• Ensemble Information 
     
    Instrumental Ensembles
    White Band
    The White Band is our youngest instrumental ensemble made up of students in 5th grade or occasionally older beginners. The class meets twice a week and focuses on how to play and perform as an ensemble. The group performs works from various genres and cultures including new pieces and concert standards. The White Band performs at the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as the Music in the Parks competition in the spring.

    Maroon Band
    The Maroon Band is made up of students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade as well as students in 5th grade by audition. The ensemble studies a wide variety of music including music from different cultures. The class meets twice a week and refines ensemble playing as well has how to balance individual needs with those of a large group. The Maroon Band performs at the Winter and Spring Concerts as well as the Music in the Parks competition in the spring.

    Gold Band
    The     Gold Band is the most advanced concert band at HBW and is comprised of students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The ensemble studies both traditional and nontraditional concert band music and concepts of tone and intonation are polished. The Gold Band performs at the concerts and Music in the Parks.
     
    Jazz Band
    The Jazz Band is an advanced group that students may join by audition. We study contemporary jazz and popular music as well as traditional big band standards, latin, and funk music. Students also learn the skills of basic improvisation. Auditions are in September and the Jazz Band performs at the concerts and Music in the Parks.
     
    Brass Ensemble
    The Brass Ensemble is made up of students in all grades. It meets once a week after school and plays a wide variety of musical styles.
     
    Graduation Band 
    This ensemble rehearses to a performance at the 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony. It consists of 6th and 7th grade Gold Band members and other students with approval from Mr. Halpern and/or Mr. Michalowski.
     
    Spring Band
    This is an ensemble for students who want to continue playing their instruments after our competition and concerts. We will sight-read new pieces, play some well-known music (classical and pop), and continue learning about instrumental technique and fundamental musicianship. Any student is encouraged to attend rehearsals.
     
     
    Vocal Ensembles
     
    HB Voices
    HB Voices is the general chorus class at HBW.  All students in grades 5-8 with and interest in singing are welcome to join at the beginning of the school year.  Class meets on every Tuesday morning during Period 0. They learn a variety of music in two or three parts.  HB Voices performs in the winter and spring concerts as well as at the spring competition and trip to Great Adventure.
     
    Acoustics
    Acoustics is the select chorus class at HBW.  It is by audition only and is open to grades 6-8.  The auditions are held in June of the previous school year.  Class meets on every Thursday morning during Period 0.  They learn more advanced music in three or four parts.  Acoustics performs in the winter and spring concerts as well as at the spring competition and trip to Great Adventure.