Ensembles

6th grade band is our beginner ensemble at Western. We instruct all band instruments at this level with 2 separate sections: one for brass and another for woodwinds and percussion. 6th graders perform for Bandorama, Winter Concert, and Spring Concert each year. As beginners, we are hopeful to get students used to the pageantry of stage performance at this level. To help this, the uniform for this ensemble is simply dress clothes. 

7th grade band is a continuation of our program that builds on what was taught in 6th grade. All 7th grade musicians meet as a full ensemble every day for rehearsals. More opportunities are providing to 7th graders compared to 6th grade such as Solo and Ensemble, Band Festival, and more. 7th grade is also the first year of the band uniform, which features a white tuxedo shirt, black pants/shoes, and is adorned with a black bowtie and cummberbund. 

Symphonic Band is our top ensemble at Western High. Students scheduled for this ensemble completed an audition and were selected based on the merits of their performance capability. This ensemble participates in all major performances throughout the year just like Concert Band. 

We offer a jazz band for middle school performers as 2 club sessions throughout the school year. We audition once in the fall for a winter concert jazz band and again in the spring for a spring concert jazz band. This ensemble has rehearsed as an after school group and a during advisory period group. 

Foundry is our entry-level jazz combo, often targeting younger performers or performers who are seeking early experiences with combo playing.