ABOUT THE
PT BAND
PT BAND ENSEMBLES
FALL SEASON
MARCHING BAND
The marching band is the flagship ensemble of the PT Band program, roughly 50 to 60 students strong, competing in the Tournament of Bands circuit each fall. The show is built around a single theme performed across multiple movements, combining music, drill, and visual design into one unified performance. This year's show is Paint It Black.
The season begins with Band Camp in late July/early August, where the show is learned from the ground up over an intensive two weeks before school starts. Once school is in session, the band rehearses Tuesday and Wednesday evenings throughout the fall. Competitions run on weekends from September through November, ending at the TOB State Championship.
Each year’s show is designed specifically for the current band based on the number of students (instrumentalists and color guard) and the number of each type of instrument. Since each person has a specific position in the show, any absence is noticed and can negatively affect the entire band and show. Time commitment is significant. Between Band Camp, weeknight rehearsals, and weekend competitions, marching band asks a lot from students who join. Students should expect most fall Fridays and Saturdays to be occupied from September through November. Students who show up consistently get the most out of it.
Any student in 7th grade or above is welcome to join. No audition is required.
FALL SEASON
COLOR GUARD
Color guard is the visual ensemble of the marching band. Guard members perform with flags, rifles, and sabres alongside the band during the fall season, bringing the show's theme to life through movement and equipment work. The guard has 10 to 15 members and performs at every marching band competition and event.
Color guard is open to any student in 7th grade or above. No prior dance or performance experience is required. Skills are taught. Students who join color guard as part of the marching band follow the same fall rehearsal and competition schedule as the rest of the band.
SCHOOL YEAR
CONCERT BAND
The concert band performs traditional concert repertoire throughout the school year and is open to all high school band students. Performances include the holiday concert in December and the spring concert in May.
Rehearsals happen during the school day as part of the band class schedule. There is no additional after-school time commitment beyond the performances themselves, which makes concert band a natural fit for students who want to stay active in music outside of the competitive seasons.
SCHOOL YEAR
JAZZ BAND
The jazz ensemble focuses on jazz performance and is open to high school band students. The ensemble performs at the annual holiday concert in December, the Fat Tuesday Jazz Concert in February, the spring concert in May, and select off-campus events including elementary & middle school holiday concerts and past performances at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh.
Like concert band, rehearsals take place during the school day. Students interested in jazz performance can participate alongside any of the competitive ensembles without adding significant time outside of school.
WINTER SEASON
INDOOR PERCUSSION
Indoor percussion is a separate competitive ensemble that performs during the winter months after marching season ends. The ensemble typically has around 20 members and competes in the TRWEA and WGI circuits, including the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.
Like the marching band, indoor percussion performs a fully designed show, but entirely indoors on a gymnasium or arena floor. The ensemble includes front ensemble (keyboards, electronics, and auxiliary percussion) as well as battery (snare, tenor, and bass drums). Performances are judged on musical execution, visual design, and overall effect.
Rehearsals run Tuesday and Wednesday evenings through the winter. The season wraps in April with the WGI World Championships for qualifying ensembles. The PT Indoor Percussion Ensemble has earned regional championships and WGI World medals.
Any student in 7th grade or above is welcome to join. No audition required.
WINTER SEASON
WINTER GUARD
Winter guard is the indoor continuation of color guard, running immediately after the marching season ends. The ensemble competes independently on a gymnasium or arena floor, performing routines that combine flag, rifle, and sabre work with movement and theatrical elements set to recorded music.
Unlike the fall color guard, which performs as part of the larger marching band, winter guard is its own standalone competitive unit. Shows are fully self-contained productions judged on execution, visual design, and overall effect.
Rehearsals run on a similar Tuesday and Wednesday schedule through the winter. Students who participate in fall color guard often continue into winter guard, though the two are separate commitments and students can do one without the other.
Any student in 7th grade or above is welcome to join. No audition required.