Musical Opportunities at Willowside

These are the opportunities typically available to Willowside students. Whether these become actual classes depends on our enrollment numbers vs the days available during the week. Here is the **Tentative Schedule**. I will make the final schedule and email it out ASAP, so please fill out the Registration Form.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Jazz Band Instruments include: Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drum Set, Trumpet, Trombone, and Saxophones. We play music from the early 1900’s to present day, exploring different styles in the American Jazz tradition. Players are expected to read music at this level. This ensemble requires placement. Here is an example of an excellent middle school band.

CONCERT BAND

Concert Band Instruments include: Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion. We explore music from the mid 1700’s through the 20th century. Players are expected to read music at this level. This ensemble requires placement. Here is an example of an exceptionally good middle school band.  

MODERN MUSIC ENSEMBLE

Modern Music Ensemble: This ensemble is primarily the most advanced musicians at Willowside. This ensemble picks its own music, generally music from the 1960’s to present day. Players are expected to read music at this level. This ensemble requires audition placement and players can play any instrument.

BEGINNING BAND

Cougar Band Instruments include: Brass, Woodwinds, or Percussion. This class is designed for any student wishing to start an instrument from scratch, or for musicians who are fairly new to their instrument (less than 2 years experience). This class will help students build their skills to the point they are ready for placement in any of the above ensembles.

MARCHING BAND

Marching Band: This group will perform for the Apple Blossom Parade in 2026. All Willowside Band Members are required to participate in the rehearsals and performance. Rehearsal times and performance information will be provided as the parade gets closer. 

Willowside Music Orientation 8-25-25 @ 8am in Willowside Hall

  Any students interested in playing music at WIllowside must attend this orientation. Any questions you may have will be answered here. Students are not required to bring their instruments on this day. Mr Weems will be checking out instruments on this day. Mr Weems will have more information regarding each ensemble and the requirements to be placed in each group. We will also set up audition days and times with each student as necessary. The placement auditions will happen between 8-26 - 8-29 between 8am and 9am, they will last 5-10 minutes and will be private. Not all students will require a placement audition. Mr Weems will set these times on 8-25. No one will be turned away from the program, everyone who shows up will get to play in a group. 

Performances

The Willowside Band will have 2 main concerts, one in December and one in May. Willowside will also perform at the Apple Blossom Parade in Sebastopol. Stay tuned for further information on these performances.

Willowside Band is Small BUT MIGHTY!

Willowside Band is Mighty, but also FLEXIBLE. We rely on students to be brave and flexible, willing to try different instruments. We have lots of cool instruments to try like the oboe, the french horn, the baritone horn, the trombone, or the tuba. It’s ok if you don’t know how to play them, that’s what I’m here for. I will help you learn this new instrument. But also, I will do my best to get you playing your primary instrument in your first choice ensemble. 

Jazz Band typical instrumentation: 2 Tenor Saxes, 2 Alto Saxes, 1 Baritone Sax,

4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Bass, Drums, Piano, & Guitar.

We may not be able to meet these instrument numbers, which is fine, but we don’t want to go over these numbers. For instance, we don’t want 4 alto saxes and 0 tenor saxes, and 2 baritone saxes. If that’s what our numbers look like, we will ask some of the altos to play tenor and ask the bari’s to switch off.

Concert Band typical instrumentation: 4 to 8 Flutes, 4 to 8 Clarinets, 2 Alto Saxes, 

1 Tenor Sax, 4 to 6 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 2 Baritone Horns, 1 Tuba, Violins, Violas, Cellos and String Bass (as many as we can fit in the room) & maybe 1 Baritone Sax.

We may not be able to meet these instrument numbers, which is fine, but we don’t want to go over these numbers. For instance, we don’t want 4 alto saxes and 2 clarinets, and 2 baritone saxes. If that’s what our numbers look like, we will ask some of the altos to play clarinet or french horn and ask the extra bari sax to consider playing baritone horn, trombone, or tuba.

Modern Music Ensemble typical instrumentation: This group is literally open to whoever is committed to the group. It’s usually our best players, but it really doesn’t matter as long as the players have a high level of maturity, have capable reading chops, and exhibit a flexible, creative attitude. The main draw to this group is that students will vote for the music they play. Previous groups have played music by Green Day, White Stripes, Electric Light Orchestra and Cream (to name a few).

Cougar Band: This class is open to any instruments and any number of students. This can be a class for students who may not have made the placement into jazz band or concert band and they can use this time to get better at their instrument. These players may be able to audition into those other groups throughout the year as they improve. This class is also for people who are doubling on an instrument and need more practice on their double. For instance, say an alto saxophone player wants to try the french horn, they will use this time to play their french horn and still play alto in the other group. This class is also open to any student who want some extra practice time on their primary instrument.

1. Band will remain fun at all times!

2. Band members will treat each other with respect at all times

3. No food or drink (other than water) before or during rehearsals

4. Instruments are not weapons and will not be used to make obnoxious sounds or harass other students or teachers

5. Students will listen when the director, or whoever has the floor, is talking.

6. Students will play their instruments only when directed to do so

7. Students will practice their instrument at home a minimum of 15 minutes, 3 times a week. Students who want to get ahead should practice their instrument 15-20 minutes each day, 5 days a week.

8. Students will fill out their practice journal each week and have it signed by a parent or guardian. The Practice Journal is worth half of your grade

9. Students will bring their instrument and music to each rehearsal unless directed otherwise by the director.

10.  Students will be prepared for Downbeat at every rehearsal. arrive to class, have their chair and stand set up, and have their instrument assembled (including reeds & ligatures, valves oiled, slides prepared) by the time of “downbeat.” Downbeat is when the first notes of rehearsal happen.

11.  Members will make the band rehearsal area a “safe place” to make mistakes and not criticize others for their mistakes, rather, encourage them to keep trying.

12. Membership in the Willowside band is a privilege and it is contingent on maintaining academic excellence. If students are getting behind in other classes it may interfere with music rehearsals. If a student’s academic performance is suffering, they may have to give up unless or until they are able to get back to a satisfactory level. 

13. If a student is required to miss a band practice for any reason, Mr Weems requires a minimum of 24 hours notice (via email). Each student is allowed 3 absences per semester if they are for academic reasons. After 3 absences, we will discuss with the student, parent, and teacher if music classes are a detriment to their overall academic success.