BAND DEPARTMENT
The Westside High School Band Program offers students with varying music skills, multitudes of opportunities to grow as an individual musician and as a performer with different ensembles. In the program’s eight year history, students and ensembles have received numerous accolades within the city, the region, state, and at the national level.
In addition, individuals have been recognized and participants in honors such as the UIL Region Band and Jazz Band, Houston All-City Concert and Jazz Band, and the State Solo and Ensemble Contest. The Westside band continues to be solicited and invited to perform at major events throughout the Houston area. All of the performing ensembles are featured in concerts at Westside throughout the school year.
BAND STAFF
Kelly Porter, Director of Bands kporter2@houstonisd.org (281) 920-8007
Chad Allen, Associate Director, Jazz Band Director callen6@houstonisd.org (281) 920-800 ex. 6095
Eric Hughes, Percussion Instructor, ehughes@houstonisd.org
Bobby Guess, Westside Feeder Pattern Instrumental Coordinator, bguess@houstonisd.org
PERFORMING ENSEMBLES
We have several ensembles for students to participate in. All students participate in the marching band. Students receive P.E credits for their participation. Concerning classes, we offer three concert bands; Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, and Concert Band. In addition we have a percussion class and Jazz Band. More information about these ensembles can be found on our website, www.wolfband.org.
AUDITIONS, TRY-OUTS, OR PRE-REQUISITES
All students wishing to participate in band should have some experience on an instrument. Unfortunately, we do not offer any beginning level classes, and therefore AT LEAST one year’s experience on an instrument is necessary (we recommend three years of experience). Any student new to Westside must perform for the directors to be placed in the appropriate class. This is not necessarily an audition, but a means for the directors to place the student in the class that is best suited for them. The top performing ensemble, the Wind Ensemble, requires a more formal audition. Contact a director for more information. Auditions/class placements are held during May and early June.
REQUIREMENTS
Depending on class placement, outside of class time commitments vary. The marching band rehearses two to four days a week during football season, and in the spring semester, concert bands rehearse one to two days a week.
All band students are required to pay a participation fee. This fee covers expenses such as music, uniform cleanings, competition fees, transportation, and many other miscellaneous expenses. Students who require the use of a school owed instrument may do so by paying a yearly rental fee. This fee covers the maintenance and repairs of the instrument while in possession of the student. The yearly band fee is determined during the summer months after a budget is approved by the Music Boosters.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Our ensembles perform frequently within the Houston area, and perform several school concerts throughout the year. Please refer to our calendar available on our website for concert dates and times. www.wolfband.org.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Westside High School Band, Choir, Orchestra and JROTC are presenting “Salute to America” on November 11th in celebration of Veteran’s Day. Gather your patriotic friends and enjoy a delicious Barbeque Dinner in the Commons at 5:00 pm, then experience the ultimate patriotic concert in the auditorium at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $8 for the dinner and show. Send in your order form today!
The Westside Band is always doing something! News about past, present, and future performances, along with recognitions of outstanding musicians is featured on the homepage of our website and in the “news” section. With daily updates, our website is the best resource for our students, parents, and future band members. www.wolfband.org.