Music Department Irondale High School's instrumental music program is regarded as one of the school's most diversified and successful programs. Its four curricular bands, three jazz bands, marching band, color guard, and drumline make it one of the most active programs in Minnesota. The program is designed to allow all students to participate in performance groups and gain a comprehensive music education. The core of the Irondale band program is its four curricular bands that meet during each school day. Students are grouped by grade level, each with its own specific objectives and outcomes. Irondale has approximately 300 students participating in these curricular bands. Membership in these bands is determined not by ability, but rather by grade level and instrumentation needs. The bands perform approximately four formal concerts during the school year. The Maroon and Concert Bands incorporate an extended performance tour into its schedule every two years. Past destinations have included Europe, Hawaii, Florida, Colorado, St. Louis, and Chicago. The role of all of Irondale's co-curricular music groups is to provide students with an opportunity to expand their musical knowledge and experiences. Jazz band gives students a unique insight into the improvisational art of jazz performance, while marching band, color guard, and drumline provide a competitive element to music performance. The pep band contributes to the excitement of high school athletics and promotes school spirit. Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) contests allow students to earn awards and special recognition for their talents. Irondale has developed an active and respected co-curricular music program. Participation opportunities include jazz bands, summer and fall marching band, pep band, color guard, and drumline. A vast majority of students in the band program choose to participate in one or more of these experiences. It has been our experience that students who become involved with co-curricular music groups seem to gain the most enjoyment from the program. The largest co-curricular group at Irondale is the Marching Knights. This 140 member marching band is recognized as one of Minnesota's elite. Concentrating on both parade and field performance, the band is consistently rated on the Superior level. Irondale has an active and highly successful band program. All groups are based on a commitment to quality performance, growth in music education, and fun. The band is highly respected for its achievements from both a school and community perspective, and is extremely popular with its members and parents. Directors Bill Sucha Bill Sucha is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, River Falls with a BME in Music Education. His primary instruments are saxophone and voice. He has been teaching at Irondale since 1996. As a team-teacher with Mr. Olsen, Mr. Sucha works actively with the curricular bands and the co-curricular groups such as jazz band and pep band. He is also the director of Irondale's Marching Knights and supervises all marching activities. He brings much sarcasm and many years of experience marching band area to Irondale including five years with the Minnesota Brass and ten years of teaching color guard. Bill Sucha is currently serving as Vice President of the North Star Circuit Executive Board. Concert Band All bands at Irondale stress the development of technical performance ability, sight reading skills, and attainment of overall musical knowledge through daily band rehearsals and sectional work. Each band perfoms a wide variety of literature from the classics to current pops. All bands perfrom at the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Pops Concerts and may also participate in exchange concerts or field trips. Band members in grades 9-12 are encouraged to participate outside of the school day in various co-curricular groups, such as Winter Pep Band, Jazz Band, Region IVAA Solo and Ensemble Contest, Marching Band, Drumline, or Color Guard. Knights Band - 9th Grade -- Course numbers: 1501 & 1502 This band is comprised of freshman only. It will perform four concerts as listed above and generally will not travel outside the school district. Emphasis is placed on the development of basic musical technique. Gold Band - 10th Grade -- Course numbers: 1531 & 1532 This band is comprised primarily of sophomores. some freshmen may be asked to move to this band in order to balance the instrumentation. This band performs four concerts as listed above and will participate in Region IVAA Contest. Individuals are eligible to participate in Region IVAA Solo and Ensemble Contest. Maroon Band - 11th Grade -- Course numbers: 1541 & 1542 This band is comprised primarily of juniors. The group will perform four concerts as listed above and also at Commencement. The band will participate at Region IVAA Music Contest. Individuals are eligible to participate in the Regiona IVAA Solo and Ensemble Contest. Members of this group will be eligible for and extended field trip. Concert Band - 12th Grade -- Course numbers: 1551 & 1552 This is the most advanced band comprised primarily of seniors. Satisfactory progress in previous bands must be demonstrated in order to gain acceptance to this group. The band will give four concerts as listed bove, but will have additional performance responsibilities as well. As Irondale's featured performing group, the band will perform as select special events and school functions. These performances are listed on the band events schedule. Members will participate in Region IVAA contests and be eligible for an extended field trip. All other musical groups at Irondale are considered to be co-curricular in nature. This means that they do not meet during the school day and that participation is optional. While participation in co-curricular activities is strongly encouraged, it is not required for membership in the Irondale Band Program. Additional Performance Opportunities Solo and Ensemble Contest Each February, Region IVAA, in conjunction with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), offers a solo and ensemble contest for its members. Prior to Christmas break, students select and begin to prepare a piece to perform for a certified adjudicator. Two original pieces or a full score are required for adjudication. This piece may be an accompanied solor or an ensemble with other members of the band. Students are scored on their performance and achieve a rating of Superior, Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor. Students awarded Superior ratings receive a MSHSL medal and certificate; students with Excellent ratings receive a certificate. This contest is open to Gold, Maroon, and Concert Band members. While there is no fee for participation, late cancellation of registration for this event carries a $10.00 penalty. All-State Band The All-State Band, sponsored by the Minnestoa Music Educators Association, is offered to students on an annual basis. The group is determined by state-wide auditions through a selection committee. Students must be a sophomore or junior to audition. Participants prepare scales, solo material, and sight reading exercises. Deadline for entry is in February and results are generally known in late April or early May. This experience is for advanced musicians only. If selected to participate, the student is required to attend a one-week camp for all band members. All expenses will be paid by the Irondale band department. The All-State Band will perform at Orchestra Hall for the closing concert of the MMEA convention, which is held in Minneapolis during the third weekend of February. Jazz Band Jazz band music is generally scored for saxophone, trombone, trumpet, and rhythm section and participation is limited to these instruments. There is no fee for jazz band. Concert Jazz Band The Concet Jazz Band is the premier jazz performing group at Irondale. Enrollment is open to select Concert Band members. The group will perform at each of the scheduled band concerts and may have additional performances throughout the year. The ensemble meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. There is no fee for Concert Jazz Band. Maroon Jazz Band The Maroon Jazz Band is another jazz performing group at Irondale. Enrollment is open to select Gold and Maroon Band members. The group will perform at each of the scheduled band concerts and may have additional performances throughout the year. The ensemble meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:45 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. Pep Band Winter Pep Band begins meeting in early December and is open to any curricular Irondale band member. The band provides entertainment for home sporting events. It is usually committed to no more than one event per week. Rehearsals are one hour prior to the actual event, usually 6:00 p.m. Ten events are scheduled each winter, but should a team advance to the region semifinals or state level of play, the band would follow that particular team.