Welcome to Band at Great Bridge High School!

We are thrilled that you are interested in continuing your musical pursuits in high school and sharing your passion for music!  Our mission is to provide you with a positive and high-quality musical experience, while creating a tight-knit and supportive community for both you and your family.

The bands at Great Bridge High School are always working hard to create the best performances they can possibly attain, and you will soon be a part of our great group of musicians. 

If you are interested in auditioning for our ensembles please email us. We will guide you from there.

We cannot wait to meet you and your parents!

Sincerely,

Mr. Ross

Courses Offered

Students at Great Bridge High School have a number of curricular ensembles that meet during the school day. These courses are year long and are designed to be taken in succession from the ninth through the twelfth grade.

9th Grade Band 

All 9th grade students are placed in this ensemble to begin their musical journey at GBHS. The course is designed to continue building on the great foundation you received in middle school, and the ensemble meets in instrument-specific sessions (Woodwind Class, Brass Class, Percussion Class). These courses combine with the Symphonic Band to perform at our Winter and Spring Concerts as well as the V.B.O.D.A. District Concert Band Assessment. 

There are also opportunities for students to audition for the District and State level Honor Bands, and to join our Tri-M Music Honor Society. 

Audition Requirement: None

Symphonic Band

All students in grades 10-12 are placed in the Symphonic Band. The Symphonic Band continues to work on their individual and ensemble music skills, and performs at our Winter and Spring Concerts along with the V.B.O.D.A. District Concert Band Assessment.

There are also opportunities for students to audition for the District and State level Honor Bands, and to join our Tri-M Music Honor Society. 

Audition Requirement: None

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble is our advanced band class. This ensemble performs advanced wind band literature as they learn advanced techniques. Students in grades 10-12 are invited to audition to be placed in this group annually, and there are opportunities for students to audition for the Region, District, and State level Honor Bands as well as participate in the Tri-M Music Honor Society. 

Audition Requirement: Successful audition and chair placement

Honors Wind Ensemble 

The Honors Wind Ensemble meet at the same time as the Wind Ensemble, but is comprised of students in grades 11 and 12 who pass the Honors Music Test in addition to the completion of their Wind Ensemble audition. Students enrolled in the Honors Music course receive a weighted credit for participation in this section of the Wind Ensemble. 

Audition Requirement: Successful audition and chair placement and successful completion of the Honors Music Test

Additional Curricular Music Courses

There are a few additional opportunities for students to participate in music courses at GBHS. They include Music Theory, which focuses on how music is constructed, and our two guitar sections, Beginning Guitar and Guitar 2. These are semester-long courses. For more information, contact Mr. Ross or Dr. Sanders.

Co-Curricular Band Opportunities

Marching Wildcats

The Great Bridge Marching Wildcats are one of the most visible and successful programs at Great Bridge High School, performing at community events, Great Bridge Football games, Parades, Pep Rallies, and competing at various marching band competitions in the state and region. The Marching Wildcats feature an incredibly diverse group of students from our community. These members are outstanding musicians who also participate in a number of additional activities. Marching Wildcat members were also a part of multiple school sports teams as well as our AFJROTC, National Honor Society, and countless clubs and organizations. We have had Honor Graduates, Valedictorians, Salutatorians, AP Student of the Year, participants and winners of the S.T.E.M. Congressional App Challenge, and Homecoming Kings and Queens. 

The Marching Wildcats are open to all current band students playing a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. Percussionists are placed on specific instruments during the spring and in the past have included members of the GBHS Orchestra. The Color Guard membership is comprised of students from all over the Great Bridge High School student population and does not require participation in a music class (even though many of our members come from the Choral and Orchestral programs!) but do meet in the spring for auditions and placement into the ensemble.

The deadline to join the Marching Wildcats is May 1, 2025. Information will be presented asynchronously as well as in person, with much more information to come!

Audition Requirement: No one is turned away from the Marching Wildcats, however we do hold placement auditions for Percussion (Drum Line), Color Guard, and our Leadership Team (Drum Majors, Captains, Section Leaders). There are numerous leadership opportunities available through the Marching Wildats!

GB Jazz

GB Jazz is a group of students who are interested in learning and performing music from the true American art form, Jazz! The group performs at multiple events during the year and meets weekly after school. Membership is open to all current band, orchestra, or choral students and placement is based on successful audition. 

Audition Requirement: Students will be placed on parts based on their skill level. If multiple students join for the rhythm section (drums, bass, guitar, piano) there will be a placement audition. 

Color Guard and Spin Club

The Great Bridge High School Color Guard and Spin Club are students from the GBHS community. They participate in an ensemble that combines elements of dance with learning how to spin flags and other implements. The Fall Color Guard participates with the Marching Wildcats, and our Spin Club meets during the winter to continue to refine skills while also bringing in new members to learn and be a part of an outstanding group of students! 

Audition Requirement: No prior experience is necessary! Everyone from Great Bridge High and Middle School is welcome to participate in the Spin Club. The Marching Wildcats Color Guard does have a series of clinics and auditions, but these are designed to place students on color guard equipment that matches their skill level. 

Questions about Color Guard? Email Mr. Donny Franklin