About the
FOREST HILLS HIGH SCHOOL BANDS
The Band Program at Forest Hills High School enjoys a rich tradition of quality in our marching and concert ensembles. Under the direction of Paul Jackson and assistant Tracy Humphries, equal emphasis is placed on both groups, so that neither band succeeds at the expense of the other. Students are required to participate in both ensembles to encourage consistency, and the band meets daily for a 90 minute block throughout the school year. We also hold after-school practices, sectionals and peer-tutoring sessions.
In addition to the Jacket Regiment Marching Band and the Forest Hills Symphonic Band, the Forest Hills Band Program includes "The Sting" Jazz Ensemble and the Forest Hills Percussion Ensemble.
THE JACKET REGIMENT
The Jacket Regiment, consisting of approximately 70 members, performs at all of the Forest Hills Football games and competes in three to four competitions per year. Although Forest Hills is a 2A school, the Jacket Regiment often competes in the 3A or 4A class to continually challenge ourselves. The Jacket Regiment has won countless awards over the years, including numerous first place finishes in our class. The band has also secured the award of Grand Champions at the 1991 Old Hickory Tournament of Champions, 1994 Carolina Calvicade of Bands, 1994 Trojan Classic, 1995 Burger King Classic, 1996 Burger King Classic, 1996 Albemarle Showcase of Bands, 1997 Blue Devil Classic, 1997 Burger King Classic (3A/4A Grand Champs), 2000 Golden Classic (1A-3A Grand Champs), and the 2002 Highland Celebration Marching Contest (1A-3A Grand Champs).
In 2001, we took First Place in Class AAA at Weddington's Crown of Champions, First Place in Class AAAA at the Blue Devil Classic in Mooresville and First Place in Class A at the Tar Heel Invitational in Chapel Hill. The Jacket Regiment also participated in the WGI Friendship Cup in Nashville, Tennessee and placed seventh for the day.
Our 2002 Honors include First Place in Class A at the Highland Celebration Marching Contest and First Place in Class AAAA at the Blue Devil Clasic in Mooresville.
THE SYMPHONIC BAND
The Symphonic Band at Forest Hills is comprised of approximately 50 members, and the group performs two concerts per year in addition to competing at the South Central District Concert Festival. The Symphonic Band has received nine straight Superior ratings at Concert Festival, many as a Grade VI band. Forest Hills is also consisently represented at All-District Band, All-State Honors Band, Western Region Orchestra and District Solo and Ensemble Festival.
THE JAZZ BAND
The Jazz Ensemble at Forest Hills, directed by Miss Tracy Humphries, selects members by invitation and plays jazz standards as well as rock-oriented tunes. The group performs twice per year in conjunction with the Symphonic Band concert, and also plays in the community at various events.
THE PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
The Percussion Ensemble, a fairly new group at Forest Hills, offers the opportunity for our percussionists to explore percussion ensemble literature and gel as a team outside of the typical band setting.
OUR STAFF (2002-2003)
Head Band Director, Paul Jackson
Assistant Director, Tracy Humphries
Percussion Instructor, Lea Mayers
Colorguard Instructor, Jeff Cobbs
Music Arranger, Don Flewell
Colorguard Drill/Routine Writer, Jeff Cobbs
Drum Major, Carrie Jordan
Band President, Jay Johnson
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