WMS Band Ensembles

There are two large concert bands: one is called "concert band" and the other is called "symphonic band". Both play standard concert band music: band classics, marches, musicals, orchestral transcriptions and some jazz or Latin pieces.

CONCERT BAND is for sixth graders (seveth graders can no longer be in Concert Band because of the current schedule) Concert Band meets twice a week during flex period (A and B days) and once a week for a small group workshop or sectional. (Click for workshop schedule)

SYMPHONIC BAND is for seventh and eighth graders. Symphonic band meets twice a week during flex period (C and E days) and once a week for a small group workshop or sectional. (Click for workshop schedule)

WIND ENSEMBLE is an honors group. It is open to outstanding band members who are responsible and able to play the parts. This is an invitational group and members are chosen based on their work in symphonic band (or occasionally concert band) during the fall term. In general, a wind ensemble is a smaller group than a concert band, with fewer people on a part. In our case, we work on one high school level piece and perform it at the spring concert. Rehearsal time is variable & usually before school. Wind ensemble members can also plan on a few after school or evening rehearsals during the year. The group meets from the end of December through the spring concert. Although it is theoretically open to sixth, seventh and eighth graders, sixth graders are seldom proficient enough on their instruments to play the music. Being chosen has to do with the difficulty of parts in any given year as well as the ability of the student and the instrumentation needs of the group itself. (Wind Ensemble rehearsal schedule)

JAZZ BAND is an audition group and is made up of students who are highly motivated and self-directive. Most of the jazz band members practice daily and take private lessons. Membership is restricted to the standard big band instrumentation (saxes, trumpets, trombones, piano, vibes, guitar, upright bass -preferably both upright and electric - and drum set. Drummers must be able to read set music. Except for guitar & piano players, students must be in concert band or symphonic band (or orchestra for bass players) in order to be in jazz band. Jazz band is open to students in grades 6, 7 & 8 (although 6th graders usually do not get in) and it meets twice a week: both Tuesday after school (2:30-3:30) and Friday before school (6:45-7:30 AM). (see schedule)

STAGE BAND is open to anyone, on any instrument (yes, including string instruments!), who can pass the audition. Students must be self-motivated and willing to practice and work out the parts on their own. This group serves two functions. One of its purposes is to introduce students to jazz. Its second function is to provide a place for musicians who play instruments that are not included in standard big band arrangements, to play jazz. Except for guitar & piano players, students must be in concert band or symphonic band (or orchestra for bass players) in order to be in stage band. Stage band is open to students in grades 6, 7 & 8, and meets once a week, either Monday after school (2:30-3:15) or Thursday before school (7:00-7:30 AM). Check the schedule each week.

The WMS MARCHING BAND is created by combining concert band and symphonic band to make one HUGE marching band. We march for the Memorial Day Parade and rehearse during the regular flex periods instead of concert or symphonic band. All students must take part in the marching rehearsals even if they will not be with us for the parade (be sure to get the make-up to earn the concert points!). Workshops during this time are focused on marching skills and band history. (During marching season, please check the current assignments page to find the marching band requirements.)

Our ORCHESTRA often adds winds and percussion for its spring concert. Students are selected to play in the orchestra based on ability, independence, responsibility and interest. The orchestra concert is on a different day than the band concert, so students must make the commitment to another concert night. Generally there is only one person on a part and only three or four rehearsals, so musical competency is essential. Eighth graders have priority, but seventh graders will be chosen if needed.