March is not only known for March Madness. It is Music Month in the Arts Department! It's performance and competition month. New Castle High School has always had a long history of musical opportunities for our students, and most people recognize our marching band and show choir programs. These two programs, which do take a large amount of time, are only a part of the musical options that students participate in. Here are some of the ways you can hear our student’s talents:
Madrigal Choir- performs for different community events, at Metamora, and hosts a Madrigal dinner.
Woodwind and Brass Choir- Students perform for all the elementary programs as prelude music, different community events, and (our favorite event) a tour of area assisted living facilities playing holiday music for residents.
Solo/Ensemble Competition- Students perform a solo or as part of an ensemble for judges at the district and state level to earn a rating of Gold/Silver/Bronze/Participation. Students become better musicians by participating and getting feedback from judges.
Jazz Band and Jazz Choir- Both groups rehearse once a week after school and perform for various community events and festivals. The NCHS Jazz Choir earned a Gold rating at the Whiteland ISSMA Jazz Festival site on March 2. The NCHS Jazz Band earned a Gold rating with distinction at the Greenfield ISSMA Jazz Festival site on March 2.
International Night- The choir chooses a country, features its cultural music and serves food to complete the evening (this year France was featured).
Indoor Percussion- Students compete in the Indiana Percussion Association circuit concert open class. They compete at State Finals April 6.
Winter Guard- Students compete in the Indiana High School Color Guard Association circuit in regional A class. The group placed 8th in their round at State Finals on March 9th.
Holiday and Mid-Winter Concerts- Students spread holiday cheer and hone their performance skills as we progress through the school year.
Pep Band- The Hottest Pep Band in all the Land rocks the Fieldhouse during the basketball season.
Organizational Contest- This is the Concert Band and Concert Choir contest put on by the Indiana State School Music Association. This year, New Castle will be a host site in our beautiful Bundy Auditorium on April 19 and 20.
Dinner with Jazz- The high school and middle school jazz band host the annual Dinner with Jazz at the New Castle Armory on Thursday, April 25th. We play jazz music as the audience enjoys a catered dinner. This year we will be joined with the Directors Jazz Orchestra as our guest artist group!
All-City Band Festival- A tradition started by Bob Shauver almost fifty years ago, the All-City Band Festival hosts all bands, grade 6-12, to perform in the Fieldhouse on Thursday, May 2nd for our Annual Pops Concert and Awards.
Spring Sing- The Annual Spring Choir Concert features pops music in Bundy Auditorium on May 19 and 20.
There are so many ways to hear the hard work and dedication of the students of the New Castle High School music program. Check them out any chance you can!
