Band/Instrumental Music

WELCOME TO THE EHS BAND PROGRAM

The focus of our program is on comprehensive musicianship – the development of musical perception, aesthetic sensitivity, and technical mastery. Parents, families, friends and the community are given the opportunity to see this on display through our performances at concerts and various school events. There are other social enrichment by-products and the development of priceless life skills learned by all our band members, but these are in addition to the foundation of our band's number one priority - music education. 
 
We cannot, and do not, take for granted what "being in band" means to our students. Although it might seem we are completing one performance and then preparing for the next, there is a much greater educational agenda being shared every day in our rehearsal room. Learning music is preparing our students to be successful in life. The Eagan High School Band Program is comprised of three band directors and over 300 EHS students, providing a wide variety of instrumental opportunities. As a whole, the band program routinely performs at over 50 events each year, including band concerts, athletic events, theater productions, and school pep fests. The band program is supported in a variety of ways by our Band Boosters (information below), and is proud to be a part of the widely recognized band programs of the greater ISD 196 community.

Ensembles

Concert Bands

We operate five curricular concert bands that serve as the core of our program:

9th Grade Band
- All 9th grade band students participate in the only grade-based year of band at the high school level.
Concert and Symphonic Bands
- Evenly balanced bands, consisting of a mix of 10-12th grade band students who are not in Wind Ensemble.
Wind Ensemble
- Top audition-based band for 10-12th grade band students.

Marching Bands

We operate two curricular marching bands, performing at home football games at the EHS Stadium:

9th Grade Marching Band
- All 9th grade band students participate in this marching band, learning the fundamentals of the marching band concept and performing once or twice towards the end of the home football season.
Varsity Marching Band
- All 10-12th grade band students participate in this marching band, advancing their knowledge of the marching arts and performing at all home football games.

Co-Curricular Ensembles

Details for the following co-curricular ensembles can be found on the "Co-Curricular Ensembles" page below:

3 Jazz Bands
5 Chamber Ensembles
Musical Pit Orchestra
Winter Drumline

Solo/Ensemble

All EHS Band Students participate in our annual Solo/Ensemble event, an opportunity for them to prepare a solo or small ensemble piece and perform for a clinician for feedback and scoring based on the MSHSL Solo/Ensemble adjudication forms.

International Tours

Every three years, the EHS Band Program travels to an international destination with the dual intent of performing and casually touring. Past trips have included side-by-side concerts with local school bands, performances at notable locations and monuments, and exploration of tourist sights that have made these trips some of the most memorable experience of many band students. Past destinations have included countries such as France, Greece, China, and Puerto Rico, and in 2022 we will be traveling to Italy to see Rome and Amalfi Coast.

Community Engagement

The public community has the opportunity to connect with our band program each year through a variety of events. All EHS Band concerts are free and open to the public, and many other band performances – such as athletic events – lend themselves naturally to connecting to community members who might otherwise never see the band program's work on display.

One of the big community events that the EHS Band Program participates in each year is the Eagan July 4th Funfest Parade. Band members from all grades voluntarily join this performing ensemble to celebrate July 4th with our community.

The EHS Band Program has also performed at various events locally for both private and public entities. Examples of these events include:

City of Eagan "State of the City" speech for the mayor
Delta all-company luncheon
Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO introduction
Eagan Outlet Mall grand opening
Commons on Marice, Eagan Pointe Senior Living, Clare Bridge, and other senior living/nursing home facilities

Accomplishments

EHS is a Grammy Signature School for music (national award).
EHS bands received the 2001 “What’s Cool in Your School” Award by MENC (national award)
EHS Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble 1, and Winter Drumline have all performed for the MMEA State Music Convention on multiple occasions. This honor is by audition only.

EHS Band Program - General Information

FAQ's: Incoming Freshmen

WELCOME TO THE EHS BAND PROGRAM

The instrumental music staff welcomes the incoming freshman band students to the EHS Band Program! We are very pleased that you have chosen to continue in this outstanding music tradition. With the addition of enthusiastic and well-prepared new students each year, our program will continue to provide a positive, educational experience for all!

Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions you may have about band at Eagan High School. If you have additional questions, please contact us using the information found on the Band Directors menu above.

Band Classes/Course Registration

Band is a full year (3-trimester) course for all students. Freshmen registering for classes during their 8th grade year must register for the following courses (the suffix letters refer to trimesters: A, B, C = Trimesters 1, 2, 3

9th Grade Band A
9th Grade Band B
9th Grade Band C

All 9th grade band students are together for T1 (9th Grade Band A) doing a combination of marching band and concert band. For T2/T3, two independent but evenly balanced concert bands are populated based on auditions, which are held a few weeks into the school year, for the second half of T1 and the rest of the school year in T2/T3.

Expectations

Band is a 3-trimester, full-year course for all students.
Lessons – either curricular or private – are required and account for 50% of a student's grade.
As a part of our curricular band program, all students participate in sport pep bands (3-4 times in fall, 2-3 times in winter, plus tournaments).
Attend all concerts and required performances.

Common Questions Answered

There are no conflicts between athletics/activities and curricular band courses. Students enrolled in curricular band can participate in every other offering Eagan High School provides - over 90 sports, clubs, teams, and activities.
Our lesson schedule rotates so that students taking lessons at EHS do not need to miss the same class repeatedly. This is different from the lesson scheduling in middle school.
Students may opt to take lessons from a qualified private lesson instructor outside of EHS. In that situation, students do not need to take lessons at EHS. Private lesson verification information can be found on our course Materials page in Schoology.
All freshmen marching band rehearsals (Trimester 1) are held during the school day. There are no summer marching band rehearsals for freshmen - we see them for the first time on the first day of school!
There are no practice sheets required for high school band. All lessons are graded, and the amount of preparation time will be evident by the proficiency demonstrated in the lesson.
Jazz Band, Chamber Ensembles, and Winter Drum Line are co-curricular extensions of curricular band courses. Students must be enrolled in curricular band courses to participate in co-curricular band activities.
The EHS Band program travels internationally every 3 years:
- Travel is always scheduled for Spring Break – students may miss 1-2 days of school on either side of the break.
- All band students in grades 10-12 of the travel year are eligible for the trip – the 3-year rotation allows every band student one opportunity to travel internationally during their high school band career.
- Past trips have included Italy (2004) Greece (2016), Puerto Rico (2010), France (2013), and China (2019)
Fitting Band into your schedule can always be done – over 300 students prove that every year!
- EHS operates a 7-period schedule (same schedule every day – no alternating days/schedules).
- Freshmen & Sophomores have 5 required classes and 2 electives.
- Juniors & Seniors have 2 required classes and 5 electives
- Bottom line: you have plenty of time to complete electives during later grades – be patient!

Co-Curricular Ensembles

Chamber Ensembles

Chamber Ensembles at EHS are a co-curricular activity - an extension of our curricular ensembles. Members of our co-curricular ensembles must be enrolled in one of the bands at EHS. There is no student cost to participate in a Chamber Ensemble.

Chamber Ensembles begin as early as September and continue throughout the school year depending on ensemble membership and interest. Sign-up windows will be announced by the band directors.

There are no auditions to be in any of these ensembles, they are open to any band students who sign up!

Flute Choir

Directed by Kara Swanson (local private flute teacher and former EHS Band mom!)
Rehearses Mondays from 2:30-3:00

Clarinet Choir

Directed by Mr. Pearson
Rehearses Thursdays from 2:30-3:00

Saxophone Ensemble

Directed by Mr. Pearson
Rehearses Thursdays from 3:00-3:30

Brass Ensemble

Directed by Mr. Hart
Rehearses Thursdays from 3:10-4:00

Percussion Ensemble

Directed by Mr. Benson
Rehearses Thursdays from 2:30-4:00

Jazz Ensembles

Jazz Bands at EHS are a co-curricular activity - an extension of our curricular ensembles. Members of our co-curricular ensembles must be enrolled in one of the bands at EHS (with the exception of piano, bass, and guitar - which are non-concert band instruments). In addition, students pay a co-curricular fee in order to participate ($66 for 9th graders, $88 for 10-12th graders).

