From the Director

Welcome all to the 2026/2027 school year! I'm very excited to begin and have many exciting things in store already. I wanted to take a moment to establish a few things so everyone is well-informed!

NEWSLETTER

A newsletter will go out every Sunday morning. This will include a list of events for the next month and detailed information on things coming up soon. I'll do my best to help sort things by labeling with MS (middle school) or HS (high school). Please at least skim it when it comes out just so nothing is a surprise!

WEBSITE

The website at www.westernbands.net is a wealth of resources including a calendar featuring all dates for the year (occasionally updated as needed), past newsletters, Remind codes, ensemble information, student materials, and more.

ABSENCE FORM

If you are going to miss a performance or a major after school event, please report it to the ABSENCE FORM in order to receive points. Circumstances and point values are explained within.

EXPECTATIONS

All students are expected to have the necessary items to perform (instrument, pencil, MS binder, HS flip folder/drill book, and supplies) every day. In addition, all I ask is that everyone gives effort to participate and improve each day. Daily points will be provided or removed based on preparedness and participation.

If a student is unable to play due to a medical reason, a doctor's note must be supplied.

Upcoming Events

HS Tuesday Night Rehearsal - Aug. 25, 7-9 PM - Western High
6th Grade First Day w/Instruments - Sept. 1, during class
HS Tuesday Night Rehearsal - Sept. 1, 7-9 PM - Western High
Band Parent Council Meeting - Sept. 2, 6:30-8:00 PM - Western High Band Room
HS SVSU Band Day - Sept. 5, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM - SVSU Ryder Center
HS Tuesday Night Rehearsal - Sept. 8, 7-9 PM - Western High
HS Football Game Performance - Sept. 11, 5:30-9:30 PM - Western High
HS Tuesday Night Rehearsal - Sept. 15, 7-9 PM - Western High

Coming Up Soon...

Middle School Plan
- Beginners: 6th graders will not start with instruments until September 1. Please see the BUYER'S GUIDE if you need help getting one!
  - If a rental contract was completed through Herter Music Center, they will deliver to the school.
- 7th and 8th grade bands will begin playing on August 26 (the 2nd day of school), so they should have their instruments ready for day 2 of school
- All middle school musicians will need the following DAILY:
  - Instrument
  - Pencil
  - Method Book (provided)
  - Instrument supplies:
    - 5 reeds for clarinets, saxophones, and oboe/bassoon
    - Bottle of valve or slide oil for brass instruments
    - Snare drum sticks, yarn mallets, rubber mallets, and bell mallets for percussionists
  - 3 ring 1" binder dedicated to band only.
    - sheet protectors for keeping music organized (some may be available to students. We appreciate donations of these!)
HS First Day and Tuesday Night Rehearsals - Starting August 25
- High school band will be playing on day 1. Be sure to have instruments and materials ready.
- Tuesday night rehearsals begin on the first day and will take place every Tuesday through the marching band season from 7-9 PM. These are expected from every member. Conflicts should be reported as early as possible to our ABSENCE FORM to receive points.
- Students should be ready to begin at 7, so please plan on arriving with enough time to prepare instruments and materials
HS Jazz Band
- Here is the ROSTER in case anyone is confused about which bands they are in.
- Any changes to rehearsal schedule or messages pertaining to jazz-only events will be communicated on our JAZZ REMIND (code is @bcwhsjazz)
- NEW THIS YEAR: All jazz performers will enter through the band room exterior door (the side door we use to go to the practice field). Any jazz student driving themselves will get a parking pass to park in the North Lot for the day.
- The standard schedule will be as follows:
  - Sunrise: Monday and Wednesday
  - Gold: Tuesday and Thursday
  - Collective: Wednesday and Friday
  - Foundry: Friday
- Week 1, we will have ALL jazz members report on day 1, then Sunrise Wednesday, Gold Thursday, and Foundry/Collective on Friday.
HS New Uniforms
- Our new uniforms are still being completed in the factory and are shipping in batches. I will inform everyone when we will have a pickup and picture day when I know a definitive arrival date for all remaining pieces.

Want more Western Bands?

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Newsletter

From the Director

Upcoming Events

Coming Up Soon...