The curricular ensembles at Rolling Meadows High School are the Concert/Symphonic Band, Instrumental Ensemble, and Jazz Band(s).  There are additional extra-curricular ensembles offered as well:  Madrigal Brass, Show Choir Combo, Jazz Combo, Winter Drumline, Steel Pan Ensemble, Fall and Winter Color Guards, etc.

Concert/Symphonic Band is open to all wind instrument players of all grade levels and experience.  Both groups combine with the Instrumental Ensemble class to make up the Marching Mustangs.  During the year there are further auditions to assign students to either Concert or Symphonic Band levels. The bands perform at football games, marching competitions, parades, concerts and festivals throughout the school year.

Instrumental Ensemble  is open to all percussion instrument players of all grade levels and experience.  This class combines with the Concert/Symphonic classes to make up the Marching Mustangs.  During the year there are further auditions to assign students to the percussion section of either Concert or Symphonic Band levels.  These musicians perform as part of the bands at football games, marching competitions, parades, concerts and festivals throughout the school year.

Jazz Band is an extension of the Concert Band program and is open to all grade levels.  There are auditions in the Spring for placement between the two levels of jazz bands.  These classes meet on Tuesday nights and/or during Zero block.  Students in jazz band must have concurrent enrollment in Concert/Symphonic Band, Instrumental Ensemble, Concert/Symphony Orchestra or Guitar.  These ensembles perform at concerts, jazz clubs, and festivals throughout the year.

The four main ensembles at Rolling Meadows High School are the Beginning Choir, Concert Choir, Madrigals, and Trebellious.   

Beginning Choir is open to all girls that are new to high school choir. No audition needed!

Concert Choir is open to all boys and girls with some experience. No audition needed!

Madrigals is Rolling Meadows' most advanced mixed choir and is open by audition only. Auditions are held during the school year.

Trebellious is Rolling Meadows' show choir, which is open to all girls and meets after school.

Guitar 1 is a beginning level class for students who want to learn how to play guitar. Students will learn the fundamentals of playing guitar; how to read music notation, chord notation, and tablature; and develop the skills to play independently.

Guitar 2 is an intermediate level guitar class for students who want to continue to learn more about guitar. Upon completion of Guitar 1 & 2, students will be expected to play independently, read music, improvise, and play in a variety of styles.

Advanced Guitar Workshop is an advanced level guitar class which is repeatable. A project-based class, students will work on guitar repertoire, styles, and skills that are challenging. 

Music Workshop is a repeatable, project-based class exploring the creation, production, study and performance of music. Students will explore an area of music about which they are passionate, culminating in a semester-long project.

Dance 1

Dance I will introduce students to beginning level dance skills and theories. No prior dance experience is necessary to enroll in the Dance I class at RMHS. The concepts implemented in Dance I will allow students to achieve a basic understanding of jazz, modern, and ballet techniques, as well as choreography concepts and improvisation. The latest fitness-based programs and wellness trends such as Pilates, Yoga, and Mindful Meditation will be an integral part of the program. By the end of the semester, students will gain body awareness, performance skills, and the confidence to express themselves within a creative realm.

Dance 2

Dance II will review skills and concepts taught in Dance I, but will then further their technique and dance knowledge. Dance I is a prerequisite to Dance II. In Dance II, students will be exposed to more complex dance phrases that focus on jazz, ballet, and modern techniques. Students will continue to build physical endurance, flexibility, and concept based choreography that will be showcased in our Dance II show. The latest fitness-based programs and wellness trends such as Pilates, Yoga, and Mindful Meditation will be an integral part of the program. The context integrated into the Dance II curriculum allows students to find ways to move organically while developing an artistry for movement and overall appreciation for dance. Students will continue to gain body awareness, performance skills, and the confidence to express themselves within a creative realm.

Orchesis

Rolling Meadows Orchesis is a dance company comprised of 35- 40 dancers. This company offers students an opportunity to have a professional dance experience in a high school setting. Company members are given dance technique classes during their 90-minute block schedule. They also choreograph and collaborate with their peers, and have exceptional learning experiences where they work with professional choreographers and dance educators. All of these components give students an artistic perspective, which provides them with the ability to perform and produce a student dance concert. These selected dancers perform throughout the school year at District 214 dance events, The Giordano Project, our annual Holiday and Spring dance concerts, and at Kirk School in Palatine for students with special needs. RMHS has several alumni, who are dancing and teaching professionally, that continue to produce the next generation of dancers.

Who can audition for Orchesis?
No prior dance training is required but a passion for dance and an appreciation for the art form are desired. The Orchesis director is looking for dancers who are technically strong in all genres of dance, which emphasizes the importance of being a well rounded dancer.

When are auditions for Orchesis?
Auditions for Orchesis will be held in March. Audition flyers, posters and packets will be sent to all feeder schools.

Rolling Meadows HS Orchestras include Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Orchestra Winds & Percussion, all of which receive graduation credit. All new students should sign up for Concert Orchestra. Enrolled orchestra students may also participate with the Madrigal Strings and Musical Pit Orchestra.

Concert Orchestra (179) is a class for students who perform violin, viola, cello, bass, harp, or piano at the intermediate to advanced level. The class meets during the school day for one period and performs four to six times each year both in school and the community.

Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra 183) members must be proficient on an orchestra instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass, harp, or piano) as well as in basic music fundamentals. Symphony Orchestra achieves full symphonic instrumentation through the addition of selected woodwind, brass, and percussion players (Orchestra Winds & Percussion 189). Major concert performances are scheduled throughout the year at both the building and district levels.

Chamber Orchestra (String Ensemble 190) emphasizes the standard 18th and 19th century string ensemble literature as well as the works of contemporary composers. Public performance will be an integral part of the course. Members of Chamber Orchestra are selected by audition and rehearsals take place outside of the school day. Students must be concurrently enrolled in either Concert Orchestra or Symphony Orchestra to participate in Chamber Orchestra.