Mercer Island High School Bands
While there are a variety of bands to join, the MIHS Band is the all-inclusive band with over 200 members. All MIHS Band students are required to participate in band year-round, starting with Marching Band in the fall, continuing with Animal Band in the winter, and then as a part of one of four Concert Bands in the winter and spring.
MIHS Marching Band
At nearly 300 members, the Mercer Island High School band program is one of the largest in the state, and includes close to one in every four MIHS students.
Students enrolled in the Marching Band perform challenging literature that inspires and motivates both our sports teams and audiences alike. The Marching Band performs at all MIHS home football games, as well as the MIHS Homecoming Parade in the fall.
In addition, the MIHS Marching Band has performed at other times of the year, such as the Tournament of Roses, Seahawks Halftime shows, and numerous other national and international stages.
In 2026, the band performed in the London New Year's Parade in London, UK.
In 2023, the band performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Concert Bands
FOUR LEVELS OF CONCERT BAND
9th Grade Band
The MIHS Concert Band is composed of freshman band students. Students enrolled in the Concert Band perform innovative new literature as well as valuable core compositions in the band repertoire. The Concert Band performs at two concerts during the year as well as Fine Arts Showcase and the Eastshore Band II Festival.
Symphonic Band
This is an auditioned group made up of over 80 juniors and sophomores. Students enrolled in the Symphonic Band perform innovative new literature as well as valuable core compositions in the band repertoire.
The Symphonic Band performs at two concerts during the year, as well as Fine Arts Showcase in the winter and the Eastshore Band II Festival in the spring.
Wind Symphony
This is an auditioned performing ensemble in the MIHS concert band program. At over 70 members strong it is made up of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students enrolled in the Wind Symphony perform challenging literature that represents the cutting edge in the compositional world as well as valuable core compositions in the band repertoire.
The Wind Symphony performs at two concerts during the year, as well as Fine Arts Showcase in the winter and the Eastshore Band I Festival in the spring. In addition, the MIHS Wind Symphony has performed at numerous national festivals including the Dixie classic Festival in Washington D.C. and the Heritage Festival in Chicago.
Wind Ensemble
The MIHS Wind Ensemble is the premier performing ensemble in the MIHS concert band program. This large member ensemble was created using standard wind ensemble instrumentation and performs challenging literature that represents the cutting edge in the compositional world as well as valuable core compositions in the band repertoire.
The Wind Ensemble performs at two concerts during the year, as well as Fine Arts Showcase in the winter, Eastshore Band I Festival in the spring, and numerous national festivals.
Percussion Ensemble
The MIHS Percussion Ensemble plays a critical role in the band and at the high school. Percussionists are selected in 5th grade through audition and lottery, and after freshman year, they meet as a separate class daily. Largely the “heartbeat” of MIHS school spirit, the “drum line” typically leads the student body through the school hallways and into the gym during assemblies and other activities, and is called on to play at Breakfast of Champions, various fundraisers, and sporting events.
Jazz Bands
Mercer Island High School has several Jazz Bands. Jazz Ensemble is a class and Jazz 2 and Jazz 3 practice in the mornings.
Animal Band
The Animal Band is the well-earned and unique name of the MIHS pep bands. Comprised of all the members enrolled in the MIHS concert band program, the Animal Band is really four bands, each comprised of one quarter of the MIHS Marching Band members. Known for its high level of musicianship as well as its undeniable volume and enthusiasm, the Animal Band is an integral part of the success of Mercer Island Girls and Boys Basketball. Look and listen for the Animal Band at this year’s boys and girls home basketball games.
Pep Band
An opportunity for students to play marching band music at various community events. Organized by student leaders, this is a more casual and playful performance group.