Band Director: Mr. Ken Guiher has been teaching at
JDHS since 1995. Mr. Guiher came to Alaska from Illinois over 20 years ago. In
his years at JDHS he has expanded the band program to include the Wind Ensemble
and has added a guitar class to the music department. He is a trumpet player.
He has played and directed the pit orchestra for the high school spring
musicals and plays with the Juneau Symphony. We are fortunate to have someone
with Mr. Guiher's experience and dedication as a teacher and mentor for our
students.
The four band classes offered at our school are all considered to be performance
groups. Students have the opportunity to play in large band groups as well as
small ensembles to increase their skills and confidence. The director bases the
placement of students in the various bands on their previous experience and his
evaluation. With three levels of bands, students have an opportunity to grow in
their music experience.
Intermediate Band: Intermediate
Band is an opportunity for students playing traditional band instruments to
receive instruction in ensemble performance and technique. Students who wish to
learn a new instrument may be admitted to this group through private study with
the instructor.
Prerequisites: Participation in a middle school or junior high band program or
instructors permission.
Concert Band: Concert Band is an
advanced level course. Students play traditional band instruments and
participate in a large instrumental-performing group while at the same time
developing technical skills. At times the class functions at an activity and
students are expected to support those activities.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor through audition.
Wind Ensemble: The Wind Ensemble
is a group of traditional band instrumentalists selected to perform music of a
higher degree of difficulty. Students are expected to have their music learned
prior to class each day. The class is designed for players with more experience
and expertise in music performance.
Prerequisites: Concert Band / Permission of instructor through audition.
Jazz Band: This course is open to
members of the JDHS Wind Ensemble, Concert Band or Intermediate Band and
designed for the performance of instrumental jazz, show tunes, and popular
music. This is a performing group and students should be prepared for
rehearsals and performances other than during normal school hours, as part of
the required course work.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble or
Intermediate Band and permission of the instructor. (This class meets at 0
hour--the hour prior to regular classes.)
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