Each year students enrolled in WHRS bands will have the opportunity to earn an activities letter in band. In order to achieve this honor, students must meet at least four (4) of the following requirements:
Be a member in good standing of the Zero-Hour Jazz Band
Be a member in good standing of the Football and Basketball Pep Band
Participate in all parade performances in a school year (including state send-offs)
Serve in the band leadership
Prepare for and perform at the regional solo/ensemble festival
Audition to be a member of the All-State/All-Northwest band or orchestra
Participate in one of the the WIBC or PLU Honor bands
Take private music lessons for the current school yearÂ
Participate in a summer music camp (summer before school starts)
Local community or honor band/orchestra memberships as approved by the band administration (Drama Club, Gateway Band, Maple Valley Youth Symphony, etc.)
In addition to letters, the band administration and students will recognize student excellence and give the following awards at the end of each academic year:
Outstanding Musician awards (Brass, Woodwind, Percussion)
Most Inspirational Musician awards
Judi Dodson Senior MVP Award
Louis Armstrong Award for excellence in Jazz
Given in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of jazz as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity.
John Philip Sousa Band AwardÂ
Given in recognition of outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, for singular merit in loyalty and cooperation, and for displaying those high qualities of conduct that school instrumental music requires.
Graduation Cords
Graduating seniors with 4 credits of performance-based music classes (band or choir or a combination) AND two years of participation at a solo/ensemble festival can earn a music cord to wear with their graduation robe.
Finally, The White River Band Parent Support Committee offers an annual scholarship to any graduating senior band member for college expenses, regardless of major. The scholarship is $2500 and is awarded at the all-district band concert in early March.