The Thing About Art
One of the many things that Shepherd Hill has to offer is its amazing Music Program. With the many Band, Choir, and Art opportunities, you'll have plenty to learn and perform.
Band and Instrumental Programs
The Shepherd Hill Band class entails both Marching Band and Concert Band. You can partake in either Senior Band (Winds Class), Percussion Class, or Guard Class. All classes mentioned are a part of both bands. During the summer and the fall, you will be taking part in a musical experience you won't forget. The marching band performs at the home, Varsity Football games, communal parades, and also their very own competitions. During the winter and spring, the band will perform concert pieces and indoor works of art. You may also learn more about music and perform stage shows and concerts. There are no prerequisites to take these classes and all are welcome to come and play their hearts out.
Jazz Band
This extracurricular takes you through the world of Jazz. Instructed by the same teacher who runs the band classes, Jazz Band helps students learn how to play complex pieces from the genre. All types of instrument players are welcome to go through the audition process. Practice hours are typically on Thursdays and vary by week. They are also a competitive group who go to MAJE festivals which are balls of fun. Join the Jazz band in playing many pieces that get the crowd clapping and tapping their feet to the beat of your rhythm.
Winter Percussion
Winter Percussion is another extracurricular activity that teaches you to be a percussionist. Join as they pound on their bass drums, play on their marimbas, and ring their triangles. This is a non-audition group and does not require any prior knowledge of percussion. Their practice hours are from 5-8:30 on Thursdays and Saturdays. This is also a competitive group as they travel to different places to compete in competitions much like the marching band. Learn the basics and get yourself drumming with the Winter Percussion.
Winter Guard
The Shepherd Hill Winter Guard is a no-cut group that learns the basics of Guard. You will be taught how to spin flags, rifles, and even dance. With this activity, you will attend regional and state competitions in a show you learn and perform. The Guard practices on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and their shows are traditionally on Saturdays. If you want to join the guard in their endeavors in the winter, then come on down to the Shepherd Hill Winter Guard.
Concert Choir
The Shepherd Hill Concert Choir is open to all students. This group does not require an audition. The only after-school rehearsals occur for the Holiday spectacular in December and in the Spring for the Spring Concert. Concert Choir sings every other day and is led by Mrs. Bussiere with the help of her student teacher for the year. Concert Choir is low pressure and requires minimal music theory knowledge.
Women's Choir/Illusion
Women's Choir is the day class taken for members of Shepherd Hills premiere female unisex show choir "Illusion". This class occurs every other day and is led by Mrs. Bussiere and the group's vocal captain(s). They primarily sing show music but overlap at Christmas and Spring with concert music. Illusion practices after school on Mondays from 5-8 from September until January, when they practice Monday 6:30-8:30 and Wednesday after school until 4:15. Illusion is an auditioned ensemble that competes across New England.
Chamber Choir/Fantasy
Chamber Choir is the upper-level ensemble at Shepherd Hill. This group consists of members of our co-ed show choir "Fantasy" which was one of the first show choirs ever to exist in New England. It is directed by Mrs. Bussiere, with help from vocal and dance captains. Chamber sings Christmas and Spring music like the other choirs, but primarily practices their competition set. Fantasy also participates in outside volunteer events such as the Why Me Christmas Party and Mechanics Hall Holiday Concert. Fantasy rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5-8 pm from September to January, then begins rehearsing twice a week on Mondays from 2:30- 4:15 and Wednesdays 5:30-8:30. Fantasy is an auditioned group that competes across New England.
Select Choir/Mystique
The Woman's choir, or otherwise known as Mystique, is a class here at Shepherd Hill. This is like Concert choir but for women only, and the only vocal course where you can gain some experience in a capella singing. This is a class that alternates through the day much like Concert choir. There are no after-school commitments for this class, but there are some in-school commitments like singing for the Center of Hope and at holiday craft fairs in the area. If you like Concert choir and want to get a unisex feel for singing, this is the class for you.
Male Choir/T-Tones
The Shepherd Hill T-Tones is an all-male choir that competes with Fantasy and Illusion. In T-Tones, you will be able to get that show choir feel with all your bros. They compete at venues across the country. However, this also an auditioned group and we recommend that you partake in Concert choir so you can stay up to date in your technique. Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays after school. So, if you want to dance like Bill and Ted or other bodacious dudes, come on and join Shepherd Hill T-Tones.
Pitt Band
The Pitt Band works with the Show Choirs to play their awesome music. If you want a small ensemble type experience, this is the band for you. You will be playing with the Show Choirs as they sing to give their voices a more resonant tone. To join, you can take the Pitt Band class which alternates every other day. But, if that doesn't fit in your schedule, you can still join Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays after school. If you want to play some rocking music and beautiful ballads, then come to the Shepherd Hill Pitt Band.
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Tri-M Music Honor Society is a club for all students involved with music who also maintain at least a C average or above in every course and have and an A in their music course. You can join Tri-M through a paper submission process. Students are scored and selected by the advisors Mr. Macuga and Mrs. Bussiere. Tri-M meets once a month from September to February and twice a month from March until the end of the year. In order to walk at graduation with the Tri-M stole, you must complete one service project a year and have completed and logged 30 music-related service hours. Tri-M is run by its officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Historian, and Treasurer.
NAHS
NAHS is an honor society for students in art classes. It is open to all students regardless of grade. They attend art field trips, participate in community service, and even help run District Art Night. To get into the National Art Honor Society, speak to an art teacher and they will welcome you with open arms. If you want to pursue your love for art, then NAHS is for you.
Drama Club
The Drama Club puts on plays that the whole school enjoys, such as Midsummer's Night Dream and The Crucible. To get in, audition at the beginning of each production with Mr. Foley and Ms. Griffiths. They rehearse Tuesdays and Thursdays with the exception of a week-long "Tech Week" which prepares them for the show. Shepherd Hill also has an improv group called "Hillprov". They rehearse on Tuesdays and require no audition or experience. If you'd like to act on stage and have fun, the Drama Club or "Hillprov" is for you.
