Welcome to the Firelands high School Marching Band Website

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band replaces marching band and runs from November to June. Our goal will be to have some of the woodwinds switch to other instruments to help balance the band sound properly so we can go to District as a properly proportioned group.
In Symphonic Band, students are expected to look and perform to the best of their abilities. For concerts the dress code is as follows: plain white shirt (no other colors underneath), neckties for the guys, black dress slacks (with dark belts and conservative belt buckles) and black dress shoes. If ladies wear a black skirt we ask that it cover the knees while seated during performance. We DO NOT wear jeans, sneakers, ripped anything, or "do rags." We want a professional sound; we need a professional look.

To be successful in Band you MUST practice at home. Daily rehearsals are for combining parts and refining the sound of the band as a whole, NOT for learning your individual part. We are only as good as our weakest player.

When Practicing use the following procedure

Daily Practice Routine

30 minutes minimum

-Long tones- whole note scales, and/or pedal tones for brass players
-Dexterity exercises- scale passages and etudes from maximum strength warm-ups or Foundations for Superior -Performance
-Band Music/ please practice parts where you are having difficulty, not necessarily your favorite part!
-Solo and Ensemble Literature if applicable
-Work regularly with a metronome and Tuner to ensure accuracy of pitch and tempo.

Following this regular routine will pay off in dividends in the long run. Most importantly, find time to have fun with your instrument too!

Circle of Fifths

Great worksheet to help you memorize your scales!

Free Online Metronome