Concert Band/Symphonic Band/Instrumental Ensemble (Percussion)
All students in the band program audition for their ensemble placement at the end of October. Students are either placed in Symphonic Band or Concert Band. Symphonic Band is the most advanced ensemble at Hersey. Students in Instrumental Ensemble meet as a separate class during the block and are also assigned to perform with Symphonic or Concert Band. Students also have placement auditions at the beginning of second semester which can change their course placement. Symphonic Band has regular Wednesday night rehearsals from November-April.
Concert Band/Symphonic Band students perform in four major concerts throughout the school year: December (Holiday Concert), February (D214 Concert/Symphonic Festival), April (Chicagoland Concert Band Festival), May (Spring Concert/Superstate).
Symphonic Band regularly performs at the University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival in May which is an exclusive festival for the top ensembles in the state of Illinois.
