About the Bands

Beginner Band

Beginner Band: If you've never played a band instrument and don't know how to read music, beginner band is for you! There are three beginner band classes: Beginner Woodwinds (clarinet/alto saxophone/flute), Beginner Brass (trumpet/french horn/trombone/euphonium/tuba), and Beginner Percussion. In these classes we learn how to read music and how to play an instrument. We go slowly at first and make sure to cover all the fundamentals of music-making. By the end of the year, you'll be able to read music and play songs on your instrument with little guidance from me. We usually play 2 concerts, one in December and one in March. There are a handful of after school practices each year. If you want to be good at your instrument, individual practice is necessary. I recommend 15-20 minutes each night. 

Concert Band

Concert Band:  This class is for 2nd and 3rd year band students. Concert band is where most of the second year students go after being in Beginner Band. The students continue to learn basic fundamentals, increase music ability and range, and prepare students for high school band or Symphonic Band. In Concert Band, we've been playing for at least a year already, so the music will get more interesting, but also more challenging. We learn more notes and rhythms as well as new techniques on our instruments. We also play 2 concerts a year, one in December and one in March. There are a handful of after school practices each year. If you want to be good at your instrument, individual practice is necessary. I recommend 15-20 minutes each night. 

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Band: The Symphonic Band is the top performing ensemble at Westside Junior High. It is comprised of 2nd or 3rd year band members chosen for their advanced musical ability and maturity. In Symphonic Band, we push ourselves and our classmates to become the best musicians that we can be. This band performs at both concerts, as well as football games, pep rallies, school assemblies, and local competitive festivals.

Percussion Ensemble

Percussion Ensemble: All 2nd or 3rd year percussionists are placed into a class together whether they've been assigned to Symphonic Band or Concert Band. In addition to preparing music to accompany the Symphonic or Concert Band, advanced percussionists will participate in the Percussion Ensemble. Separating the percussionists into this ensemble allows us to hone in on percussion fundamentals and prepare music that is designed only for percussionists. This ensemble performs at both concerts during the school year.