Brother Rice Band
Brother Rice High School boasts one of the finest instrumental music programs of any Catholic school in the Chicagoland area. The program is geared to meet the needs of the individual student and has something for everyone.
The band has traveled extensively throughout the years with destinations that include Dublin, Ireland; Honolulu, Hawaii; Orlando, Florida; Los Angeles, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Washington D.C. A wide range of ensembles are offered by the band department and are listed below.
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Beginning Band is the first full year of music instruction on their instruments. Ownership or rental of instruments is encouraged. This beginning band class develops skills on a variety of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Emphasis is given to providing a strong fundamental approach to their instrument. Rehearsal from the required music text will be accomplished daily, as well as developmental music theory. Performance outside of normal school hours are required as part of this course. The book for beginners this year is Essential Elements for Band.
In concert band students will develop their technical and reading skills playing woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. A variety of methods, materials, and ensemble repertoire will challenge students to prepare for public performance. To enroll, students must have at least one year of musical training.
The Football Marching Band involves all students from Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. This band is responsible for bringing the excitement and entertainment to all home football games, pep rallies, and local parades. The band marches in the Annual Columbus Day Parade and South Side Irish Parade.
The Wind Ensemble is the most select performance ensemble at Brother Rice High School. This very talented group holds specific instrumentation and a maximum enrollment of approximately 40 musicians. The Wind Ensemble has a very active performance schedule including regularly scheduled school concerts, specialty programs, local concerts, IMEA, and numerous festivals and competitions throughout the state. Members are expected to practice individually on a frequent basis and in extra rehearsals or sectionals. Students in this group are expected to study with a private lesson teacher and participate in solo/ensemble contest during the spring semester. Private lesson instruction is highly encouraged to advance individual playing ability for the better of the ensemble. In addition, It is highly recommended that students own their own instruments; however, specialized school owned instruments may be available.
The Competitive Marching Band is volunteer group that puts together a highly competitive marching show for the fall. This show presents a theme to the audience, and tells a story through dance, movement, marching and music. The band competes in 4-5 contests each year.
This is an extension of the larger ensemble experience. The jazz ensemble reflects traditional Big Band instrumentation (saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm section). Through listening to recordings, critiquing, analyzing, discussion and application, students will learn a variety of jazz styles found within this genre. Students will understand the history of jazz and be able to associate specific musicians to distinct types of jazz.
The Symphonic Band has a very active performance schedule throughout the school year, including regularly scheduled concerts, specialty programs, IMEA, and festivals and contests. In addition, members of the Symphonic Band are highly encouraged to perform in Solo and Ensemble Contest in the Spring Semester. Members are expected to practice individually and in extra rehearsals or sectionals. Private lesson instruction is highly encouraged to advance individual playing ability for the better of the ensemble. It is strongly recommended that students own their own instruments; however, specialized school owned instruments may be available.
A Look Inside The Band
