ENSEMBLES
At Palisades High School Bands & Ensembles, we believe music develops leaders, strengthens character, and creates lifelong memories. Through every rehearsal, performance, competition, and act of service, we strive to inspire excellence and uphold a proud tradition of musical achievement.
ABOUT OUR ENSEMBLES
At Palisades High School, students can participate in a variety of musical ensembles that foster artistic excellence, leadership , teamwork and person growth. Each ensemble offers a unique experience, allowing students to develop their musical talents while building confidence, discipline and lifelong friendships.
From the football field to the concert stage, Palisades High School offers a rich tradition of musical performance opportunities for every student.
EXPLORE OUR ENSEMBLES
THE POWER OF MUSIC EDUCATION
LEADERSHIP
Students develop responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills that last a lifetime.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Research shows students in music programs often achieve higher academically.
CONFIDENCE
Performing builds self-esteem communication skills and a sense of acomplishment.
TEAMWORK
Students learn to collaborate, overcome challenges and work toward common goals.
FRIENDSHIP
Our ensembles create lifelong friendships and memories that extend beyond school.
1
MARCHING BAND
QUICK FACTS
The Marching Band combines musical excellence with precision marching and visual performance. It is one of the most visible ensembles in our program. Students in grades 9-12 (occasionally middle school students) perform at football games, parades, competitions, and community events while developing teamwork, discipline, leadership, and school spirit.
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Grades: 9 -12 (MS occasionally)
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Season: Summer - Fall
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Performances: Football Games , Parades , Competitions , Community Events
2
CONCERT BAND
QUICK FACTS
Concert Band provides students with a strong foundation in instrumental performance through the study of diverse concert literature. This ensemble is for all 9th-grade students and 10th-12th-grade students playing a secondary instrument. Students typically perform at the 3-4 level, according to the North Carolina Bandmaster Association. Members strengthen their musicianship, performance techniques, and ensemble skills.
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Grades: 9 -12
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Levels: NCBA Grade 3 - 4
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Season: Full School Year
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Performances: Concerts , Festivals , Assessments
3
SYMPHONIC BAND
QUICK FACTS
The Symphonic Band offers intermediate and advanced students in 10th-12th grade who complete Concert Band the opportunity to perform more challenging musical works while refining technical proficiency, musical expression, and performance confidence. Students in this ensemble are expected to perform music on the grade 4-5 level per the North Carolina Bandmaster Association.
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Grades: 10 -12
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Levels: NCBA Grade 4 - 5
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Season: Full School Year
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Performances: Concerts , Festivals , Assessments
4
WIND ENSEMBLE
QUICK FACTS
Wind Ensemble is Palisades High School's 9th-12th premier instrumental ensemble, designed for highly dedicated musicians seeking advanced performance opportunities. Students should expect to perform the most challenging and sophisticated repertoire while developing artistry, precision, and leadership. Students are encouraged to participate in honors clinics or outside ensembles to increase their abilities. These students perform music in grades 5-6, according to the North Carolina Bandmaster Association.
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Grades: 9 - 12
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Season: Full School Year
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Performances: Honors Events , Concerts , Festivals
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Levels: NCBA Grade 5 - 6
5
JAZZ BAND
QUICK FACTS
Jazz Band exposes students in grades 9th-12th to the rich traditions of jazz through improvisation, swing, blues, Latin, funk, and contemporary styles. Students build creativity, listening skills, confidence, and musical versatility. Students perform at various competitions, festivals, and concerts in the spring semester.
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Grades: 9 - 12
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Season: Spring Semester
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Performances: Competitions , Festivals , Concerts
6
INDOOR PERCUSSION
QUICK FACTS
Winter Percussion offers percussion students an exciting indoor performance experience from November to April that combines music, movement, choreography, and theatrical production. Students develop technical excellence, coordination, creativity, and teamwork through rehearsals and competitions at the Carolina Winter Ensemble Association (CWEA) and Winter Guard International (WGI) circuits.
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Grades: 9 - 12
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Season: November - April
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Performances: Carolina Winter Ensemble Association (CWEA ), Winter Guard International (WGI)
7
COLOR GUARD
QUICK FACTS
Color Guard enhances musical performances through dance, movement, choreography, and equipment work with flags, rifles, and sabers. Palisade High School offers two different Color Guards: Fall Color Guard for students at PHS, and Winter Color Guard for students at PHS and Middle School students. Fall auditions through Spring Training in May and Winter auditions in November. Color Guards will compete in the Carolina Winter Ensemble Association (CWEA) and the Winter Guard International (WGI). Members develop strength, flexibility, confidence, discipline, and artistic expression while performing alongside the marching band and participating in winter guard competitions.
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Grades: 6 - 12
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Season: Fall ( May - Nov ) , Winter ( Nov - Apr )
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Performances: Carolina Winter Ensemble Association (CWEA ), Winter Guard International (WGI)
