Grading and information that explains why Sentinel's band is so cool!

  • Welcome to the Sentinel Band Program!  

    ​Sentinel has a rich tradition of band excellence that started in 1957 and continues today. Today, Sentinel's bands have over 200 participants and growing.   Sentinel's band has recently moved into a beautiful new band room! If you play an instrument, we hope to see you at Sentinel!

    The main goal of Sentinel’s Band Program is to offer a variety of opportunities to make you a better player, performer, listener and person. Sentinel offers three high school concert bands, a jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble, marching band, drum-line, and pep band.  There will also be opportunities for students to audition for the Montana All-State Band, All-Northwest Band, perform at District Solo and Ensemble festivals, State Solo and Ensemble festivals and other festivals listed in the handbook.

    Please make note of all required performances and rehearsals. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.   Clear communication is the answer to 99% of all problems.  

    ​If you have any questions, please feel free to email.  lnelson@mcpsmt. org

    Thank you,

    ​Lewis Nelson

     

    Why is band at Sentinel so cool?  Click here and find out!!

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    There are many reasons to sign up for band and countless studies that show why and how band is great for students.

    Reasons to sign up for band at Sentinel:

    ​1. The program is growing and successful. Here are some recent accolades:

    *Jazz Gold won the Highland/Arizona State jazz festival in 2025.  The band earned the festival's first ever perfect score.

    *Jazz Gold TRUMPET, TROMBONE, AND RHYTHM Sections each earned "Best Section" awards at the Buddy DeFranco Festival in 2025.

    *The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Purple, Jazz Gold, and Percussion Ensembles all earned Superior ratings at the 2025 district music festival.

    *In spring 2024, 110 band students and family members toured Italy and played for thousands of people.  You will have multiple opportunities to travel!

    *The Wind Ensemble won first prize at the 2022 Heritage Concert Band Festival in Anaheim, California

    *The Wind Ensemble earned a "Gold" rating at the "Sounds of Spring" Concert Band Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York, spring 2019

    *The Wind Ensemble earned a "Gold" rating and first place in it's division at the 2017 Heritage Concert Band Festival in Anaheim, California

     

    2. In 2019, we moved into new band room. Our rehearsal space is incredible!

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    3. Students who are in a successful music program all 4 years in High School score 10-12% higher on the SATs.

    Source: The College Board College Bound Seniors Total Group Profile Reports, 2011 - 2015.

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    4. Band is the ultimate collaborative class. Everything we do is collaborative. Study after study shows that the #1 thing employers look for in their employees is the ability to work together and collaborate.  Students in band do this in everything they do and remember, there is no “bench” in band. Everyone has to contribute to the finished product.

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    5. Being in band gives the incoming freshmen a positive group that they can relate to and rely on during the transition from middle school to high school.

     

    Class Descriptions

    Intermediate Band (Concert Band) (grades 9-12) is Sentinel’s entry wind band ensemble. This graded ensemble is open to all 9th- 12th graders.  This ensemble is important to the Sentinel Band Program because it is where the techniques learned in middle school are reinforced and perfected.  This class will push you as a musician. You are always expected to do your best and be prepared.  Please note your required additional rehearsals and performances listed in the packet sent home the first week of school.

    Advanced Band (Symphonic Band) (grades 9-12) is Sentinel’s intermediate wind band ensemble. This graded ensemble is open to all 9th- 12th graders.  This ensemble is important to the Sentinel Band Program because it is where the techniques learned in middle school and Intermediate Band are reinforced and perfected.  This class will push you as a musician. You are always expected to do your best and be prepared.  Please note your required additional rehearsals and performances listed in the packet sent home the first week of school.

    Wind Ensemble (grades 9-12) is Sentinel’s premier wind band ensemble. This audition-only graded ensemble will include the most advanced and dedicated band students.  Together, we will delve into advanced techniques, repertoire and musicianship.   This class will push you as a musician. You are always expected to do your best and be prepared.  Please note your required additional rehearsals and performances listed in the packet sent home the first week of school.

