Wind Ensemble
Welcome!
With a storied history of accomplishment, and an outstanding record of musicianship, the LLHS Tiger Wind Ensemble is comprised of the most accomplished musicians in the program. The Wind Ensemble is active throughout the school year, with several performances over the course of the year.
I Thought This Was ‘Band’…
It is ‘Band’! ‘Wind Ensemble’ is a fancier term, denoting the higher level of musicianship the group performs at. It’s similar to the more familiar ‘Varsity’ and ‘Junior Varsity’ situation we often see in sports. In this case, the Wind Ensemble is equal to being placed on the Varsity team. So, it’s still band. It’s just that this is the Varsity team, so the group receives a name that is more elegant to express this.
Wind Ensemble at LLHS
The LLHS Tiger Wind Ensemble includes the most accomplished musicians in our program. Students in all grades (9-12) are eligible for this group based on the Band Director’s recommendation. This course is only open to high school students who meet and exceed the requirements for Concert and Symphonic Bands. 9th Grade students who exceed the expectations of Symphonic Band may be asked to join Wind Ensemble in January if instrumentation is needed. The director will determine seating within sections according to playing ability and group requirements, although provisions for challenging within sections will be made. Members are held to very high performance standards. Attendance at ALL performances, sectionals, and rehearsals is required. Students must maintain state eligibility requirements to enter or remain in this group. This group may also take a trip to an appropriate regional festival each spring.
Expectations and Eligibility
Membership in the Tiger Wind Ensemble requires a substantial commitment of time, energy, and effort. Placement in this group is at the discretion of the Band Directors, and requires an audition. Rehearsals take place during school hours, however, it is expected that students practice at home a minimum of 30 minutes per day, at least six days a week. Students in this group are also highly encouraged to audition for District Honor Band, All-State Band, and Southwest Honor Band.
Additionally, students must maintain eligibility requirements as determined by the New Mexico Activities Association to be a full member of the marching band. This includes submitting an annual physical as well as maintaining a 2.0 GPA. Further information can be found on the NMAA website.
Lettering Requirements
General Band Requirements:
1. A student must have at least one and one-half years of service with the LLHS Tiger Band to be eligible for a letter. Exceptions may be made for transfer students from other schools that have completed one successful year in the LLHS Tiger Band. Exceptions will be handled on an individual basis by the band director.
2. Freshman lettering will be retroactive. A student may receive a letter for their freshman year if they have earned enough points to be eligible. However, they may not receive the letter until they have met the requirements for the second year. It is felt that the student must have at least one and one-half years of service with the LLHS Tiger Band in order to be eligible for the letter awards.
3. A student must attend ALL required performances in order to letter. Missing a required performance, in any ensemble, will result in no letter for that year. In the case of excused absences approved by the directors ahead of time, students may make up lettering points by doing extra service projects.