ABOUT
ABOUT THE BGHS BANDS
Developing excellent musicianship, leadership, and citizenship in the concert band program is the primary focus of the program. We look to elevate the level of musicianship while still offering a musical opportunity for every interested student.
The concert bands have performed at the Chicagoland Concert Band Festival, receiving superior and excellent ratings. The Wind Ensemble was selected to the University of Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival each year since 2022. The jazz bands have successfully continued performing at jazz festivals and the Jazz Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2019 Illinois Music Educators Conference, one of the highest honors a musical ensemble can receive in the state. In addition, the marching band has returned to the competitive scene, receiving numerous awards since 2023.
The BGHS Band Program continues to flourish with a balanced band program focused on excellence in concert, jazz, and marching bands. It is centered on developing skills like leadership, teamwork, confidence, discipline, sustained work ethic, and musicianship within students so that they are well positioned for future endeavors in all aspects of life.
CONCERT BANDS
The Buffalo Grove High School band program is made up of over 170 students divided into three concert bands and a percussion ensemble.
These groups are the core part of a comprehensive music program at Buffalo Grove High School. They meet every day for 45-80 minutes and receive academic credit.
These groups perform at several concerts and festivals throughout the year including District 214 Concert and Symphonic Band Festivals, the Chicagoland Concert Band Festival and concerts at Pick-Staiger Theater on the campus of Northwestern University.
They also have many opportunities to perform in front and receive feedback from distinguished music educators.
JAZZ GROUPS
Students who wish to participate in the Buffalo Grove High School Jazz Bands are invited to audition for the ensembles at the end or beginning of the school year.
Participation is open to students enrolled in the Bands and Orchestras who play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and percussion. Participation is open to any students in the school who play guitar, bass, or piano.
Jazz Combos will be formed based on student interest and availability. Combos will focus on learning a variety of tunes and improvisation.
All groups perform and compete at various festivals in the Chicagoland area, where they consistently receive superior ratings and place in the top of their classes.
MARCHING BAND
The Marching Band is composed of members from all concert ensembles. The group performs at all home football games, marching band competitions, and community events, including the Buffalo Grove Days Parade, Frontier Days Parade, and the Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade.
Members rehearse throughout the summer, during the school day, and at one weekly after-school rehearsal. During the marching season, rehearsals are typically held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Marching Band performs at all home football game halftimes and participates in several competitive marching band events each season.
Through a combination of musical excellence, visual performance, and school spirit, the ensemble represents the school throughout the community and beyond.
Competitive Marching Band Achievements
2025
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Multiple Awards
2024
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1st Place Class A — Outstanding Percussion, Music, and Auxiliary, Chicagoland Marching Band Festival
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2nd Place Class AA — Outstanding Percussion, Lake Park Joust
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1st Place Class AAA — Best Music, Percussion, Visual Performance, Auxiliary, and Drum Majors, Sandwich MusicFest
COLOR GUARD
Color Guard is an essential part of the band program, bringing the music to life through visual performance. Members use flags, sabers, rifles, and dance to enhance and communicate the musical themes and emotions of each show. While many Color Guard members are also musicians, no musical experience is required to participate. Color Guard participates in both the fall and winter seasons and typically rehearses during the evenings.
