St. Mary's Central High School
Instrumental Band
Diverse and Demanding... SAINTS music plays to a different beat!
The St. Mary's Central High School Music Department is recognized as one of the premier music programs in the upper midwest. It offers students the opportunity to excel individually and in groups.
All instrumental students are actively encouraged to participate in music competitions like the North Dakota All-State Bands and in NDHSSAA West Region and State Music competitions. SMCHS ranks at the top for students selected to the North Dakota All-State Bank, Jazz Band or Orchestra.
SMCHS music students are selected to perform in one of the following:
The Wind Orchestra is comprised of senior class musicians and selected musicians from the remaining grade. Membership is based on private auditions. The Wind Orchestra is considered the advanced band of the Music Departments two performance bands. This band was given the prestigious opportunity to perfrom at the 1999 North Dakota Music Educators Association Conference.
The Symphonic Band is comprised of sophomore, junior and senior students and is under the direction of Luke Keller. The Symphonic Band performs technically challenging compositions and is recognized for its high quality of musicianship.
The Concert Band is comprised of freshman and sophomore students. the concert Band is also recognized for its high quality of musicianship.
All SMCHS musicians perform in the SMCHS Pep Band. The PepBand plays throughout the year at SMCHS athletic events, pep rally;s and school sponsored special events.
In addition to these groups, SMCHs musicians can audition for placement in one of the following Jazz Ensembles.
Jazz I is, SMCHS's award winning Jazz Ensemble. This elite jazz group is comprised of the school's top jazz musicians and is widely recognized as one of the best in the upper midwest. Jazz I, has won numerous "Best of Bands" awards at the prestigious University of Mary Jazz Festival and has been featured at the North Dakota State University Invitational Jazz Festival.
Jazz Too, is the newer of the school's jazz groups, now under the direction of Luke Keller. Jazz Too won a "Best of Bands" Award in its first year at the University of Mary Jazz Festival. Jazz Too was created to meet the growing demand for students wishing to participate in jazz at SMCHS.
