BAND & COLOR GUARD
Enrolling in the Band at NHHS allows students to be part of one of the finest performance organizations in LAUSD. By taking this course, students can fulfill their physical education requirements, as well as their visual and performing arts graduation and college entrance requirements. The course not only equips students with essential musical skills but also helps them develop strong interpersonal skills in a positive and supportive environment. Students learn the value of hard work and cooperation through teamwork while creating inspiring performances. During fall, the Band and Color Guard perform together to produce a field show for football games and marching band competitions. In the spring, the two groups work separately, with the band focusing on concert repertoire while the Color Guard transforms into a Winter Guard.
WHAT TO EXPECT...
Band Camp
Students enrolled in band have a busy yet rewarding fall semester. The group begins rehearsing two weeks before the first day of school at our “Band Camp.” Students learn music, marching, and teamwork for two weeks to establish a positive and supportive group environment. Camp is mandatory for anyone wanting to join the team and is always sometime during the last two weeks M-F of summer break (LAUSD). Times TBA but plan on something like either 8am - 3pm or 2:30 pm - 9pm. For dates visit our "Auditions & Enrollment Info" page. Dates and information for the following next year is usually available by May 1.
Fall Schedule
Once school is in session the group continues to retain an intensive rehearsal schedule, meeting every Monday from 4-5:30pm and Wednesday from 4:30pm – 6:30 pm. In addition, there are three to five Friday or Saturday rehearsals, each between four to eight hours long. Performances include Friday night football games, occasional parades, and four or five field show competitions. Competitions are usually on Saturdays and take up most of the day. At football games, students stay on campus the entire day until the game is over. Before each game, we organize team meals and bonding activities to foster healthy working relationships within the group. Click Here to see an example of our Fall Schedule!
Is it a lot? Yes! Is it worth it? Absolutely!! Students will leave with enhanced skills, memories, and friendships to cherish forever!
HOW CAN I JOIN THE TEAM?
Drumline & Percussion Students
Students interested in joining the Drumline or Front Ensemble must audition before Band Camp. Audition dates are posted on the website in mid-April. If you can't attend band camp, please notify the director immediately! Eligibility is dependent on your attendance at this camp!
Color Guard Students
Color Guard tryouts are held during the spring semester. In 2023, we started a new Winter Guard program, and interested students should contact our Color Guard Coach Haziel Angeles haziel.angeles@gmail.com for tryout information or visit our Audition & Enrollment page. If you can't attend band camp, please notify the director immediately! Eligibility is dependent on your attendance at this camp!
Brass and Woodwind Students
All brass and woodwind students must complete an online application, submit an audition video, and attend band camp. A minimum of two years of playing experience in a middle band or the equivalent of private lessons is strongly recommended. We begin accepting applications in May. Audition videos typically ask for a chromatic scale, two different major scales, and a short solo or excerpt of the student's choice.
Attendance at Band Camp is mandatory for all students. If a student has a scheduling conflict, contact Mr. Sharp immediately!