Mercer Island High School Bands
While there are a variety of bands to join, the MIHS Band is the all-inclusive band with over 200 members. All MIHS Band students are required to participate in band year-round, starting with Marching Band in the fall, continuing with Animal Band in the winter, and then as a part of one of four Concert Bands in the winter and spring.
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Concert Bands
FOUR LEVELS OF CONCERT BAND
9th Grade Band
The MIHS Concert Band is composed of freshman band students. Students enrolled in the Concert Band perform innovative new literature as well as valuable core compositions in the band repertoire. The Concert Band performs at two concerts during the year as well as Fine Arts Showcase and the Eastshore Band II Festival.
Symphonic Band
This is an auditioned group made up of over 80 juniors and sophomores. Students enrolled in the Symphonic Band perform innovative new literature as well as valuable core compositions in the band repertoire.
The Symphonic Band performs at two concerts during the year, as well as Fine Arts Showcase in the winter and the Eastshore Band II Festival in the spring.
Wind Symphony
This is an auditioned performing ensemble in the MIHS concert band program. At over 70 members strong it is made up of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students enrolled in the Wind Symphony perform challenging literature that represents the cutting edge in the compositional world as well as valuable core compositions in the band repertoire.
The Wind Symphony performs at two concerts during the year, as well as Fine Arts Showcase in the winter and the Eastshore Band I Festival in the spring. In addition, the MIHS Wind Symphony has performed at numerous national festivals including the Dixie classic Festival in Washington D.C. and the Heritage Festival in Chicago.
Wind Ensemble
The MIHS Wind Ensemble is the premier performing ensemble in the MIHS concert band program. This large member ensemble was created using standard wind ensemble instrumentation and performs challenging literature that represents the cutting edge in the compositional world as well as valuable core compositions in the band repertoire.
The Wind Ensemble performs at two concerts during the year, as well as Fine Arts Showcase in the winter, Eastshore Band I Festival in the spring, and numerous national festivals.
Percussion Ensemble
The MIHS Percussion Ensemble plays a critical role in the band and at the high school. Percussionists are selected in 5th grade through audition and lottery, and after freshman year, they meet as a separate class daily. Largely the “heartbeat” of MIHS school spirit, the “drum line” typically leads the student body through the school hallways and into the gym during assemblies and other activities, and is called on to play at Breakfast of Champions, various fundraisers, and sporting events.
Jazz Bands
Mercer Island High School has several Jazz Bands. Jazz Ensemble is a class and Jazz 2 and Jazz 3 practice in the mornings.
Animal Band
The Animal Band is the well-earned and unique name of the MIHS pep bands. Comprised of all the members enrolled in the MIHS concert band program, the Animal Band is really four bands, each comprised of one quarter of the MIHS Marching Band members. Known for its high level of musicianship as well as its undeniable volume and enthusiasm, the Animal Band is an integral part of the success of Mercer Island Girls and Boys Basketball. Look and listen for the Animal Band at this year’s boys and girls home basketball games.
Pep Band
An opportunity for students to play marching band music at various community events. Organized by student leaders, this is a more casual and playful performance group.
MIHS Marching Band
With over 200 members, the Mercer Island High School band program is one of the largest in the state, and includes close to one in every four MIHS students.
Students enrolled in the Marching Band perform challenging literature that inspires and motivates both our sports teams and audiences alike. The Marching Band performs at all MIHS home football games, as well as the MIHS Homecoming Parade in the fall.
In addition, the MIHS Marching Band has performed at other times of the year, such as the Tournament of Roses, Seahawks Halftime shows, and numerous other national and international stages.
In 2026, the band performed in the London New Year's Parade in London, UK.
In 2023, the band performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Overview of schedule
The Mercer Island High School band year is always filled with new experiences and unanticipated activities. Check out our monthly Band Notes and the Calendar to find out what is happening this year.
Here is what you can typically expect:
Mid-August
Senior Leadership Retreat at Warm Beach
BAND CAMP: All high school band students are required to participate in the week-long Band Camp held at MIHS. Monday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm. Bring lunch, water, hat, sunscreen, instrument, and LOTS of energy!
During Band Camp
All band members are fitted, and uniforms are distributed, to be kept in the band hall.
Annual Band BBQ is typically on the Thursday evening of Band Camp.
September to Early November
Marching Band Season, including home football game performances, pre-game rehearsals, and sectionals. Homecoming Parade in October.
End of September
All-State Band audition recordings for motivated students.
Mid-October
All Island Band Night performance at a home football game with bands from grades 5th through 12th.
Mid-December
Full band Winter Concert
December to February
Animal Band rotates performances at basketball games.
All-State Honor Groups (if selected.)
Eastshore Region Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Concert Band Intensive (CBI) retreat weekend.
March
Eastshore Band Festival (during the school day) and State Basketball playoff participation for Animal Band. MIHS bands participate in Fine Arts Showcase.
April
Concert Band Auditions for the next year.
May
Spring High School Band Concert.
June
Every other year, graduation performance for Sophomores and Juniors.
More than Music
Our band directors incorporate life lessons and values into our band program. Leadership, achieving goals, giving back to the community, and more are all key components of our band program.
Student Leadership
Student leadership is a critical component of the MIHS Band program. Each spring, three Drum Majors are elected as student ambassadors of the Marching Band, and representatives from each concert band are elected to be a part of the Band Student Advisory Council (BSA.) In addition, each instrument section has a set of leaders that have been selected as Section Leaders. Section Leaders are responsible for weekly sectionals and music assessments during marching band, and are the first to be asked when band students have questions.
Sectionals
During Marching Band season, each Section Leader will hold one sectional per week. Each section has multiple Section Leaders and as a result multiple opportunities to attend the required weekly sectional, which provide a unique opportunity to learn and perfect performance pieces. These sectionals are in addition to normal class time and rehearsals.
Performance Trips
The Mercer Island High School Band has been invited to national and international performance venues. On years that include performance trips, additional rehearsal, fundraising, and volunteer commitments are required by all band students.
Private Lessons
While private lessons are not a requirement to participate in the MIHS band program, they are encouraged. Students hoping to move into the upper ensembles will benefit greatly from the individual attention, specialization, and instrumental expertise a tutor or private instructor can offer.