Grimsley High School Band
In the fall of 1936, Mr. Herbert Hazelman (band) and Raymond Brietz (choral music) reactivated the music program, as it had been cut due to the depression. Forty-two years later, in 1978, Mr. Hazelman retired, as one of the most respected band directors in the country, having taken his band to play at halftime during an NFL game (1956, Washington Redskins), as well as play for a sitting president (1972, Richard Nixon). Mr. Hazelman also wrote Grimsley’s alma mater in 1950. After Hazelman’s retirement, Mr. Sampson took over as concert band director. During a good portion of the 1980s and 90s, Mr. Edgar Rooker (who was the director of the marching band during the latter part of Hazelman’s time at Grimsley) and Mr. Forest Munden, headed Grimsley’s band. An assistant band director during that time, from 1988-1992, Dr. Stefan Stuber, took over as head band director in 1999, after Mr. Munden’s retirement, and retired in 2019. The rich history of excellence continues under direction of Mr. Jeremy Ray is the Director of Bands.
Grimsley High School Band
In the fall of 1936, Mr. Herbert Hazelman (band) and Raymond Brietz (choral music) reactivated the music program, as it had been cut due to the depression…
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Forty-two years later, in 1978, Mr. Hazelman retired, as one of the most respected band directors in the country, having taken his band to play at halftime during an NFL game (1956, Washington Redskins), as well as play for a sitting president (1972, Richard Nixon). Mr. Hazelman also wrote Grimsley’s alma mater in 1950. After Hazelman’s retirement, Mr. Sampson took over as concert band director. During a good portion of the 1980s and 90s, Mr. Edgar Rooker (who was the director of the marching band during the latter part of Hazelman’s time at Grimsley) and Mr. Forest Munden, headed Grimsley’s band. An assistant band director during that time, from 1988-1992, Dr. Stefan Stuber, took over as head band director in 1999, after Mr. Munden’s retirement, and retired in 2019. The rich history of excellence continues under direction of Mr. Jeremy Ray is the Director of Bands.
Register for the Spring 2020 Trip!
There is still time….
Announcement:
Next Band Booster Meeting will be in January 2020!
Upcoming Events
- February 28, 2020, All County Jazz Recordings Due
- March 5, 2020, Commission Rehearsal
- March 12, 2020, World Premier Spring Concert
- March 23, 2020, MPA Event
- March 26, 2020, Spring Band Trip
The Director’s Corner
We’ve had a really good week of rehearsals. We dug into the challenging repertoire and have pushed towards our goals. We only have 8 rehearsals left prior to the Winter Concert. Please continue to encourage your students to practice. Encourage them to practice the stuff they can not play. It is easy to say you practiced and only practice the stuff you can play, but progress is only made when we leave our comfort zone. I believe they can do this, encourage them to meet the challenge.
Thank you to everyone that attended the November booster meeting. We had a great group of parents attend and I encourage each of you to attend the next one. Thank you to Kim and Duana for leading the meeting. They are well organized and have a great plan for the band, come see what it is all about. Our next meeting will be in January.
I hope everyone has a great holiday week. Enjoy some turkey and time with your families and friends.
Go Whirlies!!!
Band Programs
Marching Band
Students enjoy many performances and camaraderie through Marching Band Camp, evening rehearsals, football games, parades, and the annual spring trip.
Jazz Band
Membership in Jazz Band is determined by audition in the spring. Auditions for Jazz Band will include prepared pieces in a variety of styles, as well as scales and sight-
Blue Steel
The Grimsley High School Drum line is a group of percussionists that are also members of other bands.
Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble membership is determined by audition each spring and are conducted one-on-one with the Director and the auditioning student.
2020 Summer Band Camps
All Band Camps for the summer of 2020 are on the calendar! A lot of information is covered during your week of camp. Please plan around these dates as they are mandatory for all band members.
Classroom Instruction
For any and all band class information, including documents, ‘Remind’ information, assignments, dates and more, see Mr. Ray’s GCSNC page.
Private Lessons
Please contact the Band Director, Mr. Jeremy Ray for a list of local instructors if you are interested in private lessons. He can guide you according to your instrument and personal needs.
Band Sponsors
Join Us!
Being part of the Whirlie Band family is both rewarding and fun. The students are the grateful recipients of all our efforts. You, too, can be a part of something fabulous!
