High School Band Program

The Belmont High School Band program is regarded as one of the top programs in the state of Massachusetts. Our curricular bands - Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble - perform high-quality, challenging repertoire from a wide variety of genres. In addition, our students have several opportunities to perform in co-curricular bands, including the Marauder Marching Band, Basketball Pep Band, and BHS Jazz Ensemble.

Symphonic Band

Allison Lacasse, Director

Symphonic Band is open to all qualified students in grades 9–12 who play woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. The Symphonic Band repertoire will include masterworks for the wind band, modern compositions, and lighter popular selections. The Symphonic Band is dedicated to continuing the development of individual instrumental technique and large ensemble skills. The Symphonic Band performs at the High School Winter Concert, the Spring Band Concert, the “POPS” Concert, graduation and at the MICCA Concert Festival. Additional concerts may be scheduled with guest artists. Periodically, the Symphonic Band will travel and participate in out-of-state festivals.

Wind Ensemble

Allison Lacasse, Director

The Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble receiving honor’s level credit. Performance repertoire will include masterworks for the wind band and advanced 20th century compositions. Emphasis is placed on independence of parts technical proficiency, and musical interpretation. A minimum of one year’s experience in Symphonic Band is strongly recommended. The Wind Ensemble performs at the High School Winter Concert, the Spring Band Concert, the “POPS” Concert, graduations, and at various local, state, and national festivals.

Co-Curricular (After School) Bands

The Marauder Marching Band

Allison Lacasse, Director

Evan Tropp, Assistant Director

Allison Reese, Color Guard Instructor

Shon Brown, Drum Line Instructor

The Marauder Marching Band is perhaps the most visible and widely recognized musical ensemble in the BPS Music Department. This dedicated and enthusiastic group performs a high-powered field show during halftime of all BHS home varsity football games, as well as at select away games. In addition, the band performs at several school functions and the annual Belmont Memorial Day parade. 

The Marauder Marching Band holds a mandatory Band Camp every August, the week before school begins. In September the Marching Band rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5 - 7 pm, as well as on Friday afternoons on Game Days. Beginning in October, rehearsals are held only on Tuesdays and Game Days.

All marchers must be enrolled in a BHS Curricular ensemble - Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra or Chorus - in order to participate in Marching Band.

For more information, please contact the directors. Participation in the Marauder Marching Band requires payment of the BHS Fine & Performing Arts Activities fee.

Basketball Pep Band

The Winter version on the Marching Band, this student-directed band performs at several BHS home boys and girls basketball games each season. Participation in the Basketball Pep Band requires payment of the BHS Fine & Performing Arts Activities fee.

The BHS Jazz Ensemble

Ken Gable, Director 

Performing a wide variety of jazz music, from traditional big band standards to contemporary jazz, the BHS Jazz Ensemble is considered to be one of the top jazz ensembles in the region. The Jazz Ensemble performs on several programs each year, including the annual Jazz Night event, which typically includes one or more guest artists.  The Jazz Ensemble also participates in the Essentially Ellington Competition and will complete a recording project in the Fall semester, in addition to participating in the adjudicated MAJE Big Band Festivals and the Clark Terry UNH Festival.

Auditions for this ensemble take place in June. Participation in the BHS Jazz Ensemble requires payment of the BHS Fine & Performing Arts Activities fee.

"The Pride of Belmont"