SYMPHONIC BAND (Advanced Band), the highest level concert band at Wakefield, is designed around very specific instrumentation needs. To ensure that each member has the musical skills that are required for this ensemble, an audition is required for membership every year. If there are not qualified candidates available, vacancies in the ensemble will not automatically be filled. All members of the Symphonic Band are required to participate in the Marching Band. This ensemble will perform in at least 3 concerts each year and the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) District XII Concert Band Festival. Attendance at all performances and after school rehearsals is required.
CONCERT BAND (Intermediate Band) is the development ensemble for the Wakefield Band Program. The music played by this ensemble will come from the concert band repertoire. Musicians will be assigned to this band by audition. All students who are eligible for Symphonic Band, but do not wish to march, will also be assigned to this band. This ensemble will perform in at least 2 concerts each year and participate in the VBODA District XII Concert Band Assessment. Attendance at all performances and after school rehearsals is required.
MARCHING WARRIORS marching band is an extension of the Concert Band Program here at Wakefield High School. Membership is limited to students who are members of one of the Wakefield HS concert bands. This ensemble is a “corps style” marching band and will draw its repertoire from various styles (e.g. Jazz, Pop, Classical, etc.). The marching band season starts in August with a mandatory camp (where we learn our show for the season) and will end in early to mid-November. The Marching band will perform at every home game, several pep rallies, parades, and marching contests. The marching band rehearses after school 2-3 days a week. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.
JAZZ BAND is an after school ensemble. The jazz ensemble rehearses once a week. This ensemble will play music from the jazz, blues, swing, and standards repertoire. Once a student has joined the ensemble, attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required, to maintain membership.
GUARD/AUXILIARY is the non-musical unit of the marching band. Membership of the unit will perform with flags and other equipment. Membership is gained through an audition in the spring. The Guard/Auxiliary will perform with the marching band at all marching band performances and are required to attend the band camp in August. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.