2025 All-District Band Audition Information

10/31/2025 12:38 pm

It is time for the 2025 All-District Band Auditions. Please review the following details carefully to ensure all steps are completed on time.

Key Dates

• Application and Fee Due to Mr. Ross: Friday, November 14, 2025

• Audition Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
  Location: Hickory Middle School, Chesapeake, VA

• Event Dates (for students selected):

  • Thursday, February 5, 2026 – Evening Rehearsal

  • Friday, February 6, 2026 – All-day Rehearsal (excused absence from school)

  • Saturday, February 7, 2026 – Morning Rehearsal and Afternoon Concert

  • More details regarding the all-district band event will be shared closer to the event

Application Instructions

1. Complete the Student Application Form (attached to this email or available in the band room).

2. Include payment of $10.00, cash or check payable to GBBPA.

   • If paying by check, write "District Band Audition Fee – [Student Name]" in the memo line on the check

3. Place the completed form and payment in an envelope labeled:
   "District Band Auditions – [Student Name]"

4. Deposit the envelope in the GREEN MAILBOX located next to Mr. Ross’s office.

5. All materials are due no later than Friday, November 14, 2025.

6. Students and parents should sign the form acknowledging understanding of the audition day procedures and length

7. Here is a link to the 2025-2026 All District Band Application Form (handed out to students in the 10/31 and 11/1 classes)

Audition Information

• Students must be current members of the Great Bridge High School Band program.

• The audition will include:

  • Major and Chromatic Scales (from memory)

  • Prepared Etude

  • Sight-Reading Excerpt

• Percussionists must bring their own snare drum, snare stand, sticks, and mallets for all required instruments.

• Students auditioning for multiple instruments (for example, flute/piccolo or Bb/Eb clarinet) must complete a separate form and fee for each audition

• Here is another link to the 2025-2026 All District Band Application Form (handed out to students in the 10/31 and 11/1 classes)

For Students Taking the ACT on December 13

• Students must complete the ACT Test Declaration Form (attached).

• ACT students must arrive to check in for auditions no later than 1:00 p.m. on December 13.

• No late arrivals will be permitted

  Here is a link to the 2025-2026 All District Band ACT Test Declaration Form

More Information

All audition materials, scales, and etudes can be accessed through the All-District Google Drive Folder 

Results and updates will be shared through Synergy Mail following the auditions.

Results will be shared as UNOFFICIAL. A verification process will take place in the following days after the auditions. 

Summary of What to Submit to Mr. Ross

• Student Application Form

• $10 Fee (cash or check to GBBPA)

• ACT Declaration Form (if applicable)

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ross directly at drew.ross@cpschools.com or stop by the band room before or after school.

Thank you for your careful attention to these details and best of luck preparing for auditions!

Sincerely,
Mr. Drew Ross
Director of Bands, Great Bridge High School

2024 Great Bridge Band Virtual 5K Turkey Trot

10/4/2024 9:30 am

We are excited to announce the 6th Annual Great Bridge Virtual 5K Turkey Trot! Gather your family and friends and head outside to enjoy the crisp air, sunshine, and fall leaves and run, walk, or trot the 5K supporting the Great Bridge High School Band and Color Guard. 

Spring Concert and Graduation Itineraries

5/17/2024 10:11 am

Our final performances of the year will be the Spring Concert and Graduation. The Spring Concert is THURSDAY, May 30th at 7:30 PM in the GBHS Auditorium.

Please review the Spring Concert itinerary

Graduation is WEDNESDAY, June 12th at 4:00 PM. All current 9th-11th grade band members perform with this group. Students with siblings graduating may choose to perform OR sit with their families. 

Please review the Graduation Itinerary

2024 Marching Wildcats Registration

5/10/2024 10:46 am

Welcome to Marching Wildcats Registration

NOTE - Registration needs to be completed by a parent/guardian for accuracy and complete understanding of expectations. These forms are best completed on a larger screen, for example, iPad, laptop, etc.

Step #1

Great Bridge High School Band Chili Cookoff 2024

1/17/2024 1:56 pm

It is back! The Great Bridge Chili Cookoff is happening Friday, March 9th, 2024 from 6-8:30 PM in the Commons of the high school. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, you can scan the code below or visit this link! 

