Since the 2021-2022 school year has started, Harrisburg High School’s symphonic band is preparing for upcoming concerts and other performance opportunities. The symphonic band, directed by Mr. Groon, is an auditioned group that “performs repertoire that is more advanced,” states Groon. “The goal of symphonic band is to continue to develop technical and musical facility on our instruments, as well as developing our overall musicality as an ensemble,” mentions Mr. Groon. Hadley Marquardt, a senior, states, “The program also includes many types of bands that all lead to different opportunities and lessons to be learned.” Pep band, jazz band, marching band, and concert band are all other bands part of the Harrisburg High School band program.
The first performance for Harrisburg High School’s symphonic band is on October 26th. Throughout the school year, the HHS Symphonic Band has conjoined band concerts with concert band; also, the symphonic band has the opportunity to perform at other events around the state and nation. The HHS band program is going to be at the SD Bandmasters Conference in February and represent South Dakota at the National Memorial Day parade in Washington D.C. in May. The 2021-2022 symphonic band, which has 46 students, has grade levels ranging from freshmen students to senior students.
As the director of the symphonic band, Mr. Groon has been teaching in the Harrisburg School District for 14 years. Groon, who has always loved music since he started band in fifth grade, decided to take music seriously when he chose to join the national guard band and to make band a career by becoming a teacher. Whether it’s teaching his students in the band room or performing music for the military, Mr. Groon finds opportunities to improve himself and others while doing the activity he has a passion for.
The Harrisburg High School symphonic band program is looking forward to continuing to develop and improve their skills throughout the school year. Symphonic band hopes to see the community’s support and encouragement at future events throughout the year.