Northwest High School Concert Band

During the winter and spring, Northwest High School band students participate in one of two concert bands. Both groups rehearse daily from 8:10 am until approximately 8:55 am. Both bands will perform at three band concerts in December, February, and May held at the Northwest High School auditorium. They will also perform at band competitions and festivals around central Iowa.

Auditions

Band students audition for the Northwest Wind Symphony and the Northwest Concert Band. Auditions for concert bands takes place in the spring (for the following school year) during school hours. These auditions are not required, however everyone is encouraged to audition. Students who opt not to audition will be automatically placed in Concert Band. Students are provided audition materials that include scales, a prepared piece, and sight-reading. Audition times are assigned.

Concert Band Rosters are subject to change throughout September and early October.

Northwest Wind Symphony

The Northwest Wind Symphony is an approximately forty-piece ensemble comprised of talented high school musicians who earn membership on the basis of audition. The Symphony is directed by Mr. Strohmaier. They focus on the fine details of musicality and performance precision. Wind Symphony meets daily starting second term in the south band room (A232).

Northwest Concert Band

The Northwest Concert Band is the large instrumental concert ensemble within Northwest High School, which is open to all band students. They focus on refining the ensemble skills and tone production. The Northwest Concert Band is comprised of about 65 students and is directed by Mr. Friesleben. Concert Band meets daily starting second term in the north band room (A234).

ALL students should be in their seat warmed up and ready to begin at 8:10 each morning.

Lessons

Each band student will be responsible to schedule and attend four lessons during terms 2 and three lessons during term 3 and 4. All woodwind players and concert band percussionists should schedule their lessons with Mr. Friesleben. All brass players and wind symphony percussionists should schedule their lessons with Mr. Strohmaier.

There are a limited number of lesson slots available with each director and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Students should sign up for lessons early so that they do not miss getting them done.

Mr. Strohmaier Lessons - Music & Visual Checkoff’s and Lessons (Brass and Percussion)

Mr. Friesleben’s Lessons - Music & Visual Checkoff’s and Lessons (Woodwinds and Guard)

Ms. Flatt’s Lessons - List of Students click here.

Concert Attire

For concert band, students are asked to provide their own black formal wear. Students may wear a dress, provided that it is goes past the knee when the student is seated, or may wear black pants and a black shirt. Neck ties and black suit coats are encouraged.