About WHS Bands

WESTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM

Mission Statement

Our mission is to develop well rounded and accomplished musicians through the exposure to and performance of many genres of music, including jazz and popular genres of music, including jazz and popular music scores. We believe in a balanced band program where all members and all ensembles are valued equally and achieve success by working as a team. We provide a wide variety of opportunities to experience, perform and develop leadership skills throughout our entire band program. Our primary focus on instrumental music education throughout the year is in the concert band setting, which is then applied to the marching, jazz, pep bands as well as solos & ensembles.

CONCERT BANDS 

Wind Ensemble

The Westside Warrior Wind Ensemble is comprised of 40-50 students in grades 9-12. The Warrior Concert Band is under the direction of Keith Schoening and Lindsey Bogatz. Selection into the ensemble is determined by auditions at the end of marching band season. the ensemble meets daily and performs at three to four concerts, Nebraska State Bandmasters Associations Concert Band Festival and district music contest throughout the year. The Wind Ensemble has consistently received superior ratings at district music contest. Each member of the Wind Ensemble has one sectional a week that takes place during an open mod. Students in the ensemble are strongly encouraged to study privately. Several members have participated in the Nebraska All-State Band, Jazz Band and Orchestra, UNL Winter Winds and Percussion, and UNO Honor Band.

Symphonic Band

The Westside Symphonic Band is comprised of 80-100 students in grades 9-12. The Symphonic Band is under the direction of Lindsey Bogatz and Keith Schoening. The ensemble meets daily and performs at three concerts and one festival when possible throughout the year. During the year students focus on an intermediate level of tone, articulation, technique & a greater understanding of rhythm groupings. They also begin to learn a basic understanding of musicality and phrasing. Each member of the Symphonic band has one sectional per week that takes place during an open mod. Students are encouraged to study privately throughout the year.

JAZZ BANDS

The Westside Jazz Program consists of 40-60 students who are placed into two ensembles that are classes scheduled during the school day by audition. A third jazz band meets 2-3 mornings per week beginning at the end of October. All jazz students with the exception of guitar, bass & piano are required to participate in the concert band program. Auditions for the ensemble take place in the spring for selection to the following school year ensembles.

Concert Jazz Band

The Westside Concert Jazz Band participates in 3-4 competitions, one concert and our annual Big Band Dance throughout the year. They also have the opportunity to travel outside of the state to participate in an event or festival. The CJB class meets four days per week. They also rehearse one morning per week. Students will organize and run a rehearsal for their section one morning a week. They rehearse three to six evenings as scheduled, and one morning during the week. Members of this ensemble all audition for and many have been selected to participate in the All-State Jazz Band. Private instruction is highly encouraged.

Stage Band

The Westside Stage Band participates in 3-4 competitions, once concert and our annual Big Band Dance throughout the year. They also have the opportunity to travel outside of the state to participate in an event or festival. The Stage Band class meets three days per week. They also rehearse one morning per week. Private instruction is encouraged.

AM Jazz Band/Combos

The Westside AM jazz Band/Combos is open to any student who is interested in the jazz genre. Throughout the year students learn a basic understanding of improvisation, jazz articulation, and ensemble cohesiveness through a variety of music. AM Jazz Band performs at one competitions, two concerts and our annual Big Band Dance throughout the year. They rehearse 2-3 days a week before school.

MARCHING BAND

Warrior Marching Band

The Westside Marching Band strives to create shows that are both intellectual and entertaining. Throughout the season there is strong emphasis on musicianship and body coordination. Students are taught the importance of tone quality, articulation & overall musicality. The Westside Warrior Varsity Marching Band competes at approximately four regional competitions during the fall semester. They also perform at all home football games. They have a three-day music camp in conjunction with Freshman Band Camp. At the end of July they participate in a one-week band camp before the start of school. During the school year they have one night rehearsal and three morning rehearsals (W-F) throughout the week.

PEP BANDS

The Westside Pep Band supports the boys & girls basketball team during their competitive season. This ensemble focuses on giving the students the opportunity to perform a different genre of music. Most of the performances take place from December to the beginning of March. All 9-12 Band members are divided into two pep bands and must attend their assigned pep band games. Members are encouraged to attend non-assigned games for Varsity Letter points. Band members receive service learning hours for every game they attend.

SOLO & ENSEMBLES

Westside band students have a variety of opportunities to select, rehearse and perform solo and ensemble literature for public and contest situations. Freshman and Sophomore have the opportunity to participate in the yearly Elkhorn Band Olympics. We have had many students who have received recognition through best in class medals and trophies.Juniors and Seniors participate in the District Music Contest. Our school is limited in the number of entries and if they are not all used, Sophomores and then Freshman may enter. Student led jazz combos are encouraged and performances are scheduled through the band department.