GHS CAPA: Instrumental Music

Students interested in instrumental music are encouraged to be a part of one of the many band programs or color guard.  The Germantown High School Intermediate Winds and Percussion are the training classes for the Varsity Band. Students work to improve their playing skills through the use of fundamental exercises such as scales, arpeggios, chorales, technical studies, and concert music.

The Germantown High School Varsity Band is the top-performing ensemble at Germantown High School. Admission to the Varsity Band is by audition only.  Each student selected will participate in “rookie camp” in the summer, after school marching rehearsals during the week, and at football games during the first semester. The Varsity Band usually attends three marching competitions during the season. The Band also participates in the Germantown Christmas Parade usually the second Saturday in December.

During the spring semester the Varsity Band functions as a concert band. The Varsity Band performs a Holiday Concert in December, a Winter Concert in February, and a Spring Concert in May.

The Germantown High School Jazz Band also begins rehearsals in January and these students are selected by audition from the Varsity Band. Students are exposed to a large variety of musical styles: swing, Latin, funk, ballad and jazz/rock. The instrumentation uses saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, bass guitar and drumset.  All Varsity Band members have the opportunity to audition for All- West Tennessee Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra. The Varsity Band takes a major trip in even numbered years. The orchestra for the spring musical is chosen from Varsity Band members.

Additionally, the Germantown High School Color Guard functions as the visual component of the GHS Varsity Marching Band.  Students receive instruction in flag and dance fundamentals, basic drill movement, and how music and movement are coordinated. Students must be enrolled in the Color Guard class to participate.