There are four classes that are a part of the band curriculum at Forest Park High School (Marching Band is an extracurricular class that meets outside of normal school hours). Each class performs in a variety of concerts throughout the year, and has varying expectations for additional after-school rehearsals.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is the top performing ensemble in the Forest Park band program. The Wind Ensemble accepts students grades 10-12, but will rarely accept an outstanding 9th grade students based on audition. This class performs in numerous concerts and community outreach events throughout the year, and has the greatest expectation for additional after-school rehearsals and performances. This ensemble also determines Forest Park’s status as a Virginia Honor Band.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is for woodwind and brass students in grades 10-12. This course focuses on developing skills and musicianship to elevate students into the Wind Ensemble. This class performs in up to four concerts during the year, and has very few after school commitments (after school dress rehearsals and evening concerts).
Concert Band
The Concert Band is for entering freshmen woodwind and brass students. This course focuses on building skills that are already being developed in middle school. The goal of these classes is to prepare students to advance in the band program at Forest Park. This class performs in up to four concerts during the year, and has very few after school commitments (after school dress rehearsals and evening concerts).
Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble is for all percussionists in grades 9-12. This course focuses on developing skills specific to percussion and students prepare music specifically written for percussion ensembles. This class also serves as the percussion section for Concert and Symphonic Band. This class performs in up to four concerts during the year, and has very few after school commitments (after school dress rehearsals and evening concerts).