DISCOVER THE BISON BAND PROGRAM
ABOUT THE BISON BAND PROGRAM
The Buffalo Grove High School Band Program empowers students to perform, lead, serve, and grow through exceptional musical experiences.
​
Serving more than 170 students, the program includes three concert bands, two jazz bands, two jazz combos, percussion ensembles, the Bison Marching Band, and Color Guard. Students develop musicianship, confidence, leadership, creativity, discipline, and lifelong friendships through meaningful musical experiences.
​
Throughout the year, students perform in concerts, festivals, school events, community performances, and educational experiences across Chicagoland and beyond. The program has earned recognition for excellence in concert, jazz, and marching band performance while receiving invitations to perform at distinguished festivals and performances.
​
While we are proud of these accomplishments, our greatest success is measured by the growth of our students. The Bison Band Program welcomes students of all experience levels and backgrounds—there is a place for everyone in Bison Band.
​
Bison Band students are among the most involved students at Buffalo Grove High School. Members participate in AP and Honors courses, IHSA athletics, student government, National Honor Society, fine arts programs, academic teams, community service organizations, and dozens of clubs and activities.
CONCERT BANDS
The Concert Band program is the foundation of the Buffalo Grove High School Band experience. Every student is placed in the ensemble that best matches their current level while providing opportunities for continued growth.
Students rehearse daily during the school day as a curricular course and perform throughout the year in concerts, festivals, clinics, and special events. Along the way, they develop musicianship, teamwork, discipline, confidence, leadership, and a lifelong appreciation for music while working with outstanding guest conductors and music educators.
​
Concert Band is designed for incoming freshmen and provides a strong foundation for success in the Buffalo Grove High School Band Program. Students develop essential musical skills, ensemble performance techniques, and rehearsal habits while making the transition into high school band.
​
Symphonic Winds is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors and continues each student's musical development through increasingly challenging repertoire and performance opportunities. The ensemble emphasizes musical growth, technical development, and artistic expression while preparing students for advanced performance experiences.
​
Wind Ensemble is open to students in any grade level through a successful audition. Students selected for Wind Ensemble demonstrate outstanding musicianship, strong technical proficiency, disciplined practice habits, and a commitment to musical excellence. The ensemble performs the most advanced repertoire in the program and regularly represents BGHS at distinguished festivals, clinics, and honor performances.
JAZZ BANDS
The BGHS Jazz Program includes Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band, and two student jazz combos.
​
Students explore improvisation, creativity, collaboration, and performance while studying a wide variety of musical styles and traditions. Through large ensembles and small-group experiences, students develop musical independence, confidence, and leadership.
​
Jazz students perform throughout the year at concerts, festivals, community events, and educational clinics. The program has earned recognition for outstanding performances and has provided students with opportunities to perform at distinguished festivals, clinics, and conferences.
​
Whether a student is new to jazz or an experienced improviser, the program provides meaningful opportunities for artistic growth and self-expression.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES
The percussion program provides students with opportunities to perform in concert bands, jazz ensembles, percussion ensemble, front ensemble, and marching percussion.
​
Through a combination of ensemble performance, specialized instruction, and leadership opportunities, percussionists develop strong technical skills while becoming versatile musicians and performers.
​
The Percussion Ensemble provides an additional performance opportunity that allows students to explore a wide variety of percussion literature and collaborate closely with fellow percussionists.
Percussion students are an essential part of every ensemble in the Bison Band Program and play a vital role in the culture, energy, and success of the organization.
BISON MARCHING BAND
The award-winning Bison Marching Band (BMB) brings together students from across the band program in one of the most visible and exciting experiences at Buffalo Grove High School.
Students perform at football games, community events, parades, and marching festivals while developing teamwork, leadership, responsibility, school pride, and lifelong friendships.
​
For many students, marching band becomes the place where some of their most memorable high school experiences are created. The combination of music, movement, performance, and community creates an experience unlike any other in the program.
​
Performance Highlights
• Marching Band Festivals
• Community Parades and Events
• Caption Awards and Class Championships
BMB COLOR GUARD
Color Guard combines athleticism, artistry, and teamwork to bring music to life through visual performance.
​
Members learn flag, rifle, saber, dance, and movement technique while developing confidence, performance skills, and lasting friendships.
BMB Color Guard members participate in the fall marching season and may also participate in winter performance opportunities, creating meaningful experiences for personal and artistic growth.
Whether students have previous experience or are trying something entirely new, Color Guard provides a welcoming environment where members are challenged, supported, and encouraged to succeed.
READY TO
JOIN THE BAND?
Whether your passion is concert band, jazz, percussion, marching band, or color guard, the Bison Band Program offers meaningful opportunities to perform, lead, and inspire through music.
Students come to Bison Band with different interests, talents, and goals. What unites them is a shared commitment to growth, excellence, and supporting one another. Together, they form a community where students are challenged to reach their potential while building lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences.
Join more than 170 students who are making music, building memories, and creating something extraordinary together.