Hudson Ensemble Information
The Hudson 5-12 Band Program is a developing program focused on the well-rounded music education of all students. Through the program, we hope to show students how to succeed through hard work, passion for music, and teamwork with their fellow band members. Membership is open to all 5-12 band students who currently play a band instrument. Students participating in the program receive regular individual lessons, group instruction, and various "extra" opportunities such as honor bands, music tours, and more.
Beginning Band
The Hudson Beginning Band Program begins with 5th and 6th grade. Students are interviewed for an instrument via pitch-matching, pitch-identification, and rhythm-identification tests, as well as through a "try-out" on each instrument. After instrument selection is finished, 5th grade students begin their band experience by the middle of September of their 5th grade year.
When the school year begins, 5th and 6th grade students receive one lesson each week, as well as group band instruction for 35 minutes. Fifth graders meet every Monday/Thursday, Sixth graders meet every Tuesday/Friday, and both classes alternate every-other Wednesday. The Beginning Bands perform on the 5th-6th Band/Music Winter Concert in December and the 5th-12th Spring Band Concert at the end of the year.
Junior High Concert Band
The Junior High School Band at Hudson consists of students in 7th and 8th grade and rehearses 2-3 times per week. Students in the Junior High Band receive one individual or group lesson each week. This ensemble performs in the Winter, Pops, and Spring Concerts. Students may attend our yearly Adventureland Music Festival trip. Honor band experiences are also offered to deserving students.
High School Concert/Marching/Pep Bands
The High School Concert Band consists of students in grades 9-12. This ensemble performs at the Winter, Pops, and Spring Concerts, the State Large Group Festival, as well at all home football games and double-header basketball games. Students in the High School Band receive one individual lesson every two weeks. Students may also be required to participate in the Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Honor band experiences are also offered to deserving students. Hudson Band students are also granted the opportunity to travel on a music tour every four years.
Jazz Bands
Auditions/Enrollment for the Jazz Band is offered in early October. Students are invited to play either their primary instrument or learn a new instrument for this band. The band will perform at the IHSMA Jazz Contest (HS), the NEIBA Jazz Festival (JH & HS), and the Tallcorn Jazz Festival (HS).
The 6th-8th Jazz Band will rehearse Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:00-7:55 AM. The 9th-12th Jazz Band will rehearse Mondays and Thursdays from 7:00-7:55 AM.
Jr. High/High School Lessons
Individual lessons are required for all Junior High and High School Band students. Students are required to have at least 4 lessons per quarter, which cover ensemble literature as well as individual development on their instrument.