FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Do I Juggle Band With Grades & Sports? Can I Do Sports AND Band?
One of the great skills that band teaches is time management, which is one of the reasons band students from strong programs have an edge when applying for college. The best and brightest students at WPMS and WPHS find a way to be in band all the way through, and be highly successful, even when taking honors classes and participating in our Athletics/Other School Activities. We love having students in other classes and activities, including athletics, theater, robotics, choir, etc... In the past our band has included members of the football teams, cheer, elite cheer, dance team, soccer teams, and many more. Schedules are always workable and good communication is key to making this work. Additionally, at the high school level, marching season includes "homework hour" is built into the rehearsal schedule as a time when students can receive tutoring and work on assignments for the week. Many students and parents are surprised to find that their grades are strongest during our busiest times of the year, because of how motivated and focused our students are during those periods.
Are All Band Members Marching Band? What About Wind Ensemble?
Marching Band is only a high school activity - students do not participate in marching band until 9th grade. During middle school, they learn fundamentals and gain the necessary skill needed to prepare them for high school band.
At the high school level The Wind Ensemble and the Marching Band are the same group of students. The band is has "marching season" from August to early November (Quarter 1), then transition to "Sit-Down Concert Band Season" for the remainder of the year (Quarters 2, 3, 4). Students must be in marching band in order to be in a concert band, and vice versa. This is the standard structure for the majority of programs nation-wide, and allows us to provide the best possible experiences to our students, as well as prepare them for collegiate and post-high school opportunities and expectations. Additionally, band students earn P.E. Credit in the fall semester, through their participation in marching band.
What About Jazz Band?
Interested students have the opportunity to participate in an additional band class, Jazz Band, if they choose. Jazz band is open to high school students and 8th graders (8th graders have the option to take this course during 7th period at the high school). Again, this is an additional/2nd band class - Students must also be enrolled in a regular band class in order to do Jazz Band.
Why Are Private Lessons So Important?
Band teaches ensemble skills: How to work together, play together, listen, balance, blend, etc... These are different from individual technique and solo skill. In order to achieve a high level of success on an individual instrument, students need to study with an expert on that particular instrument (I.E. a clarinetist should work with someone who has a degree or professional background specifically in clarinet). In addition to being the best way to prepare for Allstate auditions and Solo & Ensemble Contest, this the only way to be truly prepared for a collegiate audition. Regardless of what a student plans to study in college, their ability on their instrument can help them gain admission to the college of their choice. Their solo audition on their instrument is what will determine this.
I’m A Parent/Volunteer, How Do I Get Involved?
Band has so many moving pieces that we just couldn’t function without our incredible band parents and community volunteers! They help us with fundraising for trips, equipment, travel, staff, and clinicians, as well as help us with concerts, events, props, and even uniforms. Band Booster Meetings take place every month in the WPHS band room. If you would like more information about how to get involved, please click the "boosters" link above, or email wpbandboosters23@gmail.com