Joining Band in 9th Grade
It is with great excitement that we welcome you to a new year in the Hickory High School Band program! Playing a musical instrument and acquiring the unique habits of mind that come with it is one of the most incredible opportunities that our school can offer your child. The instrument in your child’s hands has the power to transform their life in ways that no other endeavor can. At Hickory High School, you will find our Band program is comprehensive, rewarding and exhilarating creating lifelong lessons and memories. The Hickory Band is a 16-time Virginia Honor Band and past participant in the Bands of America Grand National Championships placing 44th in the country.
Course Selection
Choose “Concert Band” on your course selection sheet during January/February of your 8th Grade year.
Don’t worry! If you didn’t choose Concert Band, but you want to be in band, it’s not too late! Just let your guidance counselor or one of the HMS/HHS Band Directors know and we will follow up with your guidance counselor.
Band Classes at HHS – During School
All 9th grade students will be enrolled in one of two Concert Band classes.
High School Band operates on an alternating day (A/B) schedule. Students will have a 90 minute band class every other day during 1st block. Their first block on the alternating day will most likely be P.E.
The Marching Hawks
The Hickory Marching Hawks have a long history of excellence and are one of the most dedicated and passionate organizations at Hickory High School. Known as one of the finest Marching Bands in Virginia, the Marching Hawks travel to 4-6 competitions and perform at all home football games from September through November.
All Band students are encouraged to join the Marching Hawks. The season begins with an August Band Camp. When school begins, rehearsals are after school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
To learn more about the Marching Hawks and to sign up, visit our Marching Band page HERE! Marching Band Commitment Forms and Deposits are due by May 17th!!
From the Directors
Music education is more than just playing an instrument; it is immersing your child in a culture of successful students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each child to use the creative side of their brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language…MUSIC.
All of the current data clearly states that students involved in music education academically outperform their non-musical counterparts. But, more importantly, studies are showing that music students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drugs, alcohol and other poor choices.
Playing a musical instrument and acquiring the unique habits of mind that come with it is one of the most incredible opportunities that our school can offer your child. The instrument in your child’s hands has the power to transform their life in ways that no other endeavor can. In addition to musical accomplishments, this year your child will learn to:
- Treasure the escape from “high-stakes” studies. It seems that everywhere we turn, academic expectations run higher and panic begins to set in: about acing the exam, passing the SOL tests, or keeping up with “high-achieving” peers. Playing a musical instrument helps parents pull their children off this fast track, if even for a moment, and not worry that other children will wind up “ahead”. Instrumental music gives children room to find their genuine passions, the freedom to discover true independence, and the space to fail and bounce back. They will become better people this year through their musical studies.
- Embrace the “offline” time. Your child’s ability to become a deep and complex person relies so much upon their ability to build their attention span. In our lightning-fast digital world, children do not have enough opportunities to build understanding and intelligence through mindful solitary activities. Musical instrument instruction facilitates this offline, “slow world” learning and brings children together in a unique, “unplugged” ensemble when they have Band.
- Understand that your child’s instrumental music experience is just as (if not more) crucial to their growth as human beings than any other subject. Music is much more than a “special” or a “frill” subject — it is a core subject, and it should be approached that way by all of us. When taught with healthy rigor, it is often the most enjoyable subject during the school day, and the home practice should be treated as an essential part of the homework routine. When taught well and supported at home, the craft of learning a musical instrument develops fortitude, willpower, and metacognitive skills that parents stay up at night hoping their children have when they grow up.