The Big Rapids High School Band is comprised of over 100 students in two separate concert bands, a volunteer marching band, 10-14 chamber ensembles and a jazz ensemble. This has been one of the most successful Class B band programs in the state including seven appearances at the prestigious Michigan Music Conference (formerly known as the Midwest Music Conference in Ann Arbor) in 1979, 1991, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2012 and 2016. The Big Rapids High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble was also invited to perform at the Western Michigan University Spring Conference for Winds and Percussion in 2006. The BRHS Band program has also had a long history of chamber ensemble performances at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival held each year at WMU, most recently was Percussion Ensemble in 2010 and the Woodwind Quintet in 2015. Less that 10% of our students take private lessons and the majority of our students are actively involved in athletics and other clubs inside and outside of school.
Many folks ask about the construction of our chamber program. This is really the core of the Wind Symphony, our auditioned band. Once marching season concludes and chair audition results are posted, the students can then elect whichever chamber groups they would like to be part of. First priority goes to the first chair, then second, etc. The principal flute has the option of Woodwind Quintet, first flute in Chamber Woodwinds, and also can form a Flute Choir which we have had for over six years. The principal trumpet has the option of Brass Quintet, first trumpet in Chamber Brass, and also Jazz Ensemble and Trumpet Choir.
The chamber ensemble members register for the class "Chamber Winds" which is a .5 credit 2nd trimester course. The ensembles receive a 1 day/week coaching with the director and are also required to hold at least 1 rehearsal/week outside of the weekly coaching (percussion ensemble meets twice per week). The large Chamber Brass, Chamber Woodwind and Jazz Ensemble meets during the 3rd hour Wind Symphony/lunch block based on a rotating, seasonal schedule. As we get closer to the Christmas and Spring Chamber Concerts, we will have Jazz Ensemble meet during part of the Wind Symphony hour. As we get closer to District at State Solo & Ensemble Festivals, we will have Chamber Brass and Chamber Woodwind rehearsals during part of the Wind Symphony hour. Other parts of the year usually includes sectionals on District and State Band & Orchestra Festival music. This year we had 12 chamber ensembles and a Jazz Ensemble; five received Michigan Youth Arts Festival Nominations (Chamber Brass, Chamber Woodwinds, Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quintet, Clarinet Quintet). The 2014-15 Woodwind Quintet had the honor of performing at both the Michigan Music Conference and was selected as the 2015 Michigan Youth Arts Festival Woodwind Quintet.
We have a volunteer marching band of 87 marchers, and the remaining members are in a "indoor band" that also performs at our Fall Marching Band Concert on the same music. The show theme is selected and voted on by the students and we travel to an off-site camp in early August to begin the season. This is probably the most rewarding and educational part of our program that we've changed since 2008. This summer is our 5th year at Camp Living Waters, and we can't wait to get started on our 2016 program "AFRICAN SKETCHES"!!
Many folks ask about the construction of our chamber program. This is really the core of the Wind Symphony, our auditioned band. Once marching season concludes and chair audition results are posted, the students can then elect whichever chamber groups they would like to be part of. First priority goes to the first chair, then second, etc. The principal flute has the option of Woodwind Quintet, first flute in Chamber Woodwinds, and also can form a Flute Choir which we have had for over six years. The principal trumpet has the option of Brass Quintet, first trumpet in Chamber Brass, and also Jazz Ensemble and Trumpet Choir.
The chamber ensemble members register for the class "Chamber Winds" which is a .5 credit 2nd trimester course. The ensembles receive a 1 day/week coaching with the director and are also required to hold at least 1 rehearsal/week outside of the weekly coaching (percussion ensemble meets twice per week). The large Chamber Brass, Chamber Woodwind and Jazz Ensemble meets during the 3rd hour Wind Symphony/lunch block based on a rotating, seasonal schedule. As we get closer to the Christmas and Spring Chamber Concerts, we will have Jazz Ensemble meet during part of the Wind Symphony hour. As we get closer to District at State Solo & Ensemble Festivals, we will have Chamber Brass and Chamber Woodwind rehearsals during part of the Wind Symphony hour. Other parts of the year usually includes sectionals on District and State Band & Orchestra Festival music. This year we had 12 chamber ensembles and a Jazz Ensemble; five received Michigan Youth Arts Festival Nominations (Chamber Brass, Chamber Woodwinds, Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quintet, Clarinet Quintet). The 2014-15 Woodwind Quintet had the honor of performing at both the Michigan Music Conference and was selected as the 2015 Michigan Youth Arts Festival Woodwind Quintet.
We have a volunteer marching band of 87 marchers, and the remaining members are in a "indoor band" that also performs at our Fall Marching Band Concert on the same music. The show theme is selected and voted on by the students and we travel to an off-site camp in early August to begin the season. This is probably the most rewarding and educational part of our program that we've changed since 2008. This summer is our 5th year at Camp Living Waters, and we can't wait to get started on our 2016 program "AFRICAN SKETCHES"!!
Mr. Brian Balch has been Director of Bands at Big Rapids High School since 2008. He holds a Master's Degree in Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Grand Valley State University. He lives at home with is wife Kathy, daughter Emily, son Jacob and cat Nicky.