We are frequently asked if it's possible to be in jazz ensembles at EHS if you're an athlete. For most students, the answer is YES! Rehearsals for jazz bands begin just as fall sports are wrapping up, and our annual spring concert is in March, just as spring sports are ramping up. The only exception might be Jazz I, on a year when Encore, on a rotating schedule, is in the spring. (See the current Encore performance schedule below.)

Auditions for Jazz Ensembles are held within the first few weeks of the school year. After initial auditions, membership is established for the remainder of the school year.

Notes regarding piano, guitar or bass players who are not enrolled in curricular band:

Guitar/Bass/Piano players who are not registered for band will be allowed to participate only in Jazz 1 or Winter Drumline based on the specific needs of the performances for those ensembles.
Guitar/Bass/Piano players who are not registered for band will be allowed to participate in these co-curricular ensembles only if the EHS Band Program does not have any qualified musicians to fill those roles first.

Jazz I

Directed by Mr. Pearson
Rehearses Mondays & from Wednesdays from 2:30-4:00pm – October-March
Performs at the Holiday Jazz Concert (December) and the Spring Jazz Concert (March)
Travels on the annual Jazz Festival overnight trip, along with Jazz II
Serves as the on-stage feature instrumental ensemble for ENCORE!. A separate schedule of additional rehearsals related to ENCORE! will be provided when established. Members of Jazz I should plan on the addition of rehearsals for ENCORE!

Jazz II

Directed by Mr. Benson
Rehearses Mondays & Wednesdays from 3:10-4:10pm AT D.H.M.S. - October-March
Performs at the Holiday Jazz Concert (December) and the Spring Jazz Concert (March)
Travels on the annual Jazz Festival overnight trip, along with Jazz I
Additional performances may be scheduled as opportunities present themselves

Jazz III

Directed by Mr. Hart
Rehearses Tuesdays from 2:30-4:00pm - October-March
Performs at the Holiday Jazz Concert (December) and the Spring Jazz Concert (March)
Additional performances may be scheduled as opportunities present themselves

Musical Pit Orchestra

EHS performs a live school music every year, rotating performance seasons to allow for students in various activities and athletics to perform based on varying availability. The pit orchestra is made up of live student musicians populated by members of the EHS Band program, and instrumentation varies based on which musical is selected. Students do not pay any fees for participating in the Musical Pit Orchestra.

Due to the rotating performance seasons, practices and performances vary each year, and a schedule is built to match the needs of the production.

Students are generally selected for this ensemble by invitation, but interested students should communicate with Mr. Benson to see if there is an opportunity to participate!

Winter Drumline

Winter Drumline is a competitive ensemble focused on marching percussion. The season begins in October and typically ends in April. The ensemble is open to any band students who play any instrument, though a placement audition is used to set instrument assignments.

Directed by Dan Frankenfeld
Rehearses Mondays 6-9pm, Thursdays 6-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm – October-April
Performs at various competitions in February-April
Cost for students: roughly $450 for the season, additionally $400-500 in a travel year to compete in Dayton, OH

EHS Band Photo, Video and Concert Audio

We are always looking for more contributors! If you are interested in becoming a contributor to EHS Band Media, please contact Mr. Benson – brett.benson@district196.org

Band Directors

Brett Benson
brett.benson@district196.org

Brett Benson is in his 10th year of teaching at Eagan High School. His teaching responsibilities include Wind Ensemble, Wildcat Band Blue, Jazz 2, Musical Pit Orchestra, all percussion ensembles, curricular percussion lessons, and team-teaching both the Varsity Marching Band and the Freshmen Marching Band. In addition to his job at Eagan HS, he spent three years (2013-2015) on the staff of the University of Minnesota Marching Band and served as Director of the University of Minnesota Alumni Summer Band for 9 years.

Mr. Benson also serves as the Performing Arts Department Coordinator.

Mr. Benson graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and from Sam Houston State University in 2016 with a Master of Arts in Band Conducting. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University. In his free time, he loves to golf, spend time at the beach, and taking care of his home and yard while simultaneously failing to keep his vegetable garden plants alive. Many members of his immediate and current family live in the Twin Cities area, and he appreciates their support and is thankful for their ability to be present at many of the concerts and performances that he is involved in.

