Robbinsdale Armstrong High School Bands - Plymouth, MN

More information to come.

More information to come.

What is different between band in middle school and band in high school?
There are many similarities and many differences between middle school band and high school band.  One of the biggest differences is that band meets every day in high school, which helps our band students improve at a quicker rate.  At Armstrong, Freshman Band is during 4th period, just like any other class, it is not an "allied" or anything like that.  Another big difference is that we have more concerts, more performances, and more opportunities.  Freshman Band plays right away in the fall at our Parade of Bands Concert in October, as well a Winter Concert in December, and a Spring Concert in May.  All of our bands play at graduation at the end of the school and every student also plays in Pep Band for the winter sports.  Students are still graded on participation, sectionals, and playing tests.  Day-today routines are also quite similar to middle school as we spend much of our time preparing for each concert.  The music is more challenging, but it is nothing the students can not handle.

How do I sign up for band?
In late December or early January, the high school directors come around to the middle schools and talk to each 8th grade band about high school band.  We then send home a letter from both high schools to each 8th grader regarding high school band.  After that, the counselors from each high school will come talk to the 8th graders about registration.  When it comes time to register, students should register for Freshman Band or Freshman Band/Choir.  (See "Can I be in choir and band?" below.)  If at any point in time you have questions, please feel free to contact the directors with the information found on the Directors Page.

How do the different bands work?
Armstrong High School has 3 different concert bands that meet during the school day, 3 jazz bands, pep band, marching band, and drumline.  All of these groups are summarized on the Program Overview Page.  Click on each band name to see a brief synopsis of each group.

Can you be in choir and band?
YES, and we strongly encourage it!!  Both band directors have sung in choir and our choir directors have played in band.  All of the directors work closely to make this possible for our students, believing that being in choir makes one better on their instrument and being in band helps one to sing better.  Students should sign-up for Freshman Band/Choir which allows them to sing in 4th period Freshman Choir and play in 4th period Freshman Band.  Students alternate every other day between the two classes and receive 1 credit total for the semester.

I don't know if I want to stay in band because I want a study hall.  Will I be too busy or will high school be too hard if I'm in band?
No.  We strongly encourage EVERY student to stay in band from their 8th grade year to their 9th grade year.  There are many opportunities in high band that are not available to middle school band students, including marching band, jazz band, pep band, going on trips and tours, playing at festivals, making lots of friends, and much more.  Most of our band students are involved in a variety of activities in addition to band, including Target Leadership, Service Leadership, sports, National Honor Society, and many other clubs and organizations.  Many of these same students are also taking A.P. Classes and doing quite well.  Many students and even adults later in life regret dropping out of band.  It is proven that students who are involved in music as well as other activities perform better in school, get better grades, and have a more enjoyable four years.  Many times students waste time in study hall anyway, not making productive use of their time.  We encourage every student to give band a try at least for a year. 

Do we have sectionals?  How do sectionals work?
Yes, Freshman Band does have sectionals.  Sectionals are a time for students to work on technique, rehearse concert music, play quarter requirements, and work on other things that can not be addressed in a full band setting.  Students are pulled out of classes outside their 4th period Freshman Band to come down and play in sectionals.  In general, students will have 4 sectionals each quarter.  The schedule is set up in such a way that each student will only miss a class once in any given quarter.  If they must stay in class due to a test, lab, speaker, they are behind in that class, etc. then they should stay in that class.  They will need to make it up before school, after school, or during lunch.  It is up to the individual to speak with Mr. Woelfle and set up this make-up time.  Sectional schedules are handed out to each student at the beginning of each quarter and act as their pass out of class.  The sectional schedule can also be found on our Handouts Page. 

Do we have to do Solo & Ensemble Contest?  How do we do Solo & Ensemble Contest?
Students in Freshman Band are not required to play at Solo & Ensemble Contest, even though it is a great experience working on a solo or ensemble and performing it for a judge.  Playing at Solo & Ensemble is optional for students in Freshman Band and Concert Band, but is required for students in Symphonic Wind Ensemble.  Freshman Band students that do play at contest will earn extra credit as well as points toward a Band Letter.  Solo & Ensemble is in the beginning of March so interested students should be working on their piece of music during the months of January and February.  Music is available at Armstrong and Mr. Woelfle will help students select a suitable piece.  Freshman are encouraged to play duets or trios so they do not have to worry about an accompanist.  Students that are taking private lessons are certainly welcome to play a solo, but any student using a school accompanist will need to pay a small fee.  All Freshman Band & Concert Band students may be charged a small fee by the Region depending on the number of entries Armstrong High School brings to contest.

Do we have to fill out practice charts?
Although we strongly encourage students to practice and the best way students can improve individually as well as adding to their ensemble is by individual practice, students are not required to fill out practice charts.  A major part of grading for Freshman Band is a set of scales or "Quarter Requirements" that they must play from memory each quarter.  Obviously practicing at home will help this process.

