Musical Excellence Through Performance
The Glenwood Concert Bands program features multiple ensembles that perform throughout the year, showcasing the musical talents of our students through challenging and diverse repertoire. Our concert bands are the cornerstone of our instrumental music program, providing students with a strong foundation in musicianship and ensemble performance.
Through participation in our concert bands, students develop advanced musical skills, ensemble awareness, and a deep appreciation for various musical styles and genres. Our bands perform several concerts throughout the year and participate in IHSA organizational contests and festivals.
The Wind Ensemble is the top performing concert ensemble offered at GHS. This ensemble performs advanced high school and college level wind band literature and is made up of the top instrumental music students. Placements are selected based on auditions held during the Spring semester.
Members of the Wind Ensemble are expected to maintain a high level of musical excellence through regular practice and preparation. The ensemble performs at multiple concerts throughout the year, including our Winter and Spring concerts, and participates in IHSA organizational contests where we consistently earn Superior ratings. Students also have opportunities to perform in chamber ensembles and work with guest conductors and clinicians.
Wind Ensemble members often go on to perform in collegiate ensembles and many pursue careers in music education or performance. The ensemble's repertoire includes challenging works from renowned composers, exposing students to a wide range of musical styles and periods.
The GHS Symphonic Band is made up of developing and intermediate level musicians. This ensemble performs standard and advanced high school level wind band literature. Placements are selected based on auditions held during the Spring semester.
In Symphonic Band, students continue to develop their musical skills while exploring more challenging repertoire. The ensemble performs at our major concerts throughout the year and participates in IHSA organizational contests. Our focus is on building strong fundamental techniques, ensemble skills, and musicianship through the study of diverse musical styles.
Students in Symphonic Band are encouraged to take private lessons and participate in solo and ensemble contests. Many of our members successfully advance to Wind Ensemble after demonstrating growth in their musical abilities. The supportive environment allows students to challenge themselves while working collaboratively with their peers.
The GHS Concert Band is a non-auditioned ensemble open to any students with interest in instrumental music and who are willing to learn. This group is great for newer musicians or our students looking to learn a secondary or new band instrument. This group puts a focus on developing sound and technique and performs entry level high school wind band literature.
In Concert Band, students receive focused instruction on proper instrument technique, music reading, and ensemble playing. Our experienced music staff works closely with students to build a strong foundation in musicianship. The ensemble performs at our major concerts throughout the year, celebrating the progress and achievements of our developing musicians.
Students are encouraged to explore their musical interests and are supported in their growth as musicians. Many of our Concert Band members progress to more advanced ensembles as they develop their skills. The ensemble provides a welcoming environment where students can discover their love for music while building lasting friendships with their fellow musicians.