Questions? Good.

No. Incoming band students can request Symphonic Band during course selection without an audition. Wind Ensemble is an advanced ensemble that requires an audition.

Request Symphonic Band. Percussionists follow the same incoming-student course-selection process as other band musicians.

Wind Ensemble is listed for grades 9–12 and requires an audition. Ask the band director about the current audition process and placement.

If you did not take band during ninth grade but would like to return, contact the director and your counselor. Placement depends on your experience and scheduling; don’t assume the door is closed.

Yes. Students can take a band class and participate in athletics. Marching Band is an optional extracurricular activity, separate from the regular band class. If you choose multiple activities, discuss specific conflicts early.

No. Marching Band is extracurricular. Signing up for Symphonic Band does not require you to participate in competitive marching band.

Tell your counselor that continuing band is a priority. Request Symphonic Band and ask for a four-year course plan that includes band, PE, world language, and other graduation requirements.

South Lyon’s published guide identifies band as a Visual, Applied, and Performing Arts course. The guide also describes an option involving an additional arts credit in place of a second world-language credit. Individual graduation and college-admission requirements vary, so confirm options with a counselor.

Do not assume it does. Discuss PE scheduling and any district-approved options with your counselor. Band class is not advertised here as an automatic substitute for PE.

You will encounter new music and higher expectations, but you will develop those skills through rehearsals and practice. Symphonic Band is designed as a place to continue growing. Wind Ensemble offers more advanced challenges.

Friends may be in different classes or ensembles, but many students continue making music together throughout high school. Band also gives you a chance to meet students in other grades.

Students perform a wide range of styles, from concert band literature to familiar music at school events. Jazz Band explores swing, funk, blues, rock, Latin styles, and more. Repertoire changes each year.

Bands participate in concerts and other performances throughout the school year. The exact calendar varies by season and ensemble; families receive the schedule from the director.

Marching Band is a fall extracurricular activity. The school-day concert band classes continue throughout the school year, and additional opportunities such as Jazz Band and winter programs have their own schedules.

Traditional band instruments—including saxophone and percussion—are part of the high school band program. Jazz Band can also include guitar, piano, bass, and a wide range of other instruments. Ask the director if you have an unusual instrument or placement question.

Memorization expectations vary by activity and performance. Marching Band generally involves memorized field music; concert ensembles primarily work from written music. The director will explain expectations.

No. The 2026–27 Jazz Band handbook states that Jazz Band is open to all South Lyon High School students, including those not enrolled in a curricular band class.

Yes. Color Guard is a visual performance activity, and instrumental experience is not required. Participation details depend on the season.

Look for middle-school transition opportunities, recruitment events, and outreach activities. You can also contact the director with a question about a specific instrument or ensemble.