About

Hickory High School offers a tiered concert band program designed to foster musical excellence at every level. Concert ensembles are the backbone of the Hickory Band program.

Our curriculum begins with Band 9, a dedicated ensemble for all 9th graders.

Students in grades 10–12 are placed in either Symphonic Band or the premier Wind Ensemble based on placement auditions held each spring. These courses are held during the school day, with performances required outside of class to support our curriculum.

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Concert ensembles provide a comprehensive study of music, developing student skills in tone production, technical proficiency, and historical analysis. Through the study of significant literature and a schedule of public performances, students achieve a high standard of musicianship and collaborative artistry.  We are proud of the tradition of excellence maintained by our student musicians within the Chesapeake community and beyond.

The Hickory Marching Hawks is a premier performing ensemble in Hampton Roads, recognized for setting a regional standard of excellence in both pageantry and musicality. As consistent recipients of "Superior" ratings at State Assessments, the Marching Hawks have earned a reputation for precision and innovation on the competition circuit. The ensemble is a frequent finalist at major regional events and has a storied history of success.

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Beyond the trophy case, the program serves as the heartbeat of Hickory High School spirit. Membership is open to all students enrolled in a concert band, bringing together a dedicated team of musicians who perform at varsity football games, community parades, and elite competitions. By balancing athletic discipline with artistic expression, the Marching Hawks continue to define the standard of excellence across the Commonwealth.

The Hickory Indoor Percussion Ensemble extends our standard of excellence into the winter and spring seasons, competing as a premier ensemble within the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) and Winter Guard International (WGI) circuits. This "sport of the arts" combines elements of marching percussion, keyboard artistry, and theatrical performance into a high-energy production. Membership is open to all percussionists and interested wind students, focusing on the mastery of complex rhythmic structures and expressive visual choreography.

The Hickory Winter Guard is a premier visual ensemble that brings music to life through the "Sport of the Arts." Competing in the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) and Winter Guard International (WGI) circuits, the guard transitions from the football field to the gym floor to perform sophisticated, choreographed routines. This ensemble combines modern dance, theater, and synchronized equipment work with flags, rifles, and sabres to create a high-impact competitive production.

The Hickory Jazz Band offers students an immersive study of America’s original art form, focusing on the stylistic nuances of swing, bebop, Latin, and contemporary jazz. As a premier elective within our music department, the ensemble emphasizes the development of individual artistry through improvisation and advanced ensemble performance. Membership is open to students by audition, providing a high-level environment for saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a full rhythm section to master sophisticated big band literature.

Hickory High School encourages students to transcend the classroom by engaging with elite musical opportunities across the Commonwealth and beyond. Our students consistently earn placements in the VBODA District IV Honor Bands and the prestigious Virginia All-State Band, representing the highest caliber of musicianship in Chesapeake. Participation in these ensembles allows our musicians to collaborate with world-class conductors and perform advanced literature alongside the finest players in Virginia.

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To further refine their craft, many of our students attend renowned summer music camps and maintain a schedule of private lessons with area professionals. We highly recommend private study as the most effective way to master instrument-specific techniques and prepare for competitive auditions.

Whether auditioning for a university-hosted honor clinic or a national youth orchestra, Hickory band members are supported in their pursuit of individual excellence and leadership within the performing arts community.