Doug Hart
douglas.hart@district196.org

Doug Hart teaches instrumental music at Eagan High School. At Eagan High School he teaches Brass Lessons and directs Concert Band, Jazz III, Brass Ensemble and co-directs the Varsity Marching Band and Freshmen Marching Band.

Mr. Hart began teaching in District 196 in 1992, prior to that he taught in Iowa. He graduated from Wheaton College and have done graduate work from Minnesota State University (Mankato).

In his free time he enjoys biking walking, gardening and can be found doing various DIY projects at home.

Michael Pearson
michael.pearson@district196.org

Michael Pearson is a musician and educator from the Twin Cities Metro area. Through his position at Eagan High School he directs Jazz Ensemble I as well as the Symphonic and one of the Freshmen bands. As a performer, Mr. Pearson directs and performs with the After Hours Big Band and has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, jazz great Bob Mintzer, and taught and performed at the Taipei Summer Jazz Institute in Taipei, Taiwan in 2008.

Mr. Pearson is currently working on his Masters degree in Music Education Research with a focus on Cognitive Approaches to Jazz Improvisation from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Outside of music, Mr. Pearson enjoys spending time with his wife Justine and their on-the-move toddler son.

Music Technology Resources

Through various technology resources, the EHS Band Program seeks to support and supplement our educational mission. The following resources are ones we have found to be valuable.

SmartMusic - https://www.smartmusic.com

SmartMusic is a web- and subscription-based suite of music education tools that support efficient practice, helping musicians to develop and grow. The EHS Band Program utilizes SmartMusic in two ways:

Occasionally used as a tool to support lessons, primarily in the form of accompaniment tracks for solo works. SmartMusic is implemented for lessons in the weeks leading up to our annual Solo/Ensemble event.
Used annually for our Varsity Marching Band for memorization testing.

Students can subscribe to SmartMusic individually and use it to enhance their own development – not only for the two purposes listed above, but also by utilizing the other tools SmartMusic has to offer.

iPad Apps

All EHS students are issued district-owned iPads to be used for school purposes. There are a number of apps that we have found to be useful, reliable, and easy for students to implement both on their own and as a member of an ensemble.

Tonal Energy Tuner - for intonation, tone, dynamic, and other feedback
Real Piano - a simple piano tool that can be applied in numerous ways
Tempo - a very versatile metronome
SuperMetronome - the cool version of a metronome
Tenuto - for all things music theory-related
Notability - for storing, organizing, and annotating/editing PDF music

There are numerous other iPad apps that are great for music creation, instrument-specific replication, and music recording.

Music Notation Tools

The best music notation applications are found as either standalone computer software or web-based tools.

Finale - the most expensive, but expensive for a reason – it is the most powerful.
Sibelius - some pros even prefer this over Finale, it is cheaper and a bit more user-friendly for beginners.
MuseScore - free, downloadable software.
Noteflight - free, web-based software – paid upgrade versions also available.

Eagan Band Boosters

For thorough information on the Eagan Band Booster Club, please view their website (click to link):

EHS Band Booster Website

Other helpful Band Booster related resources:

Click here to join the Eagan Band Booster email list for updates on Booster events, fundraisers, and more information regarding the EHS Band Program!

Click here to redirect to the Eagan Band Booster Facebook page.

EHS Bands on Twitter

EHS Bands on Facebook

EHS Band Concerts

Scroll down to find the EHS Band Google Calendar.

Concert/Event	Date	Time
Pops Concert – Potluck Dinner begins at 6:00pm!	TBD	7:30pm
Holiday Jazz Concert	TBD	7:00pm
Winter Winds Band Concert – Wind Ensemble	TBD	7:00pm
Carnival Concert – Carnival at 5:30pm, Concert at 7:00pm – Freshmen Bands	TBD	7:00pm
Eagan Band Festival – Wind Ensemble	TBD	TBD
Late-Winter Band Concert – Concert & Symphonic Bands	TBD	7:00pm
Spring Jazz Concert	TBD	7:00pm
Showcase Concert – Wind Ensemble	TBD	7:00pm
Spring Band Concerts – 9th grade at 6:00pm, 10-12th at 7:30pm	TBD	6:00pm

All concerts are free and open to the public! Details on these performances can be found below.

