From the powerful sound of brass to the delicate ring of chimes, our school’s music department is alive with rhythm, passion, and talent. The ensemble programs and bands, led by dedicated percussionist, Mr. Mark Cashin, offer opportunities for students of all skill levels.
The Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is the school’s top-level concert band, performing advanced music graded at levels 5 and 6 on the difficulty scale (with 7 being the highest). This seated group includes woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Instruments include flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, saxophones, trumpets, French horns, trombones, euphoniums, and tubas.
Each spring, the ensemble performs three pieces at a performance adjudication. Last year, they were one of 14 schools in Wake County to earn a Superior Rating, the highest honor possible.
Advanced Percussion Ensemble
The Advanced Percussion Ensemble is a smaller, elite chamber group comprising 12 of the school’s most skilled percussionists. Instead of traditional band instruments, this group utilizes keyboard percussion: bells, chimes, vibraphone, xylophone, and marimba, timpani, drums, and rhythm instruments. In this ensemble, the percussionists take over melodies normally played by flutes or trumpets, showcasing the versatility of percussion instruments.
Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble
For students just starting out, the Symphonic Band (Level 3) and Percussion Ensemble are the perfect entry points. These groups mainly include freshmen and sophomores who are new to band or still building their skills. As students develop, most progress from these ensembles to advanced groups like the Wind Ensemble or Advanced Percussion Ensemble, allowing them to grow as musicians.
Jazz
The Jazz Band is an after-school ensemble open to all students who already have some musical experience. Rehearsals run from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., and members focus on performing songs as a group rather than learning individual instruments.
The 1909 Band, our advanced jazz group, features upper-level musicians, alongside Mr. McFarlane on piano, Mr. Brown on trombone, and Cashin on drums.
“We are in the weeds with the kids,” said Cashin. “It has made me a better drum set player.”
Drumline
The Drumline meets on Mondays from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. and performs at open houses, sports events, parades, and all home football games. No prior experience is needed. Cashin helps new members learn cymbals, bass drum, and more.
“That’s what I love about drumline and percussion here,” said Cashin. “There’s a starting point. It can be nothing… Some of my best kids come from that background.”
More Than Music
Cashin emphasizes that music can fit around busy student schedules. “If you’re an athlete outside of school, this is an opportunity to get involved and learn an instrument while protecting your time for sports,” he said.
He also teaches AP Music Theory, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of music beyond performance.
“If we’re not having fun down here, I’m doing it wrong,” said Cashin. “At the end of that rehearsal, we were just having a good time. Just jamming out and enjoying it.”
As he puts it best:
“This is a dream job. I teach some of the best kids here, the most driven kids, and I love coming to work.”
Upcoming Concerts
- Jazz & 1909 Bands: November 12 @ 4 p.m.
- Percussion Ensemble, Advanced Percussion & Symphonic Band: December 4 @ 7 p.m.
- Wind Ensemble & Choir: December 11 @ 7 p.m.
For any additional questions: email @markcashin@cghsnc.org
Fore more details on Wind Ensemble refer to: https://www.cghsnc.org/academics/academics-posts/~board/curriculum/post/wind-ensemble-honors
For more details on Advanced Percussion Ensemble refer to: https://www.cghsnc.org/academics/academics-posts/~board/curriculum/post/percussion-ensemble-advanced-honors
For more details on Percussion Ensemble refer to: https://www.cghsnc.org/academics/academics-posts/~board/curriculum/post/percussion-ensemble
For more details on Symphonic Band refer to: https://www.cghsnc.org/academics/academics-posts/~board/curriculum/post/symphonic-band-2020
