The Stonington High School Band program consists of approximately 80 students this year. Scott Marsland has been the director for several years. All students who participate in Wind Ensemble--an ensemble consisting of brass and woodwind instruments, as well as percussion--are required to participate in the pep band/marching band. Students play at home football games and march in parades, such as the Columbus and Memorial Day parades. Students in the Wind Ensemble are able to audition for the Jazz Ensemble, an audition-only group consisting of jazz instruments (saxophone, trumpet, guitar, etc.). Both Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble are classes at Stonington High School (taken for credit); Jazz Ensemble is considered an Honors classes, and some students may opt to take Wind Ensemble as an Honors class. In order to do so, students must do the following: 1-write a 1-page essay on a classical concert, 2-audition for a festival (such as CMEA) or participate in an Honors recital, 3-participate actively in class and show leadership.
Staying involved in the Stonington High School Bands for all four years of high school is not only a good thing to put on your college application, but it gives you a good feeling. Band alumni come back to visit SHS and say hi to Mr. Marsland and band members. It's a lot of fun!!
