The Westfield Band program is an award-winning program that offers students of all abilities an opportunity to learn, live, and love music. The Westfield Band has eight performance groups including the Wind Symphony, the Symphonic Band, the Concert Band, Jazz I, Jazz II, the Percussion Ensemble, the Color Guard, and the Marching Bulldogs. Each of these groups has gained local, state, and national recognition.

Marching band camp begins on August 13 and runs through the end of football season. The band performs at up to 5 weekend competitions, 5 footballs games, and any playoffs games. September and October include approximately three after school or evening practices per week. See our 2012-2013 calendar at https://www.charmsoffice.com/charms/calendar.asp?s=westfhsb

Marching music was handed out at the first Marching Band Practice in June.  If you did not receive your music or have not heard from your section leader about how to receive your music, please contact Mr. Panoff.

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Marching band is required for Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band students and optional (but encouraged) for Concert Band students.

Yes, marching band is physically and mentally challenging, but also a lot of fun! Marching band is a great way for freshmen to make new friends, form relationships with upperclassmen, and become familiar with the school. It eases the transition from middle to high school.  Students never forget the exhilaration of that first night performing to a cheering crowd under the lights!

We try to avoid the mid-day sun and heat. The following are required:

• T-shirts
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Water
• Sunscreen
• 3 ring binder with non-glare sheet protectors to hold their marching drill.

We do not march flutes, but rather piccolos; therefore, flute players need to rent or purchase a piccolo for marching band.

Band members will be issued marching band and concert uniforms.  Marching Band uniform fittings occur during band camp.  Uniforms will be issued as soon as appropriate fee payments are received.

The rental fee for concert gowns and tuxedos is covered by the Concert Band fee and the Class 1 Marching Band uniform rental and purchase of the Class 2 MB uniform are included in the Marching Band fee. This agreement includes use of the CB and Class 1 MB uniform(s) for the entire season/school year, and covers end of the year dry cleaning and general maintenance such as replacement of buttons, zippers, snaps. It does not include the repair of rips, tears or extra dry cleaning which may be due to carelessness or negligence. The cost for any additional maintenance will be based on the actual repair or cleaning expense and is the responsibility of the student/parent.  Every effort will be made to fit uniforms to our students; occasional hemming is the responsibility of the parent.  Care/maintenance of the Class 2 MB Uniform is the responsibility of the student.

Students agree that the Concert Band and Class 1 Marching uniforms are to be worn only at performances designated by the Band Director.

Marching Band students will be issued a numbered uniform as well as a numbered hanger. Uniforms must be returned to the uniform closet hung properly and on the correct hanger. Students should not turn in another student’s uniform as a ‘favor’, nor leave uniforms on any chair, or in a changing room.  Failure of another student to return YOUR uniform is YOUR responsibility. 

Concert gowns and tuxedos will be fitted and issued to students to take home. They must be returned at the end of the final concert performance for the school year, and fees will be charged for any missing items according to the following schedule:

Black dress socks are required for the Marching and concert uniforms. Students who show up for performances without their black socks will be issued a new pair and charged $2.50 per pair.  They are not returnable.

Compression shirts/shorts are required to be worn under the Class 1 MB uniform.  As a convenience they may be purchased through the Band Boosters or they may be purchased on your own.

The Color Guard complements and accents the marching musicians with their colorful flags, weapons, and maneuvers.  Winter Guard participates in indoor guard competitions in the winter and early spring.

Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz I are academic classes that begin when school begins. Jazz II (or 8th period Jazz Band) begins after Marching Season and meets after school on Mondays. All band assignments and chair positions are made by audition/assessment by the director(s). Concerts are in October, December, February, and May. A spring trip is tentatively scheduled for March or April 2013. The bands typically have one additional after school or evening rehearsal per week beginning after the completion marching band season.

Percussion ensemble includes all percussionists. They typically perform in a concert in January. The percussionists in the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will attend these classes. Percussionists who have not been assigned to these bands will attend a separate percussion class. An advanced group of percussionists will have one after school or evening rehearsal per week beginning after marching band season.

Private instruction is critically important for learning the mechanics and techniques of playing your instrument – skills that are not generally covered during ensemble instruction at Westfield. However, private lessons are not required, and students who do not take lessons are not penalized in any way. You can find a list of list of qualified teachers in the documents library on the band website.

Yes! Students often find their beginner line instruments inadequate for their level of musicianship at high school.

Unfortunately the school system doesn’t provide enough funding to provide the high-quality band program we’d like. The Westfield High School Band Booster Organization (WHSBBO) was formed to support the band program, including collecting FCPS fees, Band Development costs, and fundraising. Students will be provided with ample opportunities for fund raising to help offset band fees and trips.  Part of the funds raised goes into the fundraising accounts for this purpose.

