Marching Band The West High Entertainment Unit meets daily in the fall in preparation for parades, field tournaments, football game performances, assemblies, and community performances. Marching band meets during zero period. Instruments are provided if needed and uniforms are provided after the student has paid the band fee. All woodwind, brass and percussion players for Wind Ensemble, Advanced Band, and Jazz Band are selected from marching band. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required, as well as regular home practice and sectionals.
Color Guard Color Guard members are selected by tryouts usually held in May (17-21). All guard members meet daily in the marching band class. Members receive instruction in dance routines and equipment work for flags and banners for parades. The guard performs at all competitions and home football games. They are an integral part of the total marching unit. Size of the guard will be determined by the number of qualified students trying out and by the need of the group. Uniforms, warm ups, and shoes must be purchased by each member. Cost for these items will by provided after tryouts are completed. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals are required.
Drill Team Drill Team members are selected by tryouts. Workshops run on April 12, 21 and 26 with the audition for the team on May 3rd. Drill Team rehearses everyday 1st period. They also rehearse with the rest of the unit zero period as well as Monday nights. The Drill Team will receive dance instruction to perform in the Entertainment Unit Field Show. They perform at all competitions and football games as an integral part of the total marching unit. Size of the Drill Team will be determined by the number of qualified students who are selected at tryout by judges. Uniforms, tights, shoes, and warm-ups will be purchased by each member. Cost of these items will be provided after the team is selected. Attendance at all performance and rehearsals is required.
Wind Ensemble This class enrolls the most proficient Wind and Brass players available. First semester this class concentrates on marching band music and “Pop” concert music. Sectionals are also run during this period. During the second semester, the wind ensemble performs class E-AA concert literature. Formal concert dress is provided. Size and instrumentation varies from year to year. Students are selected by audition and marching band music test grades in December/January. Private lessons are highly recommended and regular home practice is expected. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances are required.
Advanced Band In the first semester, the Advanced Band is for all freshman woodwind and brass players. New members of the Entertainment Unit receive extra help on the marching band music. This class is required for all freshmen who are in marching band. During the second semester, the Advanced Band continues in developing musical skills in performing class C-A concert literature. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is required. Students will need to provide proper concert attire for performances.
Jazz Ensemble Jazz Ensemble is open only to upper classmen by audition from marching band. Membership in another instrumental music class at West High School is a prerequisite (Wind Ensemble and Advanced Band). Selected instrumentation will include four to five trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, one piano, one drum set, one guitar, and one bass. Admission is by permission of the Director. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is required.
Percussion Ensemble This is a required class for all percussion players. This class provides instruction in Marching Band techniques, concert literature, and participation in the other concert groups. Students must be enrolled in both Marching Band and Percussion Ensemble. Tryouts for this ensemble will take place in the month of May.
