The arts are an important part of the curriculum at Nouvel and supports the interests and development of the whole child. Our high school and junior high students are offered band as one of their electives. Both age-groups, in addition to classroom instruction, hosts 2 band concerts per year and participates in local band competitions, typically placing well as a group and in solo performances. 

The band program builds in high school to two main ensembles: Concert Band and Marching Band.  Band is a full-year course, and those enrolled are in both ensembles.

Concert Band
This ensemble is the focal point of the band program at the high school.  All topics that are addressed in rehearsal (e.g. technique, rhythm, sigh-reading, musicianship, etc.) will transfer into the various other ensembles offered within the program.  The concert band focuses on standard music written for the ensemble.  The music selected is the curriculum for the class and will offer the students the opportunity to perform a wide variety of music, written by composers of the past and present.  By the end of the student’s music education at the high school they should have a basic understanding of the history of music, various instrumental genres, and a knowledge of composers/performer/ensembles that have impacted the fine arts culture.  Topics such as music history, music theory, and music appreciation will also be addressed in this class as part of the basic curriculum and, when appropriate, as preparation for any given performance.

Marching Band
The marching band ensemble takes what has been or is being taught within the concert band and puts it on the field.  This group focuses on the ability of marching and playing an instrument at the same time.  A few weeks before the start of school, the marching band will meet for a week-long camp, during which the students will learn the fundamentals of marching, how to read marching drill, and begin learning/memorizing the music required.  The goal of camp is to set the foundation upon which the rest of the semester will build upon.  The selection of music is more focused in the popular genres (rock, hip-hop, movie music, etc.).  The marching band performs for the home football games, including a pregame show, halftime show, and in the stands.