Portsmouth High School ~ M U S I C D E P A R T M E N T

Here at PHS we have several instrumental performing groups. The Symphonic Band & Concert Band meet during the school day. Due to the increasing enrollment of our band program, we introduced the Concert Band in 2005. All freshman take Concert Band and work on musical skills to help them advance to the Symphonic Band. All members of both bands are combined to make up the PHS Patriot Marching Band. The Jazz Ensemble is the only group to meet during the evening on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:30pm.

This years' Concert Band consists of approximately 60 members. Band members entering the High School music program are placed in the Concert Band. Selection of Symphonic Band members are chosen based on musical requirements that have been met after completion of Concert Band. All students who are in Concert Band also take part in the marching band. Concert Band is open to all grades 9-12. With the school's block scheduling, we meet every other day for 84 minutes. We also have 2 after school rehearsals for marching band, one on Wednesday night from 5-7pm and Tuesday after school from 2-3:30. After-school rehearsals end in Late October.

This years' Symphonic Band consists of approximately 90 members. Members of the Symphonic Band are chosen based on musical requirements that have been met after completion of Concert Band. All students who are in Symphonic Band also take part in the marching band. With the school's block scheduling, we meet every other day for 84 minutes. We also have 2 after school rehearsals for marching band, one on Wednesday night from 5-7pm and Tuesday after school from 2-3:30. After-school rehearsals end in Late October.

The Jazz Ensemble consists of 25 students, most of whom are members of the Symphonic Band and Concert Band. The group rehearses once a week on Wednesday nights from 6:00 - 8:30pm. Students have the option of taking this class for 1/2 credit.. The group performs in many festivals and concerts throughout the year.

The Jazz Combo consists of members of the Jazz Ensemble that practice separately. They work on small group jazz arrangements and perform in the Jazz Combo class at the Berklee Jazz Festival. They also perform throughout the school year at various events and concerts.