Join the region's finest and most motivated young musicians and play in our regional concert band program!

Professional-level coaching by our conductor/director, Jason Bielik, and Indian Hill Music faculty musicians

Thursday night rehearsals (6:15-7:45pm) and rotating instrument sectionals (7:45-8:15pm)

Two annual concerts

Students can take advantage of exclusive benefits to deepen their music education by attending Performance Workshops, Concerts, Masterclasses, and many other events for FREE!

Generously supported by Claudia Castro and the Faulkner family

FAQs

About the Ensemble and Student Eligibility
Our new ensemble is designed for highly motivated young musicians who are seeking experience in an advanced level wind ensemble. Students will receive professional-level coaching by our conductor/director, Jason Bielik, and Indian Hill Music faculty musicians in small-group sectionals.

All interested and motivated students in Grades 7-12 are welcome. Younger students with high level playing skills may be allowed to participate with permission of the Director. Three years of prior playing experience is recommended. Participants do not have to take private lessons at Indian Hill Music, but do need to participate in their school's band program if offered.

About the Director
IHM’s Youth Wind Ensemble Director is Jason Bielik. In his time as Director of Bands at North Middlesex Regional High School in Townsend, MA, Jason’s groups have earned gold medals at MICCA and MAJE events and won division titles at NESBA fall and winter events. The Wind Symphony and Concert Band have also participated in the MICCA Gold Medal Showcase numerous times, performing at Mechanics Hall and Symphony Hall. In 2016 the NMRHS Wind Symphony was a featured Concert Hour performer at the MMEA All-State Conference.

Tuition
$395 for the year. Students may join the program at any time (with pro-rated tuition), by audition.

Instruments
All woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments are eligible. Woodwind and brass students must own or have access to their own instruments. Percussion students -- all necessary instruments will be provided by IHM; students may provide their own sticks and mallets.

Schedule and Calendar
Thursdays, 6:15-7:45 pm from October through May.We do not offer makeup classes when rehearsals have to be cancelled due to snow days or other emergencies. In the event of Director illness, we will do our best to provide a substitute conductor for the rehearsal.

Sectionals
Throughout the school year professional coaches from the Music School faculty and musicians from the Orchestra of Indian Hill provide additional instruction for each section of the band. These will occur twice per performance cycle at 7:45 pm (after the full ensemble rehearsal).

Performance
The group will present performances in IHM’s Camilla Blackman Hall in December and May.

Practice Requirements
Regular home practice is required, as the music will be challenging and rehearsals will focus on ensemble playing and interpretation of the written material.

Attendance Requirements
Unexcused absences are not allowed from rehearsals, dress rehearsals, or concerts. Students are allowed one (1) excused absence for each of the two concert semesters. Examples of commitments and circumstances which can be eligible as excused absences: district/regional/state music festivals and competitions, school concerts and dress rehearsals in which the student is performing, family emergencies, prolonged illness, observance of major religious holidays. Members of each ensemble are required to attend all dress rehearsals and concerts unless excused by the Director. At the discretion of the Director, students who miss a dress rehearsal may not be allowed to perform in the concert.

In-School Band Programs
Members are expected to participate in their school’s band program if one is offered. The IHM Youth Wind Ensemble is considered extra-curricular, and is not intended to replace a school’s band program for any student. If there are extraordinary circumstances preventing an IHM Youth Wind Ensemble student or potential student from participating in their school’s band program, the family should contact IHM's Class & Ensemble Manager.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Indian Hill Music School reserves the right at any time to cancel a class due to insufficient enrollment. We will make every effort to hold all classes offered. In the case of a cancellation, those affected will be notified as soon as possible and a full refund will be issued if another suitable class is not available.