Four curricular instrumental ensembles meet during the school day; they are Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Advanced Wind Ensemble. Co-curricular instrumental ensembles include the Marching Sequoits, Pep Band, and Jazz Band. A brief description of these activities is listed below.
Percussion Ensemble
All percussion students are placed in this ensemble. This ensemble explores the rich and varied tradition of percussion music used in various cultures around the world. Students in this ensemble perform with the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Advanced Wind Ensemble at all major concerts. They also perform individually as a percussion ensemble at these concerts.
Director: Patrick Hayes
Percussion Specialist: John Stolfe
Symphonic Band
This ensemble performs repertoire that provides formative experiences in developing their musicianship (musical knowledge, aural skills, and technical abilities). Students also perform in quintets, quartets, and other small ensembles.
Director: Patrick Hayes
Woodwind Specialist: Cindy White
Wind Ensemble
Students in this ensemble continue to develop their musicianship by studying sophiticated works for the concert band. Students also perform in quintets, quartets, and other small ensembles.
Director: Patrick Hayes
Woodwind Specialist: Cindy White
Advanced Wind Ensemble
The flagship of our instrumental music program, this ensemble offers the most advanced instrumental experience through study and performance of master works for winds and percussion. Due to the soloistic nature of part assignments, there is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performances. Students also perform in quintets, quartets, and other small ensembles.
Director: Patrick Hayes
Woodwind Specialist: Cindy White
Marching Sequoits
Made up of students from all three curricular ensembles, the Marching Sequoits perform at home football games, parades, and marching band festivals. One of Antioch’s true treasures, this ensemble has a strong tradition of both musical and visual excellence.
Directors: Patrick Hayes & Eric Spindler
Color Guard: Tina Bairstow
Percussion: John Stolfe
Drill Design: Paul Wiercioch
Other Camp Staff: Matt Camp & Pat Dawson
Jazz Band
Selected through audition, students in this ensemble will explore various types of jazz styles. Students will make a yearlong commitment to further expanding their knowledge of jazz and improvisation while emphasizing the swing feel. Jazz combos may be formed for interested students. This group forms after the completion of the marching band season.
Director: Patrick Hayes
Sequoit Pep Band
This ensemble will perform at home basketball games and special occasions when ‘pep’ is needed. The season generally runs from November to March.
Director: Patrick Hayes
Musical Pit Orchestra
This ensemble plays with the Spring musical. The season generally runs from January to March.
Director: Patrick Hayes
National Standards for Music Education
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Instrumental Ensembles at ACHS