    Jazz Band (grades 9-12) is Sentinel’s advanced jazz ensemble.  This graded jazz ensemble is open to all 9-12th grade current concert band and orchestra students.  Students in this ensemble are required to be in a Sentinel Band or Orchestra.  Some exceptions will be made for hard to fill “non-band” instruments like piano and guitar, or rare scheduling conflicts. This class will teach you basic jazz theory and improvisation techniques that will result in your ability to improvise.  We will also delve into jazz standards in either a combo or big band setting and will begin preparing to gig!  Please note your required additional rehearsals and performances listed in the packet sent home the first week of school.

    Percussion Ensemble (grades 9-12) is designed for students interested in progressing rapidly on a multitude of percussion instruments, including drumline during the marching season.  This class will be team taught by Mr. McKenzie and Mr. Nelson.  Students in the class will focus on advanced percussion techniques, marching drum line/pit and will accompany the marching and concert bands at performances.  Please note your required additional rehearsals and performances listed in the packet sent home the first week of school.

    Marching Band (grades 9-12) is required for students who are involved in intermediate band, advanced band, wind ensemble, jazz band and percussion ensemble.  Participation in this ensemble counts toward your band grade.  The reason all band students are required to participate in the marching band is because it is the most visual part of Sentinel’s band program to the general public.  The marching commitment will be manageable, but there will be outside rehearsals that will be required in order to make this ensemble successful.  If you have conflicting sports’ schedules, accommodations will be made - within reason.

    Pep Band (grades 9-12) is open to all Sentinel band students.  This exciting ensemble will perform popular music and play at basketball games and other events as needed.  In order to play in this ensemble, you need to commit to performances and after school rehearsals.  If you are going to miss a performance, a satisfactory excuse must be given to Mr. Nelson at least 3 days in advance.  If you miss more than 30% of the performances/rehearsals, you will not be awarded letter points and you may not be allowed to travel to tournaments out of town. 

     

    Grading Policy For all Bands 

    Grades will be determined by the following criteria:

    1. Music Checks and Playing Tests: Points will vary based on the size and importance of the test. Late work is accepted only until the quarter break, according to Sentinel’s grading policy.

    2. Written Assignments, Concert Reviews, Written Tests, etc.: Points will vary depending on the specific assignment.

    3. Performances: The majority of a student's score comes from attending performances on time and in the correct attire. Performances will be worth between 100 and 200 points, depending on their significance.

    At the end of each grading period, total points will be calculated and converted into a percentage:

    • A = 90 – 100%
    • B = 80 – 89%
    • C = 70 – 79%
    • D = 60 – 69%
    • F = 0 – 59%

    Classroom Expectations for All Students

    To excel, please adhere to the following expectations:

    • Practice individually for at least 1 hour each week outside of class. This is your homework.
    • Submit forms on time.
    • Arrive on time and prepared for rehearsals. Students should be in class before the bell and seated, ready to play, two minutes after the bell. Bring the proper instrument(s), equipment, music, and a pencil.
    • Maintain cleanliness in the classroom and with instruments. Chewing gum, eating, or drinking colored/sugary beverages during rehearsals or performances is prohibited; bottled water is the only exception.
    • Cell phones should be in the caddy.  Cell phone usage in school is no longer allowed during class, in accordance with district policy.

    Concert/Festival Etiquette

    • Students must wear the complete uniform during performances or festivals unless directed otherwise. 
    • No food, gum, or drinks (other than water) are allowed in the auditorium or on stage.
    • Appropriate behavior is required during performances. This includes no talking, cell phone use, or disruptive behavior. Students may be asked to leave and face penalties to their performance grade.
    • Dismissal from performance sites (other than SHS) requires a note from the parent/legal guardian to the band director before the performance, releasing the school from liability. The parent/legal guardian must sign out the student with the head chaperone or director. Students may only leave with a parent/legal guardian.
    • Participation in every performance is mandatory. Unexcused absences will result in a lower grade. Check the calendar and resolve any conflicts in advance. More details can be found on pages 8 and 9 or at www.sentinelband.org/calendar.
    • Absences from performances must be excused by a note or phone call from a parent/legal guardian, submitted no later than two weeks prior to the performance. In emergencies, notification should be made as soon as possible. A note or call does not automatically excuse an absence. Remember, band is a curricular class that carries a grade and credit.

    REMEMBER: 99% of all conflicts can be resolved if both parties involved have communicated or have been given prior notification.

     

    ** Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs are prohibited at all times. Offensive, abusive or vulgar language will also not be tolerated at any time during any band-related activity at school or away. Zero Tolerance!**