Instrumental Arts
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Instrumental Extracurricular Opportunities (Grades 9-12)
Marching Band
Marching band is a competitive instrumental group that combines elements of movement and marching with musical performance. Students will love the opportunity to perform exciting music and visuals and be a part of an awesome community! The group consists of a wind section, drumline, and color guard. The marching band participates in competitions across the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota area.
For more information about involvement, contact Mr. Scheller at ascheller@rcsmn.org
Color Guard
The use of flags, as well as dance and movement, is part of the exciting experience of Color Guard. This group performs with the competitive marching band during the fall season. The Color Guard is a vital visual representation of the music and drill team. One exciting dimension of Color Guard is the costumes utilized by members to add dramatic effect to the “storytelling” aspect of the overall presentation. These costumes are designed to fit the theme/era of the music being presented. Color guard strives to connect our audience musically, physically, emotionally, and visually to the sights and sounds on the field.
To learn more about involvement with Color Guard, contact Mr. Andrew Scheller at ascheller@rcsmn.org.
Hi-Lighters
Our LHS jazz and improvisational instrumental ensemble, the Hi-Lighters performs both locally and regionally. The Hi-Lighters is an audition only ensemble with auditions held in the fall. Once the group is established for the year, our jazz musicians gather weekly for practice. The Hi- Lighters perform at galas, conferences, concerts, schools, competitions, jazz festivals and other venues to the delight of a wide variety of audiences. Be a part of dynamic musical ensemble which routinely receives enthusiastic response!
To learn more about involvement with Hi-Lighters, contact Mr. Garrett O'Connell at goconnell@rcsmn.org
Jazz Combo
Jazz Combo is a non-audition Jazz Group welcoming all instruments and skill levels. In Jazz combo, students;
- Understand the basic fundamental elements of jazz music including melody and rhythm .
- Participate in processes associated with jazz music including listening, performing, notating, analyzing, and creating (improvisation).
- Enhance comprehension of jazz historical musical genres
- Read and interpret jazz music at an intermediate level.
To learn more about involvement in Jazz Combo, contact Mr. Andrew Scheller at ascheller@rcsmn.org
Grades 5-8 Band
RCS Junior High Jazz Band (Gr. 6-8)
Adding to the musical experiences Rochester Catholic Schools Junior High students is the option to participate in the RCS Junior High Jazz Band. This group welcomes students in grades 7 and 8 to a dynamic jazz ensemble. Musically, students will perform pieces by jazz composers, and gain experience in improvisation and advanced rhythmic techniques. Socially, students build a strong network of friends from across our three grade schools (St. John the Evangelist/St. Pius X School, St. Francis of Assisi School, Holy Spirit Catholic School).
Auditions
To participate in the RCS Junior High Jazz Band, a student must be a member of an RCS school band program. Auditions are required for students who play percussion, keyboard, or guitar. For students playing saxophone, trombone or trumpet, no audition is required. Major performances include a Rochester Catholic Schools Spring Tour, two system-wide band concerts, and the Lourdes Night of Jazz event.
Rehearsal
The RCS Junior High Jazz Band meets at the St. John the Evangelist campus at 7:00 a.m. with regular rehearsal running from 7:15-8:15 a.m. Rehearsal will conclude in time for the start of the normal school day.
If you are a student that has interest in participating in Junior High Jazz Band, please contact Mr. Mark Scheitel at mascheitel@msn.com