McHenry District 15's band instruction is aligned with the Illinois Arts Learning Standards for Music: creating, performing, responding, and connecting. Band is a performance-based class that focuses on techniques needed to perform on each student’s chosen instrument, the interpretation of musical notation, and ensemble concepts such as balance, blend, and tuning. Students perform at two concerts each year in addition to performing for various events and festivals. 

Key Learning Topics:

• Tone Production: Develop a concept of fine tone and the skills needed to achieve it.
• Music Notation: The ability to devise musical sounds from written musical notation without an auditory example.
• Scales and Technique: The ability to play quickly and fluently through all registers of the students' chosen instrument through various keys.
• Intonation: Recognition of good and poor tuning along with the ability to apply corrective techniques.
• Musicality: Knowledge of standard tempo, stylistic, and dynamic markings and how to execute them in performance; locate normal phrasing points in a musical line and to shape the phrase appropriately.
• Performance: Demonstrate professional stage presence at public concerts and festivals.
• Listening: Ability to listen critically to your own performances and those of others.