JCHS Music Performance Grading Policy 2023_2024

The Band Program - Andrew Burrows, Director: Quality concert band programs have been a long-standing tradition in James Caldwell High School. Over the years there has been a number of transformations in the scope and sequence of the program, which is contributed by either grade configuration or student enrollment. James Caldwell High School currently has two concert bands named the Concert Band and the Symphonic Band.

The Concert Band is our underclassmen band primarily composed of freshmen and sophomores. The Symphonic Band is our upperclassmen band and is usually reserved for juniors and seniors. Our goal is to provide each ensemble with a variety of level appropriate repertoire that enables them to grow as musicians. Through this process, we hope that our students gain a deeper appreciation for the art, take pride in their product, and achieve their fullest potential as life-long learners. Both ensembles rehearse each day but at different times.

The Choral Program - Elsie Timpson, Director: The Choral Program is comprised of two ensembles: the Treble Chorus (SSA voicing) primarily for freshman and sophomores, and the Concert Chorus (SATB voicing) primarily for juniors and seniors. Both ensembles perform a wide variety of literature from the Renaissance to the present. 

The JCHS Orchestras - Jeff Cierniak, Director:  The JCHS Orchestras - Jeff Cierniak, Director: There is a long-standing tradition in the Caldwell/West Caldwell School District. That tradition is the Caldwell/West Caldwell string program.   Our students have performed challenging repertoire admirably while also expanding into less common styles such as Tango, a style that we highlighted with an entire concert during the 2020 Music Marathon.

James Caldwell High School has one orchestra composed of Freshmen through seniors. This unique blend offers a chance for upper class students to help mentor Freshmen as they come into the program. We have played challenging music from Mozart, Haydn, Bach, and Corelli as well as music from many other genres. Students also performed their own modal improvisations which was compiled into an album entitled “Mindful Modal Meditations.”

Pep Band - Andrew Burrows Director: The James Caldwell High School Pep Band plays an integral part in both the Music Department and Athletic Department. The Pep Band attends all Pep-Rallies and Varsity Football Games, providing music and excitement for all. The repertoire performed consist of a variety of styles; from Motown, to Classic Rock, to Popular Music, and of course traditional football fight songs.

The Madrigal Singers - Elsie Timpson, Director: This is an auditioned ensemble which rehearses outside of regular school hours.  The repertoire of the Madrigal Singers includes music of the Renaissance as well as jazz and holiday tunes.  In the past this group has performed at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular and at Madison Square Garden as well as at local events.

The String Consort - Jeff Cierniak, Director: This is a conductorless group that primarily performs chamber music.  The main goal of this group is to improve listening and watching skills. The group will perform several times in a number of different venues.

The Women Of Note - Elsie Timpson, Director: The Women of Note is a select ensemble which rehearses outside of regular school hours.   This group specializes in music written and/or arranged for the woman's voice (SSA and SSAA voicing). The Women of Note have performed at many local and school events.  Their extensive repertoire includes folk songs and children’s songs as well as classical, popular and jazz songs.  They often add choreography to their performances.

Chamber Orchestra- Jeff Cierniak, Director: Chamber Orchestra is a combination of strings, winds, and percussion playing orchestral pieces as well as popular music. The group focuses on playing in a variety of styles including jazz, pop, latin music, as well as traditional classical repertoire. Students get to enjoy a unique experience playing with different groups of instruments.

JCHS Jazz Band - Matteo Varano, Director: The JCHS Jazz Band is the most experienced Jazz ensemble in the district. The group practices on Monday nights and is conducted by Mr. Varano. The ensemble performs at "The Music Marathon" and the "Jazz Spectacular" as well as various other musical events throughout the year. Repertoire is selected from a wide array of styles and emphasis on improvisation is encouraged. This is an "extra-circular" ensemble that enjoys learning and performing music!

Percussion Ensemble- Ross Chu, Director:  Open to any student at James Caldwell High School, the percussion ensemble makes music by hitting things---literally. Whether it's snare drums, timpani, xylophones, marimbas, buckets, or our own bodies, the JCHS percussion ensemble gives its members the opportunity to explore the various percussion instruments and perform challenging and diverse music. Students of all ability levels and musical experience have contributed to the success of this ensemble.

Retromen - William Downey, Director: The Retromen are James Caldwell High School's male-voiced acapella group, an open extracurricular ensemble that meets once per week. The Retromen perform most of their work in three or four parts. They sing music from various styles including traditional choral repertoire, barbershop, classic songs from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's, and arrangements of current hits.