our school at various festivals and events around our community.​

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

The SOUTH EUGENE HIGH SCHOOL BAND COUNCIL is a group of students who help implement the vision of the band department by facilitating performances, educational and fun experiences for the other students and communication among band members.  Joining Band Council means taking on a leadership role both during rehearsal and outside of class time.  The Council meets about once per month to plan and discuss the various experiences, expectations and functions of our band department.  Applications to join Band Council are distributed in class and will be accepted in September.

Many members of our instrumental performance ensembles participate in the PIT ORCHESTRA for our highly-acclaimed stage musicals.  This is a great experience for students who wish to get a glimpse of what it's like to be a professional musician in our community.  These students often play alongside pros for a packed house.  Click HERE for more information about our award-winning drama department.  The date varies, so check THE CALENDAR for dates and deadlines.

Our students participate in myriad other extra-curricular music experiences including summer camps, instrument lessons, district and state solo and ensemble festivals, All-State Band and All-Northwest Band.  Information about these various experiences can be obtained from our LINKS page and from the director outside of class time.  Check THE CALENDAR for more information about dates and deadlines.