FAQ's About Westfield Band
- Can I participate in band and be in sports?
- Do I have to participate in Marching Band?
- What are placement auditions?
- Where can I get information about the bands, attendance policies, performances, etc.?
- I'm interested in percussion; how can I get more information about this?
- How do music students perform on SAT scores?
- How am I graded in band?
- How do I schedule a Performing Arts class for 4 years during high school while earning the diploma of my choice?
- How do I schedule with 24 Credit Advanced Studies Diploma?
- How much after school rehearsals/performances are there?
- How do I sign up for band?
- How much will it cost to join band?
- What if I don't currently play a instrument... Can I join band?
- Is Mr. P. a nice guy?
- More questions--no question too simple or small. Contact the Freshman Band Liaison, Mary Coleman
-
Can I participate in band and be in sports?
Yes! There are many opportunities for all students at Westfield High School.
Some sports are easier to work around than others. However, we try our
best to work things through with the activities office. Since we have
several "levels" of band (i.e.: wind symphony, symphonic band, and
concert band), we are 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 only exception would be our advanced level band), which
would require your attendance at all rehearsals, performances and events
(just like a varsity level sport). The only difference is that all after
school rehearsals and performances for band are a part of your overall
band grade. The key is communication between all parties involved. -
Do I have to participate in Marching Band?
Members of the advanced band (Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band) are
required to march. All other students in intermediate/beginner bands including
Percussion students are encouraged to participate. The Marching Band at
Westfield HS rehearses three times per week during the months of September,
October and November for 2 1/2 hours and performs at all the home football
games. In addition, during August there is a two week band camp and a week
before school starts for "pre-season" evening rehearsals. - What are placement auditions? Placement auditions are designed to assess your musical abilities in order to appropriately place you in the correct band in high school. Re-evaluations are done during "pre-season" rehearsals, as well as the first week of school, to make sure you are appropriately placed, so your band experience is one that is positive.
- Where can I get information
about the bands, attendance policies, performances, etc.?
All information is on our web site: www.westfieldband.org. The web site is
frequently updated. - How am I graded in band? Check out the attendance policies and requirements on the web site. Band is performance based, so your participation grade is combined with your preparation grade. Basically it is "what" you do and "how" you do it.
- How much after school rehearsals/performances are there?
Check out the calendar on the web site. We try to keep after-school rehearsals to a minimum. During September to November, the Marching Band rehearses after school three days per week. On an average, the concert, wind, & symphonic bands each rehearse after school, once per week from December through May. -
How
do I sign up for band? When classes are being chosen for High School, usually in January, you would
list "Intermediate Band" for all brass and woodwind players and “Percussion
Ensemble” for all percussionists, as your elective choice. We initially place
all new students in Intermediate Band until students go through placement
auditions and are placed in the appropriate band. The High School Band Director
changes each student's schedule to reflect their placement. - What if I don't currently play an instrument... Can I join band? Yes! We have a beginner band class that will teach you how to play an instrument. All you'll need to do is discuss which instrument you'd like to play with the Director of Bands, and then secure an instrument (either purchasing or renting one from a local music store).
- Is Mr. P. a nice guy? Of course! Just ask any current Westfield HS band student.
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