Buffalo High School
Bands
Curricular & Co-Curricular Bands
Repertory Band
Students in Rep Band work on and perform a variety of different kinds of music. Refining basic skills and applying them in new ways is the focus of this ensemble. Repertory Band is directed by Scott Rabehl.
Varsity Band
Students in grades 10-12 can participate in Varsity Band. These students focus on going beyond the notes and rhythms to create nuanced performances of a variety of styles and genres of music. Varsity Band students also participate in large group and solo & ensemble festivals. Varsity Band is directed by Scott Rabehl.
Concert Band
Concert Band is the most advanced band at BHS. It is open to juniors and seniors by audition. Students in this ensemble continue to apply the skills they have learned in Freshman and Varsity Bands to more challenging music. This group performs at many concerts, contests and festivals throughout the year. Scott Rabehl directs the Concert Band.
Jazz I
Students in Concert Band are eligible for Jazz I. Interested student audition in the Spring. Jazz I maintains a busy performance schedule including the Veteran’s Day Swing Dance, Night Out For Music, playing with a guest artist at the Jazzin’ It Up concert, Academic Excellence luncheon, and the Showcase Concert.
Jazz II & III
These jazz ensembles are open to any band students who enjoy playing jazz or would like to try it out. Jazz III is open to all bands and Jazz II is open to anyone in Varsity or Concert Band. Many students in our younger jazz ensembles learn a secondary instrument either because their primary instrument isn’t a traditional jazz instrument or because they are looking for a challenge. These groups meet one day a week after school.
Pep Band
Members of all 3 BHS Bands come together to form the Bison Pep Band which plays at various home and play-off games throughout the fall and winter sports seasons.
“The HERD” Summer Marching Band
“The HERD” is celebrating its 35th year. Throughout its existence, the band has prided itself on its positive approach to competition in the marching arts. The students work hard, enjoy each other’s company, perform as well as they can, and appreciate the efforts and accomplishments of competitors from other schools. More than anything, members of “The HERD” are marching band fans that believe that their participation helps to develop essential skills found in well-rounded young adults. This group is supported by its own parent group, "The Band Aides". More information can be found on “The HERD” webpage.
With over 20 years of competition, "The HERD" Winter Drumline provides an opportunity for any BHS student to engage in the marching arts and develop new, intermediate or advanced percussion skills. Many members play other instruments as part of the curricular band program. Some are not even music students at all. The group is open to any interested student. This group is supported by its own parent group, "The Band Aides." More information can be found at “The HERD” webpage.
“The HERD” Winter Drumline
FAQs
Freshmen and Varsity Band Dress Code
Freshmen and Varsity Band students will purchase the following clothing for their performances:
Black, long-sleeved, button down dress shirt with a collar with no tie
Black dress pants (No yoga pants, stretch pants, or jeans)
Long black socks
Black dress shoes
Concert Band Dress Code
Students in Concert Band will be provided with a tux or gown for their performances. Students are responsible for providing their own black dress shoes and black socks.
Lessons
Band students are highly encouraged to take private lessons with an expert on their instrument. BHS has a variety of ways to connect students with an appropriate teacher. Please contact your child’s director for more information.