Ensembles

The NGHS Marching Band
This is the primary performing organization during the Fall which consists of all musicians from the Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, and Concert Bands as well as all auxiliary Color Gurard members. The primary purpose of the marching band is to cheer on the North Gwinnett champion football team and promote community involvement for our school. Marching band begins with a two weeklong bandcamp in late July or early August and generally rehearses twice to three times per week after school begins. This group then performs for at least ten football games and parades. All bandsmen who are capable are encouraged to perform in the Marching Band.

Click to hear a sample from the our 2006 Halftime show "Powerhouse Rock"

The North Gwinnett Symphonic Winds
The Symphonic Winds are an auditioned performing organization open to the most advanced level wind and percussion players at North Gwinnett. This major performing ensemble participates in annual school concerts, festivals, and special invitations across Georgia and the United States, acting as ambassadors of North Gwinnett High School. Composed of students with the performing ability necessary for performance of level V (5) and VI (6) band literature, the Symphonic Band demands dedication, motivation, and abilities of the highest level achievable at NGHS. Membership in this ensemble may require outside-of-school time rehearsals and performances in addition to the rehearsals and performances which take place during the school day. In addition, all participants are encouraged to perform with the marching band during the fall season. Many of these top musicians participate in out of class honor groups including All-State, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, and other auditioned ensembles available in the Atlanta area. Since this class requires advanced competencies and skills, the directors must approve the placement of all students in this class.

The North Gwinnett Symphonic Winds were awarded Straight Superior Ratings at the 2008 GMEA District 13 High School Band Large Group Performance Evaluationl at the University of Georgia. This included a Superior in Sight-Reading. Congratulations Symphonic Winds!

Click to hear an excerpt from the Symphonic Winds performance

The North Gwinnett Symphonic Band
The Concert is a performing organization open to all students with previous instrumental music training. This is a major performing ensemble participating in annual school concerts and festival as outlined in the syllabus. Membership membership may require outside-of-school time rehearsals and performances in addition to the rehearsals and performances which take place during the school day. This group primarily performs level III (3) and IV (4) literature and focuses on fundamental playing concepts. The directors must approve the placement of all students in this class.

The North Gwinnett Symphonic Band was awarded Straight Superior Ratings at the 2008 GMEA District 13 High School Band Large Group Performance Evaluation at the University of Georgia. This included a Superior in Sight-Reading. Congratulations Symphonic Band!

Click to hear an excerpt from the Symphonic Band's performance

The North Gwinnett Jazz Ensemble
The North Gwinnett Jazz Ensemble is a 20 to 25 member instrumental music group under the direction of Marion English that performs music in the Jazz or "Big Band" style of concert oriented jazz literature. The band's repertoire includes music recorded by college or professional bands, with an emphasis on improvisation. The instrumentation includes five saxes, four trombones, four trumpets, piano, bass, drums, guitar, and auxiliary percussion including vibes. The "NGJE" maintains a performing library of all styles, including music made popular by the bands and orchestras of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, and Maynard Ferguson, as well as recent and currently popular music. This ensemble is open to North Gwinnett's most advanced performers and will perform in various festivals and concerts in and around Suwanee as well as state, national, and international venues. Concurrent enrollment is required in a band class for wind and percussion players and an audition is required for membership. Although the group is very selective, auditions are open to students in all four grade levels. Piano, bass, and guitar players may come from outside the band proper. The group rehearses twice per week in the seventh period just after school following marching band season and maintains an active concert schedule throughout the spring.

The North GwinnettJazz Ensemble has been awarded Straight Superior Ratings for the past three years at district and regional jazz festivals. Congratulations Jazz Ensemble!