Do we have to wear black & white for concerts?
Each band has a little bit different dress code for concerts.  Symphonic Wind Ensemble men wear black tuxedos and the women wear long, formal black dresses.  Concert Band men wear a shirt and tie with a coat being strongly encouraged, while the women wear dresses of any color or a skirt and nice top.  Freshman Band students are required to dress up as well.  No jeans or athletic shoes are allowed.  Men should wear casual to dress shoes with a nice pair of pants and a button up shirt or nice sweater.  Women should wear casual to dress shoes with a skirt (of an appropriate length) or very dressy pants with some sort of nice top.

Do all of the bands go on trips?
Every band at Armstrong does go on a trip each year, with the exception being the Marching Band trip which happens every fourth year.  That year, only the Marching Band travels.  However, every student is eligible for Marching Band, so every student can tour every year.  Traditionally the Freshman Band takes a one day trip to Duluth, where they play a concert for one of the area high schools and do some sight-seeing.  Concert Band has traditionally done a 2-day/1-night trip, with the past two trips heading to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Wisconsin Dells.  Symphonic Wind Ensemble alternates every other year with a big trip and then small trip.  As mentioned above, every fourth year the Marching Band goes on tour.  Several years ago we went to Florida over winter break and performed on New Year's Eve Day at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.  Our next marching band trip would be the 2007-2008 school year.  For more specific information and the most current announcements, visit our Band Trips Page.

Do we have to fundraise?  How do I pay for trips?  Are the trips expensive?
Students are not "required" to do any fundraising for the band department.  We do ask that each student sell 1 Happenings Book in the fall that does go to the band department general fund.  With that one exception, every fundraiser is a chance for students to raise money for their own personal "account."  Whatever money a student raises is kept track of on paper and they are able to use it for their band trip.  The band department offers many, many opportunities for students and families to raise money to lower the cost of the trip or to pay for the trip entirely.  These opportunities include: selling Happenings Books in September, selling Citrus, Pastries, and Candy in November, folding papers for the Star Tribune year-round, working security for various sporting events, bagging groceries at Cub Foods, and more.  For more information on fundraising, keep watching the band website and checking your e-mail.  The trips vary quite dramatically depending on the destination and duration.  The Freshman Band trip is around $60-70, much of which pays for transportation.

Can I get a letter in band?
Yes, students can earn a varsity letter in "Marching Band" as well as "Band."  Students receive a letter in Marching Band after completing their second full year of marching.  Students earn a letter in Band by accumulating points throughout the school year by playing at extra pep bands, playing at Solo & Ensemble Contest, participating in jazz band, taking private lessons, playing in honor bands, playing at outside performances, and several other categories.  For a complete listing of Band lettering requirements, see the worksheet on the Handouts Page.  This worksheet will also be handed out and addressed in band class.

Who can be in Marching Band?  Do we have to audition for Marching Band?
Every student is welcome and strongly encouraged to participate in marching band without playing an audition.  (The only exception is for our drumline - see below.)  We have seen our Marching Band grow in size by leaps and bounds, much of this because of 9th grade students joining marching band and enjoying it so much they stay in it for all 4 years of high school.  Being a member of the Marching Band is a great opportunity to make new friends (many of whom are upperclassmen), get acclimated to high school, be involved in a community, and help smooth the transition from middle school to high school.  Not to mention playing your instrument (along with very talented upperclassmen), learning some new skills, and having a whole lot of fun along the way.  It is pretty nice to walk into Armstrong the first day of school, already knowing several teachers, the building, and many, many students.

How do I sign up for Marching Band?
In the springtime, the high school directors come around to the 8th grade band classes and talk about the marching band program.  After that, students have a chance to sign-up for marching band.  It is very important that we get an accurate list because over the summer months we plan our routine on the field with the numbers we receive in the spring.  In early July, all Marching Band members will receive a mailing that includes sheet music, a CD of the music, and an information letter about the upcoming season.  Marching Band rehearsals start the third week in August, the same time as fall sports.  Drumline starts rehearsing earlier, toward the end of July.

Can I be in Marching Band and in a fall sport?
Yes!!  It may get a little busy at times, but many of our students are in a fall sport and in marching band, including soccer players, swimmers, volleyball players, cross-country runners, and even football players.  Even one of the directors, Mr. Woelfle, directs the Marching Band and is the assistant coach of the Boys Cross-Country Running team.  The Marching Band directors stay flexible as do the coaches in order to accommodate practices, rehearsals, games and performances. 