Required

FCPS Concert Band Fee ($60)
Concert Band Development ($130)

Total:  $190 These are for ALL students in a classroom program and covers expenses for Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Band. This single payment covers your student even if they are in multiple band classes.  The general band program is also subsidized by the Music Boosters and Band Boosters.

FCPS Marching Band/Color Guard Fee ($140)
Marching Band/Color Guard Development ($60)

Total $200.  These are for students participating in the Marching Band and Color Guard and covers MB/CG expenses.  The MB/CG program is also subsidized by the Music Boosters and Band Boosters.

Marching Band Shoe Purchase ($39) (If needed)

All NEW marching band students (not including Color Guard) are required to purchase marching band shoes. Shoe fitting will occur during marching band camp and your order will be placed for you. Students from last year needing replacements (shoe size change, lost shoes, etc) will have the opportunity to get new shoes at this time as well.

Lyre (about $6)

Lyres secure the Flip folders holding the marching band music that will be played in the stands during football games. Marching musicians need to purchase a lyre if they do not already have one.  Lyres can be purchased form Contemporary Music Center (CMC) located at Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly Music located in the Chantilly Park shopping center or Centreville Music Shop located in Centreville Square, and most other music stores.

Compression Undergarments ($20-$30 each)

The Class 1 MB uniform is form fitting and compression undergarments are required for a professional look. As a convenience these may be purchased through the Band Boosters, or they may be purchased on your own. Any brand will do.

Instrument Rental Fees ($92 for Instruments and $52 for percussion)

This fee applies only to students who rent a school-owned instrument. Students who rent both a “concert” instrument and a marching band instrument this single fee covers both instruments.Checks are made payable to “Westfield High School” and are submitted along with the instrument rental contract. The Instrument Rental Contract form can be found on the band booster web site. Fees and contracts will begin to be collected during marching band camp and will continue after school starts. Instruments will NOT be distributed until the contract and fee are turned in. The instrument rental fee is paid directly to Westfield High School and CAN NOT be paid from student accounts.

Optional

Laura McBride Memorial Contributions

Mrs. Laura McBride served as Westfield High School’s Director of Bands since the opening of the high school in 2000 until her death from breast cancer on January 2, 2006. As a memorial to Mrs. McBride, the WHSBBO established two scholarships – (1) Laura McBride Music Education Scholarship for students following Laura’s career path in music education, and (2) Laura McBride Spirit Scholarship Award for students exhibiting the spirit of the instrumental music program. Please consider an optional donation to build the memorial fund to continue Mrs. McBride’s legacy.

Band Booster Membership/Sponsorship

Please consider a tax-deductible donation to directly benefit WHSBBO’s mission to help provide quality educational programs and to enable student participation in music competitions through scholarships and grants. Note that all parents/ guardians are automatically members of the WHSBBO at no additional cost. Your name or your business or personal ad will be listed in all band concert programs according to the level of contribution as described on the Booster Membership form

Adopt A Band Student

Each year there are a percentage of students in our Band programs who just can not afford to pay the required band fees. The WHSBBO sets aside funds to help these students. The number of students requiring assistance has increased in the past several years due to the economy. Please consider a tax deductible donation to help “adopt” a band student.

Band Sweatshirt ($25 - HIGHLY Recommended)

The WHS Band sweatshirt is black with gold trim and features a hood and front half-zipper, as well as the band logo. We highly encourage the purchase of one to be used at non-uniform events and other school functions to show your band spirit. Adults are welcome to purchase sweatshirts, as well.

Class B Marching Band Uniform for Parents

The Band Boosters have made available for purchase by parents of the Class B Marching jacket ($45) and baseball cap ($10).

WHS Band Spirit Wear

A select few pieces of spirit wear will be available for purchase at the beginning of the school year.  Both parents and students are encouraged to wear their spirit wear during our events. Band chaperones and other parent volunteers are highly encouraged to purchase a band polo shirt for our parent “uniform” (black polo shirt and khaki slacks). Chaperones participating on the spring band trip are required to wear the band polo shirt at all public events.

Transportation, Overnight Lodging and/or Meal Expenses:

Transportation, lodging and/or meal fees may be assessed for long-distance/late-evening band events (typically no more than one trip per year). Accommodations generally include four students per room to reduce expenses.

Spring Trip Fees ($600 to $800 per trip)

Every spring concert band students have a trip to a competition or festival. Occasionally the jazz band or percussion ensemble may have a separate, additional trip. Trip costs have historically ranged from $600 to $800. Students will be provided with ample opportunities for fund raising to offset trip costs.

How are payments made?

Most band payments and forms are submitted to “cashiers” during the August 12 band kick-off meeting. However, there are many times during the year when you’ll need to make payments, submit permission forms, etc. Most of these are submitted to the “black box” in the band room, which is a locked, slotted box mounted to the wall of the band room just inside the main entrance.

