Wind Ensemble
Curriculum-Based
The Wind Ensemble is a balanced ensemble of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The Lafayette Wind Ensemble meets during the seventh hour of the school day, and is the premier concert ensemble in the Band Program. The Wind Ensemble is comprised of students in grades 9 – 12 who are at an advanced level of performance on their instrument. The Lafayette Wind Ensemble will perform 5-6 concerts per year, including the Missouri State Large Ensemble Festival in the spring semester.
Auditions for the Wind Ensemble are held in February. Details about auditions will be given to students and all middle school band directors in mid-January.
Symphonic Band
Curriculum-Based
The Symphonic Band is a balanced ensemble of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The Lafayette Symphonic Band meets during the sixth hour of the school day, and is the middle ensemble in the Band Program and serves as a bridge between Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. The Symphonic band is comprised of students in grades 9 – 12 who are at a moderate level of performance on their instrument. The Lafayette Symphonic band will perform 5-6 concerts per year, including the Missouri State Large Ensemble Festival in the spring semester.
Auditions for the Lafayette Symphonic band are held in February. Details about auditions will be given to students and all middle school band directors in mid-January.
Concert Band
Curriculum-Based
The Concert Band is a performing ensemble consisting of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. The Lafayette Concert Band meets during the fifth hour of the school day. The Lafayette Concert Band consists of students in grades 9-12 and performs 4-5 concerts per year, and may include the Missouri State Large Ensemble Festival in the spring semester.
Percussion
Curriculum and Activity-Based
The Percussion Class meets during the 6th and 7th hours of the school day. The class consists of freshman through senior musicians. Percussion students focus on the playing techniques of snare drum, mallet instruments, timpani, and auxiliary percussion. Percussionists perform as members of the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and several percussion ensembles throughout the school year.
Jazz Band
Curriculum and Activity-Based
Jazz Ensemble is a fun and exciting performance ensemble in the Lafayette Band Program that focuses on performing the styles of swing, latin, funk, and rock music. The members of the Jazz Ensemble work together on both ensemble performance and individual jazz improvisation. We will rehearse a dynamic variety of repertoire for multiple performances throughout the school year. A high level of proficiency and commitment to musical growth is expected that will serve as a challenging and rewarding experience for our performers.
The Jazz Ensemble consists of alto saxophones, tenor saxophones, baritone saxophone, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass (upright and electric), drums, and auxiliary percussion (vibes and latin percussion).
Lancer Regiment Marching Band
Activity-Based
Marching Band meets after school Monday through Thursday until early November. Students must be a member of Concert, Symphonic, or Wind Ensemble to be a member of the Lancer Regiment. The Lancer Regiment also rehearses during the summer beginning in July. This includes a full week of band camp at Truman State University. This is an exciting group and a highlight for band students each year.
The Lancer Regiment performs at all home football games and five or six competitions in the fall. The band may also travel to participate in Festivals or Competitions in other states.
Color Guard
Activity-Based
Fall Color Guard is a vital part of the Lancer Regiment Marching Band and is open to all students. Auditions for the Color Guard are typically held in late April or early May. Color Guard members learn how to spin flags…
Home Court Advantage
Activity-Based
Home Court Advantage is the basketball pep band. They perform at 6-8 girls and boys varsity games each year. There are no auditions for this group. It is a volunteer group. There is one rehearsal in November and Home Court Advantage performs at home games in December, January and February.
Pit Orchestra
Activity-Based
Pit Orchestra is an opportunity for students to accompany performers in musicals or other shows involving music. What better way to experience a theatrical peformance than with live music!
