About The Bettye Davis East Band Program

The Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School band program is a multi level program that offers students the ability to grow their skills and knowledge over their high school career. We offer ensembles at all levels of ability.

ENSEMBLES:

Concert Band:
There is no required audition for Concert Band; however, instrumental music experience is required to join. The goal of Concert Band is learning the techniques and skills that are required of the higher-level ensembles. The Concert band performs 2-3 formal concerts throughout the year. The music level performed by the Concert Band will be on a 1 to 2.5 scale based on the American Band College Music Grading Chart.

Symphonic Band:
The Symphonic Band is our advancing musician level ensemble. It requires an audition and director’s approval to join. The Symphonic Band will perform 4 to 6 formal concerts a year and may be combined with the Wind Ensemble for special performances. The music level performed by the Symphonic Band will be on a 2 to 3.5 scale based on the American Band College Music Grading Chart.

Wind Ensemble:
The Wind Ensemble is our elite ensemble. It requires an audition and director’s approval to join. The Wind Ensemble performs 6-10 formal concerts a year, Is the instrumental ambassador of the band program, and can travel both in and out of state for competitions and various learning opportunities. The music level performed by the Wind Ensemble will be on a 3 to 5 scale based on the American Band College Music Grading Chart. The Wind Ensemble also combines with the advanced orchestra to play orchestral symphonic works at concerts and festivals.

Percussion Ensemble:
The Percussion Ensemble will perform for all ensembles in the band program. Students learn playing technique on tuned and un-tuned percussion. They will be able to play in both marching percussion and symphonic percussion ensembles. Students will be selected for which ensemble they are playing for based on ability and need. The percussion ensemble may also play as an individual ensemble in their own concert events. The Percussion Ensemble requires outside of school time rehearsal in addition to class time.

Thunderbird Marching Band:
The Thunderbird Marching Band is a combined group of students from Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble that perform at home football games and competitions throughout the state. The Marching Band will rehearse outside of school hours for the 6 weeks of the marching season.

Jazz Band:
Our other top-level ensemble is the Jazz band. It is comprised of members from the other ensembles and meets during 0 hour. Students who are in jazz band must be available to start rehearsal at 7:45 am Tuesday through Friday. There is a required audition to join. Students must be in a core band class to be in Jazz Band per ASAA regulations. The Jazz band may travel with the Wind Ensemble and performs in formal concerts, community events and, school functions.

Pep Band:
The Pep Band is a combined group of students from Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble that provide music and entertainment at sporting events throughout the year. It is loud and lively, and it is a chance for the students to play different music than we would normally play for formal concerts.