Bands

The overarching band ensemble of Lincoln High School. The Trojan Marching Band operates primarily during the fall and is comprised of the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion, and the Color Guard. Basics of marching and playing in an outdoor ensemble setting are stressed. Performances include football games, performance assessments, festivals, and parades. This band rehearses after school. Instrumentalists must be in one of the concert bands; only the director may approve exceptions to this rule. Once a student has been assigned a position in the show, membership may not be terminated until the conclusion of the marching season.

Designed for the more advanced musicians with emphasis placed on the musicianship skills required for performance of sophisticated literature. Members are expected to participate in Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessments, and audition for All-District Band. Auditioning for the All-State Band is strongly encouraged. Performances include concerts, performance assessments, festivals, and music conferences. After-school rehearsal time is required during concert season. Membership is based on audition and director recommendation. Members must also participate in the Marching Band. Private lessons strongly recommended and expected of experienced players. 

Designed to develop basic fundamentals, instrumental technique, and musicianship skills. Performances include concerts, performance assessments, and festivals. Members are strongly encouraged to audition for All-District and All-State Band. After-school time is required during concert season. Placement within the ensemble is based on audition and director recommendation. Members must also participate in the Marching Band. Private lessons are strongly recommended.

A secondary ensemble designed for musicians interested in learning elements of jazz music. Emphasis is placed on development of swing, blues, pop, rock, and Latin styles of repertoire and performance. Performances include concerts, performance assessments, and jazz festivals. Instrumentalists must be in one of the concert bands unless they play a non-concert instrument.

Student-led ensembles allow students to work in independent groups outside of larger traditional bands to improve skills and learn new music and techniques.  Throughout the year there are many opportunities to perform with these ensembles at concerts, Solo & Ensemble MPA, and special events.  Examples of ensembles students have organized in the past and present include jazz combo, percussion ensemble, saxophone quartet, and clarinet quintet.

Marching percussion consists of two parts: battery and front ensemble. Battery marches on the field and plays in the stands at football games and includes tenor sets, snare drums, and bass drums, as well as cymbals when needed. Front ensemble is stationary and consists of mallet percussion such as marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, and glockenspiel; as well as auxiliary instruments such as bass drum, gong, chimes, and keyboard. 

Concert percussion operates as a separate class during the school day and provides musicians to concert band, symphonic band, and jazz band as needed for all concerts and performance opportunities throughout the school year. 

The color guard performs in the fall semester with the Lincoln Trojan Band at football games, competitions, and other community events. Color guard incorporates dance and the manipulation of flags and other props to bring color and artistry to marching band shows. In the second semester, the color guard transitions to winter guard with rehearsals and contests in the spring at the discretion and arrangement of the instructor. Participation in the color guard requires an audition each semester. All regulations and requirements of membership in the band program will otherwise apply to all members. Members are responsible for reporting to their instructor for all activities, including rehearsals, performances, and extra activities such as fundraisers.