Sun Valley High School Ensembles   CONCERT BAND  is the primary performing group at Sun Valley HS.  This group meets daily and is comprised of all musicians enrolled in the band program at Sun Valley HS.  The concert band setting offers the students opportunity to rehearse and perform a variety of literature written for concert and symphonic band.  Much of the class time is devoted to developing proper warm up, practice, and performance techniques, with an emphasis on ensemble performance.  A class method book, “Foundations for Superior Performance” (Williams and King) is a required book for Concert Band.  Students may purchase this book at a local music store or order through the director at the start of school. In addition, specific aspects of music theory are incorporated into the instruction throughout the year.  Individual performance is evaluated through playing tests and written examinations.  The concert band typically performs at least four times per year, one of which is the South Central District’s State Festival, held in March.  Concert Black is worn for all concert band performances. This includes a traditional black tuxedo for the gentlemen and a black gown for the ladies.   MARCHING BAND also called the “Spartan Sound”, is the most visible performing group at Sun Valley.  Almost all students enrolled in the Sun Valley Band program participate in this group.  The “Spartan Sound” Marching Band is a corps-style group that performs at varsity football games, marching band competitions, and for select parades, school, and civic events. Attendance at the summer marching band camp is required for participation in this ensemble.    JAZZ ENSEMBLE  is an extra curricular ensemble.  Rehearsals are typically held in the high school band room after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The jazz ensemble will usually begin rehearsals in late October.  This schedule may be altered to accommodate scheduled performances and/or school schedules.  In addition to the variety of jazz styles, individual expression through improvisation will be explored.  The standard instrumentation of the Jazz Ensemble is as follows:  2 Alto Sax, 2 Tenor Sax, 1 Bari Sax, 4 Trombones, 4 Trumpets, 1 Bass Guitar, 1 Rhythm Guitar, 1 Piano, 2 Percussion.  Although this is standard instrumentation, additional instruments may be involved at the discretion of the director.  If an overwhelming interest arises for a particular section or instrument, auditions will be held to fill the appropriate position.  Members of the ensemble are selected based upon their interest, attendance, and performance level in concert band.  The Jazz Ensemble typically performs at both the December and May concerts.  Additional performance opportunities will be scheduled when possible.  This may include community and district festivals and events.    COLORGUARD  is the visual ensemble that performs in conjunction with the instrumental players of the marching band.  A “corps style” field show is incomplete without this versatile unit.  The guard members enhance the overall performance through the use of color, equipment, and physical movement.  Colorguard is a totally extra-curricular group.  Students are selected through an audition process during the spring semester.  The colorguard is sponsored by Mr. Reynolds through the band program, but brings in additional instructors who specialize in guard work.  These instructors are contracted through our booster association and are responsible for the choreography and instruction.   WINTERGUARD  is an extra-curricular activity that takes all the characteristics from the colorguard, minus the marching band and football field!  This group is selected through an audition process in late Fall and meets regularly outside of the school day.  This is a highly competitive group, with competitions held at various high schools in North and South Carolina.