Are there fundraising opportunities?

There are many fundraising opportunities throughout the year. Students active in fundraising build fundraising account balances that cover the costs of spring trip and some of their band fees. All students are expected to participate in general band fundraising. Those who find it difficult to pay the band fees should expect to fundraise to help offset the cost of the fees.

View latest forms in the Documents Library
Please note: information may be subject to change

The Westfield High School Music Department (Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and Guitar) has an umbrella booster organization called the Westfield High School Music Booster Club (WHSMBC). The primary activities of the WHSMBC are joint music department fundraisers (Tag Day, Fruit Sale and SCRIP). The Westfield High School Band Booster Organization exists solely to support the band program at Westfield High School. WHSBBO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporation, and all parents/guardians of band students are automatically members.

The class schedule at Westfield High School is made to allow students to take a full schedule of classes (including AP) and play in one of the bands during all four years, and participate in sports. Some sports are easier to work around than others. Since we have several "levels" of band, we are usually able to place you in the appropriate band to make things work, so you can enjoy athletics and band during your high school career!

The need for volunteers continues even through the High School years. With the number of kids involved in the Westfield HS Band program, you can only imagine that it takes quite a few people to help coordinate an event.

Fortunately, along with the great many talented musicians in the program, we have a great many talented and willing volunteers! All activities require a chair person (someone in charge), as well as multiple volunteers needed to help pull off the event. It’s a great way to stay involved with your student, meet their friends and to enjoy some great music! Please email the volunteer coordinator if you have any questions.

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Marching Season

We kick off the year with one of our busiest activities – Marching Band. Please check the MB schedule at  https://www.charmsoffice.com/charms/calendar.asp?s=westfhsb

Band Camp Volunteers: Help to perform a variety of tasks, logistics and supervision. Morning, afternoon and evening help is needed.

Marching Band Uniforms: We need many volunteers to help with the initial MB uniform fitting during the first few weeks of band camp, as well as ongoing help with the distribution and collection of uniforms before and after a home football game or competition.

Marching Band Uniform Cleaning:  Several volunteers are needed to launder MB uniforms at the end of the season. Volunteers will be provided with the proper laundry detergent, as well as specific laundering instructions.

Home Game Concessions:  During home games the marching band gets the 3rd quarter “off” to mingle and get something to eat. Home Game Concessions allows the MB to exit the stadium via the back door to the parking lot where parents have tables set up with pizza, Chick-fil-a, soda, candy and water so students can eat without having to wait in line.  Proceeds come back to the band.  Parents set up immediately following the half-time performance.

Fairfax County Public School Employee:  In order to give student medications during competitions or on trips, an FCPS employee is required to distribute the meds, be it the student's own or general meds such as tylenol or other over the counter meds.

Pit Crew:  MANY volunteers are needed to help bring the ‘pit’ equipment onto the football field for the half time show and competitions.

Senior Recognition: Involves coordinating parents and their seniors in preparation for recognition at the Senior Night football game. Volunteers are needed to make silk flowers, buy yellow roses, photograph seniors and arrange for senior buttons, and coordinate the lineup of parents and seniors for the recognition ceremony.

Homecoming Game: We need help chaperoning the marching band and transporting the large instruments during the homecoming parade in Centreville.

Chaperones:  Chaperones  are needed to accompany students to home games, away games and to competitions – duties include supervising students, helping to carry items, assisting with uniforms, etc. Parent “uniform” is highly encouraged – black polo and khaki pants.  Optional black Band polo is available for purchase for $27.

Middle School Night:  During the marching band season, we welcome the 8th grade band students for Middle School Night.  They “buddy” with Westfield Band students for their first exposure to the WHS Band Program. Volunteers are needed to coordinate the night, to hand out pizza and to chaperone during the football game.

Band Camp Pool Party:  Chaperones are needed to help serve food and supervise students during our annual band camp pool party.

Marching  Band Banquet:   Volunteers are needed to set up and clean up the cafeteria.

Concert Band Needs:

Concert Volunteers: Needed from each band to assist the coordinator with any issues/activities for that band; assist with various concert needs, general coordination, supervision, senior recognition. You will work closely with Mr. Panoff and the coordinator.

Stage Hand:  Help set up stage for concerts and re-arranging stage between bands.

Concert Programs: Assistance is needed in producing, copying and assembling concert programs.

CB Uniform  Fitting: We need many volunteers to help with the initial Concert Band uniform fittings after MB
season is done.

Concessions:  Volunteers needed to coordinate and staff concession stand during house concerts.

Publicity: Help ensure that the Band gets the publicity it deserves!

Chaperones: Needed to accompany students on the annual spring trip – duties include supervising students, helping to carry items, assisting with uniforms, etc.  Parent “uniform” is highly encouraged – black polo and khaki pants. Optional black Band polo is available for purchase for $27.

