This course continues the development of basic instrumental music skills.  Students focus on the fundamentals of music, correct tone production, balance, intonation, and ensemble playing through the study of simple band literature.  Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected. 
** DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Students will perform grade 4 music from the North Carolina Band Association music list. In addition, students will learn basic music theory. Due to block scheduling, students should use two of their electives to participate in a year long band program.

Students continue to study the fundamentals of music while performing more advanced literature.  Aesthetic awareness and technical ability is developed through a variety of performance opportunities.  Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.
** DIRECTOR'S NOTE: Entry in this class is by audition only, or by middle school Director  recommendation.  The band director gives out audition music to both Apex High and Middle School students in the spring. Contact the director to express your interest and to obtain the music.  Auditions are held yearly during April for the upcoming year's Fall/Spring classes.  Check with the director for the exact date.  The audition consists of:

Students will perform grade 5 music from the North Carolina Band Association music list. In addition, students will learn basic music theory. With block scheduling, students should use two of their electives to participate in a year long band program.

Students who have demonstrated advanced skill level and serious commitment are eligible to take honors level Band III.  Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, extensive knowledge of all areas of music including music theory, and an in-depth study of a variety of advanced music literature.  Participation in after-school rehearsals and performances is expected.
** DIRECTOR'S NOTE: This is an Honors level/credit class.  Entry in this class is limited by audition only.  The band director gives out audition music to both Apex High and Middle School students in the spring. Contact the director to express your interest and to obtain the music.  Auditions are held yearly during April for the upcoming year's Fall/Spring classes.  Check with the director for the exact date.  The audition consists of:

Students will perform grade 5-6 music from the North Carolina Band Association music list. Students will also learn basic/advanced music theory. This is the Premier band at Apex High School and is comprised mostly of upper classmen but freshmen are encouraged to audition.  With block scheduling, students should use two of their electives to participate in a year long band program. 

Extra Curricular Activities

Jazz Band participation is voluntary, and there is no audition required to participate in the program; however, in order to keep your membership, you will need to attend rehearsals regularly and practice your music diligently on your own.  The Jazz Band meets after school one to two days a week from 2:30 – 4:00pm, but because of marching season Jazz Band usually starts around December.  Students will perform all styles of jazz literature, and improvisation is a must for all jazz band students. Students will also learn basic/advanced music theory.  Students may perform a local concert, and attend the State Jazz Band Festival taking place around the 1st week of May.  It may be possible for us to have two jazz bands, as long as we have enough students and the correct instrumentation.

Marching Band

Being in the marching band requires a time commitment comparable to extra-curricular athletics. All students are expected to attend band camp during the summer. It is held at the high school over a two week timeframe, followed by Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening practices until school starts.  Once school has started, the marching band rehearses every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school from 2:45-5:30pm. This continues through the Christmas parade season. There are also rehearsals scheduled, as needed, on Friday afternoons during competition season. Other section rehearsals are scheduled as needed. The band plays at all home football games. Competitions are held on Saturdays, usually starting the last week-end in September and finishing the first week-end in November. There are usually 3-4 parades during the holiday season.  For more information about Marching Band, follow the link to view the current Marching Band Schedule.