Ensembles
The Brooke Point Band Program
The Brooke Point Band Program has been very successful since its inception in 1993. Band members graduate with college level musical skills after having experienced the challenge and rewards of playing in an environment where excellence is the norm. Some students have received four-year college scholarships in music education or music performance. This program requires a commitment in time, parental support, and financial commitment, and currently enrolls over 100 students participating in different ensembles.
Marching Black-Hawks (Marching Band) is composed of students from all classes and grade levels. Students participate in developing a thematic field show comprised of music, various visual elements and pageantry. The season begins with music reading sessions in the summer and continues with band camp three weeks before the first week of school. Rehearsals during the school year are Tuesday–Thursday 2:30pm-4:30pm with performances at Friday night football games and Saturday competitions through early November. The Marching Black-Hawks includes Color Guard and is open to band students as well as students who are not enrolled in band classes. Color Guard members use flags and weapons combined with dance and other pageantry to further the marching band performance experience. They practice, perform and compete with the greater marching band. Students are selected by audition prior to marching season (usually in April/May).
Concert Band is open to any band member not in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble or Percussion Ensemble. There is no audition for this class. This ensemble plays VBODA grades II-IV traditional and contemporary Wind Band repertoire.
Symphonic Band composed of intermediate and advanced musicians by audition only and plays VBODA grades III-V traditional and contemporary Wind Band repertoire. There is no audition for this class. This ensemble plays intermediate level traditional and contemporary Wind Band repertoire.
Wind Ensemble is composed of advanced musicians by audition only and plays VBODA grades IV-VI traditional and contemporary Wind Band repertoire. Members are also required to participate in marching band unless participating in a fall sport.
Percussion Ensemble is an ensemble exclusively composed of percussionists. Percussionists gain more individualized attention and instruction of specific skills as well as play in chamber ensemble groups comprised only of percussion instruments. Percussion ensemble members supplement the concert bands percussion section as needed.
Jazz Ensemble is selected by audition only and is only open to members who are also signed up for a general concert band class. Jazz Ensemble performs in concerts, festivals, and additional performances throughout the school year and features music from Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Sammy Nestico, and Duke Ellington. Singers from the Choral Department frequently participate in this ensemble.
Stafford County Combined Indoor Percussion is an after-school enrichment program that that begins at the end of the marching season and practices on a regular basis during January-April to prepare for competitions. AIA Indoor percussion is highly active and competitive and concludes with Championships at the Hampton Coliseum.