By Rayla Gomez Cedar High School s band is in full swing this year as director Steve Shirts conducts the symphonic, concert, percussion, jazz ensemble, and pep bands. As all of these talented students prepare for concerts and other community events, most of them practice according to the block schedule. The jazz band is the only band that doesn t meet during class time. Instead, it meets every morning before school starts, requiring a little extra dedication.

The band classes that are taught on the block schedule at Cedar High are symphonic, concert, and percussion band. All band students are involved in at least one of the three classes, although the percussion students participate in every band. These students work hard and have fun learning how to play the music, Shirts said. It is very rewarding not only for me as a teacher, but also for the students. The symphonic and concert bands mostly play traditional band music such as marches and overtures.

The percussion band provides the winds and percussions for each band. When they are playing in their percussion class, however, they play classical and novelty music. The jazz band, with its rigorous early morning practice, plays swing and Latin types of music. The symphonic, concert, and percussion bands combined make up the marching band of CHS, which is involved in local parades and other community events when invited. Cedar High School also has a pep band, which meets on the block schedule.

This band plays at all the football and basketball games, cheering on the athletes dressed in the school s colors of red and gold. Along with practicing in class and participating in outside events, these students also have concerts and competitions that they prepare for each year. Almost every year, the CHS bands are invited to play in the Southern Utah University Veterans Program.