The Bearden High School Band has gained an enviable reputation through the years as an outstanding band in Concert, Marching, and Jazz programs, receiving consistent superior ratings in each of these idioms. The band is recognized for its superior performances throughout the United States and Europe. The community of Bearden takes great pride in the bands' accomplishments and continually acknowledges its members as ambassadors of the community.
Traditionally, the BHS Band attends marching competitions, concert competitions, and various public concerts with all entities of the program. The band also serves and represents Bearden High School in a variety of community and civic functions.
During the fall, students have the opportunity to participate in the Bearden High School Marching Band and the Bearden High School Jazz Band. The marching band consists of approximately 200 students serving as members of the wind section, color guard, drum line, or majorettes. The Bearden High Jazz Bands performs various concerts at different locations, including the annual Swing Fest.
In the spring the Bearden Band offers students the opportunity to participate in one of our two concert bands and two jazz bands. The Symphonic Band consists of Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, and the Concert Band is composed of Freshman. Both groups will play Winter and Spring concerts as well as a concert for the State Concert Band Festival in mid-March.
Students of the band are encouraged to individually compete and participate in the State Solo and Ensemble competitions and to audition for the many clinic opportunities provided throughout the Tennessee region, including the Knox County Honor Band, All State East, and All State.
Marching Band - Fall 2006: Marching Band is open to any band student grades 9-12. Requirements are summer camp, after school activities, travel, and fees as listed on the marching band information sheet. This is an outside activity and requires good physical stamina. This is the competitive ensemble for the fall semester. Students will be graded on participation, attendance, performance skills, and performances. Everyone in marching band will be in 4th period band class.
Color Guard: Marching Band utilizes what is known as Color Guard to enhance the visual aspects of the marching production. The Bearden High School Color Guard is made up of female students, grades 9-12. Color Guard members perform flag, rifle, and dance during the marching band production. No previous experience is required; however, it certainly does not hurt. Students do not have to play an instrument to be in the Color Guard. Color Guard is an extra-curricular activity, however, they are expected to follow the same guidelines as members of the marching band. Color Guard rehearses on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4-7 P.M. at Bearden High School. Members of the color guard are expected to pay a fee and purchase their own uniform. Uniform costs range from $80.00 to $125.00 dollars. The fee covers equipment, transportation to performances, and instruction. There is no official class for color guard.
Lab Band - Fall 2006: Lab Band is a new course offering to accommodate any student, grades 9-12 who wishes to play in a band setting, but would rather not do marching band. This band will perform 2 concerts, which will be required for all members. Students will be graded on participation, attendance, performance skills, and concert performance. There is a $35.00 fee for this class. Students who are enrolled in the Marching Band may also participate in the Lab Band if their schedule allows. A minimum of 35 students will be required for this class to officially be offered. This band will rehearse daily during 3rd period in the band room.
Concert Band - Spring 2007: Concert Band is the spring performance ensemble for all freshmen band members. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are welcome to take concert band, however, all freshmen who enroll in band for the second semester must take concert band. This ensemble performs a winter concert, ETSB&OA concert band festival, a spring concert, and all of the music for the graduation ceremony for Bearden High School. The Concert Band has consistently received superior ratings in the ETSB&OA concert festival over the past several years. This ensemble is a vital stepping stone for those who wish to be in the symphonic band as upper classmen. Students will be graded on attendance, participation, performance skills, and concert performances. There is a $35.00 school fee, and a $40.00 Band Booster Fair Share fee to cover new music, transportation to the festival(s), and additional instructional help. This ensemble rehearses every day during 3rd period in the band room.
Symphonic Band - Spring 2007: The Symphonic Band is designed for the most advanced players in our program. This ensemble consists of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Every student is expected to perform on an extremely high level each day. This ensemble performs some of the most difficult band literature written and enjoys a rich, respected reputation with band professionals from all over the country. This ensemble is consistently rated superior in both performance and sight-reading festivals. The Symphonic band has been selected to play at the Tennessee Music Educators State Convention several times over the years, as well as, the Tennessee State Concert Band Festival. Students will be graded on attendance, participation, performance skills, and concert performances. There is a $35.00 school fee and a $40.00 Band Booster Fair Share fee to cover the purchase of new music, transportation, festival entry fees, and additional instruction. The Symphonic band rehearses daily 4th period, and on Thursdays after school from 3:45 P.M. until 5:15 P.M.
