Course Descriptions:

Wind Ensemble II Honors is a UC/CSU honors level course which earns a 5.0 GPA. Both Wind Ensembles receive UC/CSU approved Fine Arts or Applied Arts credit. These groups follow traditional wind band instrumentation. Advanced techniques and musical concepts are explored.

Students are assigned to these classes based on year-end auditions. Placement is according to individual student needs, and the needs of the groups as a whole. Students are moved up (and down) as individual progress dictates.

Both the Wind Ensemble II Honors and Wind Ensemble I perform collegiate and professional repertoire and is open to selected wind and percussion students of superior ability by audition only. Wind Ensemble II Honors is preceded by Wind Ensemble I. Wind Ensemble I is preceded by Concert Band. The Wind Ensemble II Honors is the only West Coast Grand National Participant in over 24 years.

The Ventura High School Wind Ensemble has earned distinction nationwide at invitational music festivals including Chicago, New York, Hawaii, Chattanooga, TN (Grand Nationals), Boston, and most recently in 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.