The Silver Magic Band program upholds a tradition of musical, visual, and marching excellence. The program includes the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Drum Line, Indoor Percussion, and Winter Guard.
Silver Magic Band: Ensembles
Marching Band
All students registered for band class are expected to participate in the Silver Magic Marching Band and all appropriate rehearsals and performances. There are two evening rehearsals per week during the fall semester only.
The Silver Magic Marching Band is a highly respected and prestigious ensemble. We pride ourselves on our high quality of performances. This is the most visible ensemble in the band program and requires dedication and a drive to improve. Students may be exempt from the marching band as long as they fulfill all of the following criteria:
1. ** The student must be an upperclassman. All freshmen and first year members must participate in marching band.
2. The student must commit to a project as determined by the band director for the duration of the marching season.
3. The student must audition for All-County, and must perform a solo at the district FBA Solo and Ensemble MPA. If qualified, the student must also perform for the state MPA.
**Exceptions will be made for the 2008-2009 year only.
The band staff under the advisement of the school administration, reserves the right to dismiss any person from the band who poses a constant behavior problem or violates the policies presented in this handbook and the Mariner High School Student Handbook. Persons who withdraw in mid season or after the first semester will forfeit all rights and privileges as band members and cannot participate in any band events, including marching band trips that occur during this time. Furthermore, all fees related to the marching band season will continue to be the responsibility of the student that is dismissed. These students must also audition for placement before they can re-enter the band in future semesters.
Fundamentals Camp (Starting summer 2009)
This is a four-day marching fundamental camp held at the beginning of June. Freshmen, new members, and Student Leaders are to attend all four days. Upperclassmen are to attend the final 2 days. This camp serves as an introduction to marching for incoming freshmen and a refresher for returning members. Music for the following season will be distributed and rehearsed during this camp. Schedule family vacations and appointments around this band camp.
If you do not attend the Fundamental Camp and do not contact the Band Director you will not have a marching spot in the show! Keep in mind that marching band is a requirement of all band classes. You will need to change your schedule or request an exemption if you do not plan to march.
Full Band Camp
Summer band camp is required of all band and colorguard members. This is the most intense rehearsal and practice time during the year. The marching show drill and music are be learned and rehearsed during this time. If you are unable to attend the full band camp, you must contact the Band Director. Schedule family vacations and appointments around this band camp. Marching in a drum corps will be the only acceptable excuse for missing band camp. This MUST be cleared with the Band Director.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is made up of the top musicians in the band program. Membership requires outstanding performance ability (determined by an audition), behavior, and pride for the band. This band plays more difficult music than the other bands. The ensemble concentrates on advanced literature and advanced skill development. Participation in the district solo and ensemble MPA is required. This ensemble performs at all band concerts and FBA district and state MPA. Although Wind Ensemble is our most prestigious concert ensemble, they play very difficult music that requires students to rehearse after school. They are also judged harder at competitions and festivals because it is supposed to be an ensemble reserved for only the very best musicians with the strongest dedication to music performance.
Concert Band
This group of students is made up of students who are extremely talented and hard-working, and are gaining the necessary experience to be accepted to the Wind Ensemble. This group is just as important, and most likely will also be attending the FBA district MPA. The concert band has the same standards of musical excellence as the Wind Ensemble, but with music that is not quite as difficult as the Wind Ensemble. This makes it easier to concentrate on developing the fundamental skills necessary for the best possible musical performance. Participation in marching band is required.
Jazz Band
Jazz band is comprised of students from the wind ensemble and concert band who maintain a high level of proficiency on their instrument and wish to expand their musical experience. This ensemble is open through audition only. There are currently two ensembles offered at Mariner. Membership in either ensemble is available by audition only.
Percussion
The percussion class is made up of students with prior percussion experience at the middle school level, and a recommendation of the band director. Students will be exposed to battery percussion and concert percussion. All students will be expected to learn mallet instruments. All members of the percussion class are required to be members of the marching band and winter indoor percussion ensemble. This course requires additional practices outside the regular school day.
Drum line members are assigned parts and instruments based on an audition in the spring of each year. The drum line instructor and the Band Director conduct this audition. The Band Director in consultation with the drum line instructor makes these decisions final. Assignments are based on need, ability, and the best placement in regard to the drum line as a whole.
The Front Ensemble is made up of highly talented percussionists who are not placed on the drum line. This is a highly important section of the marching band, and is comprised of concert percussion instruments. The emphasis of this group is mallet percussion, timpani, and concert percussion accessories.
Guard
This course is open by audition and placement only. Members of the Mariner High School Silver Magic Colorguard are selected by a tryout procedure in the spring of each year. Tryout information will be distributed during the 3rd quarter of the school year. The size of the group itself changes from year to year based on the show and the size of the band. The Band Director determines the number selected with Colorguard sponsor and instructor.
All members of the Colorguard must be available to practice and perform with the Mariner Silver Magic Marching Band. All rehearsals and performances are required to maintain membership. Any unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the band program. Colorguard members are considered members of the Silver Magic Band and are entitled to all rights and privileges of trips and events sponsored by the Silver Magic Band. All members are expected to participate in all fundraisers.
During the winter months, colorguard members become a part of the Indoor Winterguard. This performing group requires additional practices, and will compete at several competitions throughout the season.