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FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE BAND

From marching under the Friday night lights to performing on the concert stage, Wakefield offers year-round music opportunities for every student at every skill level.

Marching Band is a performance ensemble that combines music and visual movement in a coordinated
field show. Students develop skills in musicianship, marching technique, teamwork, and performance while
learning a themed production presented at football games and marching competitions. Participation
requires rehearsals outside the school day and emphasizes dedication, discipline, and pride in representing
the school.

Season
Rehearsals
Performances
Commitment
 

August through November (summer camp starts in July)
After school Monday–Thursday, 3:30–6:00 PM
Friday night football games + Saturday competitions
Highest — this is a full fall season commitment

FALL SEASON: AUGUST - NOVEMBER

Concert Band is the primary performing ensemble open to all band students. The group studies and performs a wide range of wind band literature while developing strong fundamentals in tone, technique, rhythm, balance, and musical expression. Students perform in concerts and school events throughout the year while continuing to build individual and ensemble musicianship.

Season
Rehearsals
Performances
Commitment
 

Full school year (August through June)
During school day as a class period
2-3 evening concerts per semester

Moderate - primarily during school hours

YEAR ROUND

Winter Percussion is a performance ensemble that focuses on advanced concert percussion repertoire in an indoor setting. Students perform music written for mallet instruments, auxiliary percussion, and electronics, emphasizing ensemble precision, musical expression, and listening skills. The ensemble rehearses during the winter months and may perform in concerts, educational performance events or competitions.

Season
Rehearsals
Performances
Commitment
 

December through April
After school 2X a week + some wekeend rehearsals
Saturday competitions, Championships
Moderate to high - weekend competitions

WINTER SEASON : DECEMBER - APRIL

Wakefield's orchestra program offers string players the opportunity to develop technique and artistry through classical and contemporary repertoire. Students perform in concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year.

Open to violin, viola, cello, and bass players of all experience levels. The orchestra is part of the daily school schedule under the direction of Mr. McFarland.

Season
Rehearsals
Performances
Commitment
 

Full school year (August through June)
During school day as a class period
2-3 evening concerts per semester + festivals

Moderate - primarily during school hours

YEAR ROUND
Violin Playing Hands

RISING 9th GRADER?  WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

If you're a middle school student interested in joining the Wakefield band or orchestra, register for band/orchestra as part of your course selection. Attend our spring information night to meet Mr. McFarland, learn about summer camp, and ask questions. No prior marching experience is needed — we'll teach you everything!

PROGRAM COMPARISON

MARCHING BAND      CONCERT BAND       WINTER PERCUSSION     ORCHESTRA
SEASON

DURING SCHOOL DAY

AFTER SCHOOL

WEEKENDS

COMPETITIONS

COMMITMENT LEVEL

SUMMER CAMP
Aug - Nov. 








Fri. Games, Saturday Competitions




High


Required
Year Round 





Occasionally



No


No


Moderate


No
Dec - April 








Saturday Competitions






Moderate-High


No
Year-Around 





Occasionally


Rare



Festival


Moderate


No
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