These groups meet during the school day. Students enroll for credit.
Concert Bands
Symphonic Band - The Symphonic Band plays the most advanced music for bands. It has been an ISSMA state finalist all but two years since 1984, including 13 top-four finishes. Members of the group are routinely Gold award winners at regional and state solo and ensemble contests and are selected for all-state bands and orchestras. Symphonic Band is directed by Janis Stockhouse.
Wind Ensemble - The Wind Ensemble performs a wide range of standard band literature. It has a long history of success in ISSMA regional competitions. It is directed by Thomas Wilson.
Intermediate Concert Band - This group is intended for students who have more than one year of playing experience. It is directed by both Janis Stockhouse and Thomas Wilson.
Beginning Concert Band - This group is intended for students who have one year or less of playing experience. It is directed by both Janis Stockhouse and Thomas Wilson.
Jazz Bands
Advanced Jazz Ensemble -- Led by Janis Stockhouse, the Advanced Jazz Band is one of the nation's top high school jazz ensembles. Its members are frequently recognized as outstanding soloists, and combos from the band are regular first-place winners at competions.
Studio Jazz Ensemble -- led by Thomas Wilson, Studio Jazz has been recognized with top ratings at numerous events in recent years.
Intermediate Jazz Ensemble -- directed by Janis Stockhouse
Beginning Jazz Ensemble -- directed by Thomas Wilson
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These groups are extra-curricular.
Cougar Marching Band
The Bloomington North Cougar Marching Band represents Bloomington North in weekly invitational and ISSMA competitions during the months of September and April. Since 1994 it has been a state finalist six times, finishing as high as 5th (in 2006). Notable performances include the 1999 Rose Bowl Parade, the
2003 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the
2006 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mariachi Band
The Mariachi Band is made up of violins, guitars, basses, trumpets, and vocalists. The band performs Mexican folk music and is available for community performances. There is no charge for the band, but donations are welcome. Contact Janis Stockhouse to schedule the mariachi band.
Jazz Combos
North student musicians organize their own jazz combos with the assistance of the band directors. These combos are available to perform at festival and community events. There is no charge for these combos, but donations are welcome. Contact Janis Stockhouse to schedule a jazz combo.
Color Guard
Our color guard program has been steadily growing since 2003 under
consistent instruction and with introduction of our color guard class
at the High School. The ensemble performs with the Cougar Marching
Band in the Fall Season. Auditions for this group are in April.
Immediately following Marching Band State Finals, we audition for the
Winter Season. Our Winter Guard is increasing in talent every year.
We are currently in IHSCGA Class AA and received a Gold Rating in 2007.
Basketball Pep Band
The pep band provides spirited support for the Bloomington North boys basketball team.
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