Looking for more details about Band Concerts?

Band Concert Information

Band Concert Information

Pops Concert & Potluck Dinner

Potluck Dinner: All EHS Band families (students, parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.!) are invited to spend community time together prior to the first concert of the year. The EHS Band Booster Club hosts the potluck dinner, and EHS Band families can expect to receive details about the event in the weeks leading up to it. Student ensembles provide live music during the dinner! Dinner begins at 6:00pm in the EHS Commons.
Pops Concert: The first band concert of the year is always a fan favorite – full of popular music for movies, musicals, TV shows, marches, and more! The concert begins at 7:30pm in the EHS Auditorium.

Holiday Jazz Concert

All EHS jazz bands perform, and are joined by the middle school jazz bands from both Dakota Hills and Blackhawk Middle Schools. Groups perform a mixture of music, but each group generally includes holiday music written for jazz ensembles! The concert begins at 7:00pm in the EHS Auditorium.

"Winter Winds" Band Concert

The top audition-based band, Wind Ensemble, performs their first independent band concert of the year. This performance focuses on a mix of high-level concerts band repertoire. The concert begins at 7:00pm in the EHS Auditorium.

Carnival Concert

All EHS Band freshmen students combine to put on a high energy evening that is split into two parts:

Carnival: (5:30-6:45pm) A free event with an open inviting to kids (and families) ages 12 and under! EHS Band students design and build carnival-style attractions with a musical twist, and run a concert where attendees can create, explore, and earn prizes through the beauty of music!
Concert: (7:00-7:50pm) Immediately following the Carnival, the free concert highlights music that is highly entertaining for young kids, and usually includes some type of audience participation! Fun engagement is our goal!

Eagan Band Festival

Wind Ensemble and Jazz I are joined by the 8th grade bands from Dakota Hills and Blackhawk Middle Schools and the 5th grade bands from Deerwood, Pinewood, Glacier Hills, Northview, and Woodland Elementary schools in the EHS Gymnasium for a "time-lapse" concept that shows students and families from younger levels what opportunities lie ahead as they continue to progress through the ISD 196 band program!

Late-Winter Band Concert

Concert Band and Symphonic Band (10-12th grades) perform an evening of concert band music from a variety of styles and eras. The concert begins at 7:00pm in the EHS Auditorium.

Spring Jazz Concert

All three jazz bands are joined by a well-known jazz artist to perform their second and final jazz concert of the school year. The concert begins at 7:00pm in the EHS Auditorium.

Showcase Concert

The premiere performance for Wind Ensemble seniors. The evening focuses on solo or small-ensemble feature performances by Wind Ensemble seniors, most coming in the form of concertos accompanied by the full Wind Ensemble. The concert begins at 7:00pm in the EHS Auditorium.

Spring Band Concerts

Two concerts on the same evening, celebrating a year of hard work and accomplishment by the EHS Band students. Year-end awards and recognitions are presented from the stage during the concert.

Freshmen Bands: Both Freshmen bands perform beginning at 6:00pm in the EHS Auditorium.
Varsity Bands: All three Varsity bands (Concert, Symphonic, Wind Ensemble), perform beginning at 7:30pm in the EHS Auditorium.

Navigation

Band/Instrumental Music

Ensembles

Concert Bands

Marching Bands

Co-Curricular Ensembles

Solo/Ensemble

International Tours

Community Engagement

Accomplishments

EHS Band Program - General Information

FAQ's: Incoming Freshmen

Band Classes/Course Registration

Expectations

Common Questions Answered

Co-Curricular Ensembles

EHS Band Photo, Video and Concert Audio

Band Directors

Music Technology Resources

Eagan Band Boosters

EHS Band Booster Website

On Social Media

EHS Bands on Twitter

EHS Bands on Facebook

EHS Band Concerts

Looking for more details about Band Concerts?

Band Concert Information

EHS Band Calendar

Eagan High School