Band Awards: Help organize end of the year band awards.

Band Banquet: Volunteers needed to help coordinate, serve food, and clean up during the annual Band Banquet.

Fundraising/Other:

Many volunteers are needed with the various fundraising events, especially Tag Day. On this day, many parent drivers are needed to drive and chaperone students, mostly in groups of 4, to pre-determined mapped out Westfield neighborhoods to supervise them while pairs solicit donations for the music program. This is our biggest and most profitable fundraising event.  All students are EXPECTED to participate.

We have a variety of sales throughout the year (Cookie Dough, Citrus, Entertainment Books, and more) that require volunteers to tally orders, unload trucks, sort merchandise and fill/check orders. There is a fundraising chairperson, but we need fundraiser coordinators to plan and manage individual fundraisers – bring your ideas!

Bulldog BBQ:  The music department is in charge of food for the Bulldog BBQ. 100% of beverage sales and 20% of food sales go directly to the music department.  Volunteers are needed to help sell food and beverages during the BBQ (usually in hour increments).

50/50 Raffle: Involves selling raffle tickets during the first half of home football games to support the band students.

SCRIP Area Coordinator: A year-round program that allows families to order gift cards from over 500 retailers. Volunteers function as the "coordinator" for their neighborhood. Parents drop off their scrip orders to their coordinator. Then this person is responsible for delivery to Main Scrip Coordinator, and picking orders up from them the following week for distribution from their home.  Easy job if you are typically around and do not travel.

Just call me – We will call you...if your just not sure, or signed up for some things but did not want to over commit but you still are willing, fill this out!

Many volunteers are needed with the various fundraising events, especially Tag Day. On this day, many parent drivers are needed to drive and chaperone students, mostly in groups of 4, to pre-determined mapped out Westfield neighborhoods to supervise them while pairs solicit donations for the music program. This is our biggest and most profitable fundraising event.  All students are EXPECTED to participate.

We have a variety of sales throughout the year (Cookie Dough, Citrus, Entertainment Books, and more) that require volunteers to tally orders, unload trucks, sort merchandise and fill/check orders. There is a fundraising chairperson, but we need fundraiser coordinators to plan and manage individual fundraisers – bring your ideas!

Bulldog BBQ:  
The music department is in charge of food for the Bulldog BBQ. 100% of beverage sales and 20% of food sales go directly to the music department.  Volunteers are needed to help sell food and beverages during the BBQ (usually in hour increments).

50/50 Raffle:
Involves selling raffle tickets during the first half of home football games to support the band students.

SCRIP Area Coordinator:
A year-round program that allows families to order gift cards from over 500 retailers. Volunteers function as the "coordinator" for their neighborhood. Parents drop off their scrip orders to their coordinator. Then this person is responsible for delivery to Main Scrip Coordinator, and picking orders up from them the following week for distribution from their home.  Easy job if you are typically around and do not travel.

Just contact us – We will call you...if your just not sure, or signed up for some things but did not want to over commit but you still are willing, fill this out!

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Honor Band

High school bands obtain the distinction of Virginia State Honor Band by earning superior ratings at both the State Marching and District Concert Band festivals sponsored by the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA).  Westfield High School as achieved this status several times including this past year since the founding of the school as shown on the outside wall of the school.

Students earn “points” for their participation in band ensembles, auditions, fundraisers, and other activities. Students who earn 20 or more points in a year receive a letter.  Students who letter in Band may purchase a letterman's jacket from the Student Activities Office if they want one.

The Band web site:  www.westfieldband.org has lots more information. You can also contact the Band Director or Band Booster President.

Most communication is from the band director in class and via our band booster web site (www.westfieldband.org).  Some announcements and messages are via email, so be sure to add your address(es) to our email list. Please bookmark the website and visit it often!

FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARTICIPATION POLICY
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
2011-2012

Introduction

Extracurricular activities, Co-curricular requirements, and interscholastic athletic programs (collectively, “Student Activities”), are a part of the total school program and provide opportunities for students to supplement their classroom experiences. Participation in student activities is a privilege, not a right. School administrators may suspend student participation in student activities to include any performance or representation of the school or FCPS for inappropriate conduct, regardless of whether that conduct occurs during the school day, evenings, weekends, or holidays. Inappropriate conduct includes but is not limited to the following: conduct in violation of rules and agreements established between students and their coaches, sponsors, or teachers; conduct in violation of a school’s student behavior guidelines; VHSL rules or FCPS Regulation 2601 (Student Rights and Responsibilities). Although students may use the Regulation 2601 complaint procedure to appeal decisions regarding student activities, the school administrator’s decision to exclude or suspend student participation in Student Activities will not be delayed while the student pursues his or her complaint right.

Read complete policy (PDF)