Fine Arts - Band
Advanced Band
Membership in the Advanced Band is open to all students. The Advanced Band performs a variety of music suited to the performance level of the group. All members are encouraged to audition for the Marching Band, however, participation is optional. Performances include the Winter and Spring Concerts and participation in VBODA band festivals. After school performances and rehearsals are a part of the requirements for the Advanced Band.Concert Band
Membership of the Concert Band is open to all students by audition. The Concert Band presents a balanced study of performance literature at a level suited to the abilities, talents and interests of its members. Concert Band members are required to participate in the Marching Band. The band performs in the Winter and Spring Concerts and participates in VBODA band festivals. After school performances and rehearsals are a part of the requirements for the Concert Band.Symphonic Band
Membership of Symphonic Band is drawn from the most advanced performers and selected by audition. Members are required to participate in the Marching Band. The Symphonic Band concentrates on music literature for most advanced performers. In addition, the Symphonic Band performs at many concerts including the Winter and Spring Concerts and participates in VBODA band festivals. After-school performances and rehearsals are a part of the requirements for the band.Marching Band
The James River Regiment is composed of students enrolled in the band program. Membership for the ensuing year will be determined before Christmas break. A commitment to attend all games is necessary. All absences are to be approved by the band director. The Regiment performs at JRHS varsity football games, several band competitions, the Ukrops/Jaycees Christmas Parade, County Marching Band Festival and the VBODA State Marching Band Festival. In addition to a two to three week camp during the summer, the regiment rehearses several days per week after school throughout September and October. The members must be enrolled in a band class to participate in the regiment as an instrumentalist. There is a participation fee. The Regiment also has an alternate policy which are determined by these factors:- Instrumentation. The drill is written for an exact number of the instruments as determined by the drill writer.
- Those members who do not attend the full marching band camp.
- Those members who fail to memorize music or complete color guard work by the given deadline.
- Attitude, attendance and behavior at marching band practice and events.
- Those students who have additional school programs that conflict with the rehearsals and performances of the marching band.
- Those students who voluntarily become an alternate.
Alternates are considered valuable members of the James River Regiment.
All alternates will be given performance opportunities during the marching
season. The Band Director and JRHS Band Booster Executive Board determine
participation fees. After July 1st of each year, marching band camp fees
will only be refunded to those students who are relocating or those who
have a medical condition precluding participation with a written physician's
note. Refunds for any other circumstances will be at the discretion of
the Executive Board. Al requests for refunds or waivers must be submitted
in writing to the Executive Board. All requests for refunds or waivers
must be reviewed and approved by the Executive Board. New students, entering
the band program after the start of the school, will pay a Band Fee of
$100 to cover the costs of uniform rental, cleaning and transportation.
Show Choir Band
In the event that the JRHS show choirs require a live band, the JRHS choir and the band director will select the members of this band. Band members are required to attend all after school rehearsals and performances of the show choirs.Pep Band
The Pep Band plays at school basketball games in the late fall and winter, and will play stand music at most home games. Membership in the Pep Band is open to all musicians in the James River band program, however, selection is determined first chair position. Auditions may be required as determined by the Band Director and parent sponsors organize the Pep Band.Jazz Band
Membership in the Jazz Band is selected from those students who audition. Members must be enrolled in the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, or Advanced Band. The Jazz Band studies and performs various forms of popular music and varied styles that are associated with Jazz, Rock, Latin and Fusion music.Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire is an indoor drum ensemble consisting of members of the JRHS band program. This is a competitive group that performs percussion ensemble music of the highest level. There is a participation fee and you must be willing to stay after school for the scheduled practices.Music Theory
Music Theory provides an opportunity to study through analysis and composition the mechanics of written music, melody, countermelody, harmony, rhythmic structure, as well as the history of music and the study of styles (classic, baroque, romantic, impressionist, modern, and contemporary).