Do you make an exceptional chili? Want to throw it into the ring to compete against other great cooks? Email gbhsmarchingwildcats@gmail.com to enter!

Join the Great Bridge High School Band and Color Guard!

1/17/2024 12:59 pm

Hello, band students and families! We are absolutely delighted to see your interest in continuing your musical journey in high school and sharing your love for music. Our goal is to offer you a wonderful and top-notch musical experience, while fostering a close-knit and supportive community for both you and your family.

At Great Bridge High School, our bands strive to deliver outstanding performances through hard work and dedication. Soon, you'll be joining our fantastic group of talented musicians. We will have an information night meeting on MONDAY, May 13th at 7:30 PM in the GBHS Auditorium. Note that this is a change from the original date. 

We are eagerly looking forward to meeting you and your parents!

Warm regards,
Mr. Ross

Great Bridge Jazz Ensemble

1/16/2024 10:27 am

We will be kicking off the Jazz Ensemble on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 at 8:00 AM in the band room.

If you are interested in participating, please check out the information below and make sure to fill out the form so I know how many copies to make!

Great Bridge Jazz Ensemble InformationLinks to an external site.

Color Guard Club Announcement

1/2/2024 8:54 am

We will have an interest meeting on Wednesday, January 10th at 6:30 PM for the GB Color Guard Spin Club! 

The GB Spin Club is open to:

• ALL current Marching Wildcats Color Guard members
• ALL current GBHS Students
• ALL GBMS 8th Graders

The meeting is at Great Bridge High School in the BAND ROOM. Enter through door 24A (the one near the band trailers at the front of the building). Students and parents are welcome to attend! The meeting should be about an hour.

Interested? Click here to RSVP for the interest meeting!

Winter Band Concert 12/5/2023

12/5/2023 9:26 am

Winter Band Concert

The band will have a concert on December 5th, 2023 at 7:30 PM in the Auditorium.

Here is some information regarding the concert:

Entry and Procedures

• Students should enter through door 24A near the trailers.
• Symphonic Band members should get their instruments and music and head directly to the auditorium by 6:45 PM when attendance is taken.
• Wind Ensemble students should report to the band room for attendance and to warm up.
• Any Wind Ensemble students needing a jacket can get one from the uniform closet, but must return it at the end of the concert.
• Wind Ensemble members should exit the band room at 7:20 PM and will sit in the top section to the right (when looking from the stage) of the light and sound booth.
• The Symphonic Band will perform their music at 7:30 PM. After they play their pieces, students will exit the stage. As the Symphonic Band exits, Wind Ensemble members should begin to walk to the stage and prepare for their performance. This opens the seating area up for Symphonic Band members to sit, or you may sit with your families after your performance.
• All students are expected to remain for the entire concert. This includes Symphonic Band members so that the Wind Ensemble can have the same audience experience you did.

Audience Members

• There are two ensembles performing: the Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble. The Symphonic Band is a combined band encompassing three different classes (9th Grade Brass, 9th Grade Woodwinds and Percussion, and the Symphonic Band that meets during 3rd Block on B Days.
• Audience members may enter through door 24A and walk around to the auditorium entrance near the Commons area, or they may enter through Roy's Alley. I will ask the custodial staff to open the doors to Roy's Alley at 6:15 PM. 
• Programs will be available in an online format. There will be QR codes on music stands as you enter the auditorium as well as in the band room (for students) on the TV. You may view the program by going to this link:
  • 2023 GBHS Band December Concert Program

The students and I look forward to a great evening of music! We hope to see you there!

11/3 Senior Night and 11/4 Warrior Classic

11/1/2023 1:38 pm

The Marching Wildcats will be performing their 2023 show OVERTHRONE two more times!

First up is the last home football game vs. Nansemond River HS. 

Click here for the 11/3 itinerary

There is important information in the itinerary, especially for seniors and senior parents!

On Saturday, the Marching Wildcats will head to Darling Stadium to perform at the Warrior Classic.

Click here for the 11/4 itinerary.