HINSDALE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BANDS

55th & Grant Streets

Hinsdale, IL 60521

Phone: 630-570-8451

Fax: 630-887-1362

 

Mr. Matt Kurinsky - Band Director & AP Music Theory - mkurinsk@hinsdale86.org

DOCUMENTS

Summer Mailing

Calendar

Band Syllabus

Honors Credit

IMEA Scales

IMEA Etudes

Pep Band

 

LINKS

Hinsdale Central PTO

Music Parents (MPA)

District 86

SharePoint

Hinsdale Central

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Home Private Lessons Band FAQ's Extra Curricular Photo Gallery Director

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Which band class should I register for freshman year?

There following three classes are open to freshmen:

·         Concert Band is for all wind and brass players.

·         Symphonic Band is a selective ensemble for wind and brass players that requires an audition with Mr. Kurinsky.

·         Percussion Ensemble is for all percussionists.

When are the auditions for Symphonic Band?

Auditions for the 2009-2010 Symphonic Band will be held after school at Hinsdale Central High School in room 165 on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009.  Please contact Mr. Kurinsky at mkurinsk@hinsdale86.org to request an audition time.  The audition materials and practice recordings are available on the home page.

 

Can I enroll in band and play a sport at the same time?

Yes!  We have many students involved in both music and athletics.  Practices and games rarely conflict with rehearsals and performances.  Students must keep track of their schedule and notify the band director and coach of possible conflicts, but accommodations can usually be made.  It requires hard work, dedication, and planning to maintain good grades while participating in music and athletics; and the students that choose to do both activities are glad to stay involved.

 

I like playing jazz, can I play in a jazz ensemble as a freshman?

Yes!  The Hinsdale Central band program has three jazz ensembles, two of which are open to freshmen.  Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Ensemble II meet every other day during the early bird period, which is from 7:00 am to 7:50 am.  Interested students can audition for the bands at the start of the school year.  All wind and percussion players are required to enroll in Concert Band to be eligible for Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Ensemble II.

 

What is the 8th Grade Pep Band Night?

From 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm on Saturday, January 24th, 2009 every 8th grade band student is invited to rehearse and perform along with the Hinsdale Central Pep Band at one of the biggest basketball games of the season.  Music will be passed out in advance at the middle schools.  Pizza and snacks will be provided by the Hinsdale Central Music Parents Association.  Reserve your spot by sending an email with PEP BAND in the subject to Mr. Kurinsky at mkurinsk@hinsdale86.org.

 

Is every band student in the Red Devil Marching Band?

Yes!  Every wind and percussion player is a member of the Red Devil Marching Band.  This is important for several reasons:

  • Next year, the band will be made up of over 150 students.  That’s 150 friends who know your name and share your interests.

  • The marching band travels.  This year the band will perform at Brookfield Zoo, The Grand Ole Opry, and the Magic Kingdom.

  • The marching band is one of the most visible organizations at Hinsdale Central and it performs for more people than any other ensemble.

  • Students in the band develop excellent music reading skills because the band performs over 20 different pieces of music each fall.

  • The marching band is a service organization that allows students to be connected to the school and surrounding community.

 

Do I really need a study hall?

While it is up to individual students and parents to decide what schedule is best, band students often find themselves bored in study halls.  Adapting to the workload at Hinsdale Central is challenging at the beginning of freshman year, but students that stick with band are always glad they did.

 

Can I still take honors and AP courses while enrolled in band?

Yes!  Band students are often signed up for multiple honors and AP classes.  In addition, past valedictorians and National Merit Semifinalists have also been band students.

 

Is Honors Credit available for band classes?

Yes!  Students can earn an honors weighted grade for any band class by meeting additional requirements that include studying with a private teacher, playing a solo at contest, writing a paper on a musical topic, and performing in an additional ensemble outside of class.  Students sign up for Honors Credit during the first quarter.

 

Will there be rehearsals and performances outside the school day or over the summer?

Yes, the band has rehearsals and performances outside the school day that include the following:

  • Evening marching rehearsals the week before school starts in August.

  • Four or five home football game performances during first quarter.

  • Five or six Tuesday evening marching rehearsals during first quarter.

  • Three formal concerts throughout the year.

  • Several Pep Band performances at basketball games.

  • Three after school rehearsals before formal concerts.

 

Are there other opportunities to perform outside of class?

Yes!  Band students can perform in many different ensembles at Hinsdale Central including the Symphony Orchestra, the Jazz Ensembles, and the Musical Orchestra Pit.  Students can also perform at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble festival.  In addition, there are several auditioned performance opportunities that include the IMEA District 1 Festival Band and the Augustana College Honor Band.

 

Where can I find out more about the band program?

The band web page can be found at www.hcbands.org and is frequently updated with the latest band information.  You can also email Mr. Kurinsky at mkurinsk@hinsdale86.org.