Ensembles

EHS Bands gives students multiple ways to grow as musicians, performers, leaders, and members of the Erie community — through marching, concert, jazz, percussion, unified, and honor opportunities.

Marching Band

Summer camp, local parades, weekly rehearsals, football games, Color Guard, and the first major performance season of the year.

Concert Bands

Freshman, Veteran (Symphonic), Advanced Symphonic, Wind Ensemble, Unified Band, and Unified Percussion.

Jazz Band

Auditioned jazz ensemble for concerts, festivals, clinics, and community performances.

Pit Orchestra

Production-specific ensemble for the annual EHS musical.

Honor & All-State

District and state audition opportunities for committed musicians.

Concert Bands at a glance

After marching season, students move into spring sit-down ensembles. Veteran Concert Band is Erie’s Symphonic Band pathway.

Freshman Concert Band

Developing concert experience — no audition; register for Concert Band.

Veteran Concert Band (Symphonic)

Advanced spring ensemble with auditioned placement.

Advanced Symphonic Band

Higher symphonic placement for advanced literature and responsibility.

Wind Ensemble

Supplemental advanced ensemble beyond the school-day concert program.

Unified Band

Inclusive concert participation and peer mentoring.

Unified Percussion

Inclusive percussion pathway (also called Unified Drumline).

Marching Band family

Marching Band is the parent performance group for several Erie seasonal pathways.

Percussion Ensemble / Drumline

Fall percussion class, clinics, auditions, and drumline-specific preparation.

Color Guard / Winter Guard

Coming soon — still looking for an instructor. Not open for the current season yet.

Pep Band

School-spirit performances that grow out of the marching-band culture.

Coming soon

Jazz Combos

Coming soon — not currently offered. Page reserved for a future combo track.

Color Guard / Winter Guard

Coming soon — seeking an instructor before launch.

School-day band classes

Official EHS listings include Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Percussion, Symphonic Band, and Unified Band. Some offerings meet after school or seasonally.

Co-curricular activities

Official school activity listing for public Erie program information.

Performing Arts

School performing-arts overview and related department information.

Course registration

Use the course catalog when checking class pathways, names, and enrollment details.

Auditions & registration

Band-specific Erie guidance for auditions, placement, and how the pathways fit together.

Concert Black

Concert ensembles generally perform in Concert Black.

Preferred

  • Black suit, shirt, and tie
  • Black tuxedo
  • Black pantsuit
  • Black calf-length or longer dress with appropriate sleeves

Minimum

  • Black button-down dress shirt or blouse (no T-shirts/sweatshirts)
  • Black dress pants or slacks (no denim/sweatpants)
  • Black crew-length or longer socks
  • All-black dress shoes (no sneakers)

Student & family resources

Program-wide links for all ensembles. Marching camp, attire, music, and season dates live on the Marching Band page.

Lettering & Letter Jackets

Last year’s lettering application required four points earned during the school year, enrollment in band each semester, and no unexcused missed performances. Historical point categories included Honor Band, All State auditions, Solo & Ensemble, leadership, Wind Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, private lessons, scale memorization, approved service hours, and full attendance at performances.

Because lettering requirements can be revised from year to year, this should be treated as a historical guide until the current form is confirmed.

FAQ

Which ensembles require auditions?

Jazz Band and Symphonic / Veteran Concert Band have dedicated audition pages. Pit Orchestra auditions are tied to the annual musical. Percussion uses clinics and placement. Honor and All-State require separate auditions. Concert Band (including Freshman) does not require an audition.

What do students wear for concerts?

Concert Black unless the event itinerary says otherwise.

How are schedule changes communicated?

Live Google Calendar, director emails, and Band.us. Leadership uses Slack; some student sections also use Discord or GroupMe.

Where are current dates posted?

The live EHS Band calendar and current director communications.

Are private lessons required?

Not required, but strongly encouraged. See Private Lessons.

Financial support?

Contact Mr. Fruits privately when a fee or required item creates a barrier.

Director: Fruits_Zachary@svvsd.org