Wind Symphony
Wind Symphony is the advanced band ensemble for woodwind and brass players. This ensemble performs at community and school events when called upon, in addition to performing a concert every quarter, participates in basketball band, performs for graduation, and marches in the Memorial Day parade.

Symphonic Band
​Symphonic Band is the intermediate band ensemble for woodwind and brass players. Symphonic Band performs a concert every quarter, participates in basketball band, performs for graduation, and marches in the Memorial Day parade. 

Concert Band
​Concert Band is for all incoming freshmen woodwinds and brass. It is also for students who have never touched an instrument, students who need a stronger foundation in the fundamentals of their instrument, or students learning a secondary instrument. Concert Band performs a concert every quarter, participates in basketball band, and marches in the Memorial Day parade.

Percussionists are enrolled in our percussion ensemble classes and combine with our brass and woodwind players in after school rehearsals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does band take up a lot of time?

We encourage good time management, but most students do a good job of planning ahead to succeed in music along with other classes. Also, joining a music ensemble helps with making friends with upperclassmen. Those friends provide a lot of valuable insight and help with managing a schedule and workload.
Band is an academic class, so there are homework assignments and tests like any other class. There is also one concert per quarter and about two after school rehearsals per quarter. So there is a time commitment, but it is completely manageable. Our upper ensemble does have more performances throughout the community, so that is more of a time commitment. We believe our students actually end up with better time management skills because a slightly heavier schedule.

How much does it cost to join band?

There is no fee for band. If you need to rent an instrument, we do charge for that, but it minimal. We also have all band students buy a band polo, which is used for a variety of performances. The polo costs $30 and is good for all four years. We also provide all students with a tux or gown for their concert attire. If you are wearing a tux, you will need to buy your tux shirt, which is $15. That can also be used for all 4 years. Beyond that the normal musical costs students encountered in middle school will continue: upkeep of the instruments, reeds/valve oil, sticks for percussionists, etc.

Can I do band and sports (or another activity)? ​

Yes, absolutely. We may run into a conflict every now and then, but our calendar is posted well in advance to help sort out conflicts. Mr. West is also very willing to share time with any extracurricular activities. Mr. West will work with you and other teachers to make scheduling work.

Can I do band and honors/AP classes?

Absolutely! Some of the best musicians in our bands are also top performing students who take several honors and AP classes. Mr. West has also been working with the administration, so band does not conflict with any honors or AP classes.  ​​

I do not own an instrument. Can I still participate in band?

Of course! While we do prefer that you own your own instrument, you can rent through our music vendor, Music & Arts, or directly from the school. 

Does band do any fundraisers?/How do I pay for band related things?

We have many fundraisers. Each student automatically has a Fine Arts Boosters account. Whenever they fundraise, the money they earn goes into that account. They can use that money for music related needs (i.e. instrument repairs, private lessons, band trips, band polo, etc.)
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Should I take private lessons?

Yes, please! You may ask why should I take private lessons if I am already in a class to learn more about my instrument and band. Private lessons drastically help any musician. While Mr. West is very knowledgeable about band related topics, he is not an expert on every single instrument. Studying with someone who is an expert on your instrument will help you a great deal. In addition, one-on-one teaching is also far superior to large group learning. They can address individual needs that you have. Check out our list of private instructors that we recommend.

Can I take band for an honors credit?

Yes! We offer a separate honors credit for every band class. These students complete all of the assignments with the non-honors and complete an independent project each quarter along with a couple smaller assignment per semester. Visit the honors page for a description of curriculum.

Students who wish take band for an honors credit must receive the approval from the director.

When does band meet?

All of the concert bands are a curricular class and meet every day for 45 minutes.

Can i audition for a higher band?

Yes, at the end of each semester all students take a placement audition usually consisting of scales, a short prepared excerpt, and sightreading. It is possible for any student to move up or down an ensemble.

How many electives can a student take each year? ​

Depends on the current classes, if double blocked the electives are limited. If you take band or choir, you are allowed to take up to 8 credits, otherwise you are limited to 7. Band and choir are the only classes that allow you to take that extra credit. ​

Can a Student Take Band and Choir Every Year of High SChool?

Yes! We encourage this, it looks good on college applications if a student sticks with something all four years.

How can I waive/replace PE? ​

Marching Band earns a fall semester waiver for PE, and Winterguard earns a spring semester waiver. You can take PE over the summer to waive it for the entire year.

What Class will I register For?

Brass and woodwind players will be placed into Concert Band or Symphonic Band. There will already be a recommendation for you when you register for classes. If you are new to band, you should register for Concert Band. If you are a percussionist, you will register for Intermediate Percussion Ensemble.

Do We Meet Outside of School?

There are outside of school requirements since music is a performance based class. This includes after school rehearsals and concerts. Schedule varies per ensemble.

What If I currently don't have band/choir in my schedule?

Add it! Talk with your counselor.

CAN I Switch Instruments?

Maybe. Sometimes we do need students to switch instruments to when we do not have enough of another instrument. We also want to make sure that a student is dedicated to learning that new instrument before switching. They have to work harder to catch up with everyone else, so they need to be prepared for that learning curve. Our general policy is that a student needs two years of experience on one instrument before moving to a different one. Those two years of experience typically provides a strong enough foundation to set a student up for success on another instrument. It helps them transfer musical skills they have already learned.

Is it possible to be in multiple bands/choirs?

Yes, you can be in 2 bands or choirs.

CAN i learn a new instrument? 

Yes! We always encourage learning a new instrument. If you already own another instrument, we can typically find an ensemble for you to play in. If you need to rent an instrument from the school, we have to ensure that extra instruments available to rent out first.

Do I have to audition?

As an incoming freshmen, no. At the end of each semester, your mastery exam doubles as your audition for ensembles. It helps us, as teachers, gage where you should be placed for the following year.

how often will i be with upperclassmen?

There are upperclassmen in each musical ensemble. Having students of mixed grade level is a strength of being in music. Younger students learn more quickly learn about high school from older students.

What is I don't have room in my schedule to take band/choir?

Make room! Talk to your music teachers and counselor. We will help you make it work.

CAN i take both band and choir?

​Yes! We find that students take choir and band benefit greatly, and they are allowed an extra credit per year.

What do I wear for concerts?

Pending on the ensemble, you may wear a gown, tuxedo, or choir robe. All of which are provided by the school.

I am buying my own instrument. Is there a specific kind i should get?

Yes, always check with your band director before purchasing an instrument. We want to make sure that the instrument you buy is a good quality and can be repaired. Some instruments will not be accepted by repair shops. To learn about purchasing your own instrument, read this document written by the band directors in the district.

I Need to buy Reeds/Mutes. Where do i get them? What kind should I get?

For information on instrument supplies and accessories, see our Wind Instrument Information page.