How do drumline auditions work?
We require all drummers interested in Marching Band to audition, not to determine who makes it into the band and who gets cut, but to determine who we should put on each instrument.  So students don't audition to get in, they audition so the directors hear how each individual plays so we can find the best fit for who plays what instrument - snare drum, bass drum, quads, mallets, cymbals, pit, etc.  The AHS directors come around to the middle schools in the spring and invite all of the 8th grade band students to sign-up for Marching Band.  It is around that time we make an information letter and audition music available for the 8th grade drummers as well as the high school drummers so they can practice for their auditions.  Shortly after, the high school students audition for the directors during the school day and the middle school students come over to Armstrong and audition after school.  Look for more information about drumline auditions at the end of April or beginning of May.  Keep checking the website as well for information regarding drumline auditions.

How does jazz band work?
We are very fortunate to have 3 different jazz bands at Armstrong, one jazz band for each "regular" band.  Jazz I is made up of students from Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz II is made up of students from Concert Band, and Freshman Jazz is made up of students from Freshman Band.  Auditions take place at the end of September or beginning of October for that school year.  Students receive audition music during band in the first few weeks of the school year.  Freshman Jazz rehearses during 4th period Freshman Band once a week, so it is not an extra commitment outside of school.  Students do not have to get up early or stay after school for rehearsals.  Freshman Jazz performs at a concert in December and a concert in May.  Sometimes they play some outside performances at various locations.  Check out our jazz band pages on our Program Overview Page, which include sound clips from past performances.

How does pep band Work?
The band department as a whole provides a Pep Band for 3 boys basketball games, 3 girls basketball games, 3 boys hockey games, and 3 girls hockey games throughout the winter season.  To facilitate this, everyone in all 3 bands gets rolled together into one list, and then is divided into Pep Band A, Pep Band B, and Pep Band C.  Each of those pep bands have members of Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Freshman Band.  (We do keep siblings together in the same pep band.)  Each Pep Band plays for 4 sporting events.  Students are required to play at these 4 events as these are considered performances and band is a co-curricular class, meaning we have events outside of the school day.  Each student will receive a folder full of pep band music in December during class and is responsible for that music.  If they do not return it in the spring, they owe the band department $5.  Pep Band Music is rehearsed during the school day in our regular band classes.  Pep Band schedules, including times and locations are handed out to each student in class, but can also be found on our Schedules Page.  Pep Band is a great chance for students to hang out with friends, play fun music, support our school, see fellow students compete, and show school spirit.  Students can earn extra credit and points toward a Band Letter by attending more than the required 4 pep band events.  Students should be sure to sign in on the attendance clipboard at each pep band game so they get credit for being there. 

What is the band e-mail?
Over the past few years we have used mass e-mails as a very effective way to get information out to parents and students about upcoming events and opportunities.  Each spring we ask students to NEATLY fill out an information sheet that includes parents' and students' e-mail addresses so they can be amassed into a list for each band.  We try to use these mass e-mails sparingly, but feel that it is a great way to get information home quickly that might not get necessarily get home otherwise.  Band e-mails are sent out regarding: upcoming concerts, rehearsal changes, fundraising opportunities, Band Booster Meeting Minutes, general announcements, and many other topics



For answers to more questions, check out the Program Overview Page which summarizes each band or the Freshman Band Handbook on our Handouts Page.

If your questions are not answered anywhere on this website, feel free to contact the directors, using the information on the Directors Page.

Jazz II is the developmental level jazz band here at Armstrong High School, made up of students from Concert Band & Freshman Band.  Under the direction of Colin Woelfle, this group meets Thursday mornings before school from 6:20-7:10am.  Jazz II performs at the winter Jazz Band Concert in December and in the Spring Jazz Band Concert in May.  Jazz II sign-ups take place in late September and auditions take place on an as needed basis.  Students participating in Jazz II will need to complete the AHS Activities Registration form and pay the $110 Activity Fee, which should be taken care of in the Activities Office.  Instrumentation for Jazz II is as follows: alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bari saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, drum set, and bass.

Click below to hear the 2003-2004 Jazz II perform at their Spring Concert on May 13, 2004 under the direction of Colin Woelfle.

Freshman Band is made up of all of the ninth grade band students here at Armstrong High School with the exception of those that audition to a higher band.  Freshman Band meets Monday through Friday during 4th period and is under the direction of Mr. Colin Woelfle.  This group performs at Armstrong band concerts in October, December, and May, Solo & Ensemble is optional, and on tour near the end of May.  This group traditionally takes a 1-day trip to Duluth and plays an exchange concert at one of the area high schools.  Students need not audition for Freshman Band and ARE able to sing in 4th period choir as well as play in 4th period band.  These students alternate daily between choir and band.  Students in Freshman Band are eligible to audition into Freshman Jazz, with auditions taking place in late September or early October.  For more information check out the Freshman Band Handbook on our Handouts page.

Click below to hear the 2004-2005 Freshman Band at their Spring Concert on May 10, 2005 under the direction of Colin Woelfle.