The goal of the WHS Band Program is for every Westfield Band member to develop a lifelong appreciation for the value of music in his or her life. We want every student to become the most proficient musician and performer of which he or she is capable. We hope to instill a strong sense of self-discipline, self-motivation, and an inner drive for excellence as well as to provide students with memorable musical experiences through participation in our performing ensembles. We hope to develop an attitude of success while striving to focus each student’s skills and abilities to the common good of the band.
The Westfield High School Band program serves over 200 students in 10 performing ensembles. The Concert Bands serve as the foundation of our band program. Although we provide many different opportunities for musical performance, these ensembles provide the fundamentals from which other opportunities stem. In order to participate in extra musical ensembles (jazz, etc) students must be enrolled in a curricular performing ensemble. Extra ensembles available to students include two jazz bands, two indoor color guards, two percussion ensembles, and the 135-member Marching Blue Devils!
The Westfield High School Band program serves over 200 students in 10 performing ensembles. The Concert Bands serve as the foundation of our band program. Although we provide many different opportunities for musical performance, these ensembles provide the fundamentals from which other opportunities stem. In order to participate in extra musical ensembles (jazz, etc) students must be enrolled in a curricular performing ensemble. Extra ensembles available to students include two jazz bands, two indoor color guards, two percussion ensembles, and the 135-member Marching Blue Devils!
Program Highlights
TRAVEL
2015 Performance Tour of Austria and Czech Republic
2018 Performance Tour of Italy
CONCERT ENSEMBLES
2014 performance at Avery Fischer Hall, NYC
2016 Performance at Kimmel Center, Philadelphia
2017 & 2019 Invitation to Perform at NJ State Band Gala
2018 Invitation and Performance at New Jersey Music Educators Conference
2019 Music for All National Concert Band Festival Invited Ensemble
Wind Ensemble has received Gold ratings at State Concert Band Festival for 10 straight years
MARCHING BAND
2015 Class A Northeast Regional Champions
2015 USBands Group 5A National Champions
Bands of America 3-time Regional Finalist (2018, '19, '21)
NJMBDA Class AAAA 2nd place, 2nd place overall - 2021
JAZZ ENSEMBLES
Performances with guest artists:
Saxophone: Todd Groves and Jaleel Shaw
Trombone: Sean Nelson, John Fedchock
Trumpet: Al Chez
Drums: Scott Neumann
TRAVEL
2015 Performance Tour of Austria and Czech Republic
2018 Performance Tour of Italy
CONCERT ENSEMBLES
2014 performance at Avery Fischer Hall, NYC
2016 Performance at Kimmel Center, Philadelphia
2017 & 2019 Invitation to Perform at NJ State Band Gala
2018 Invitation and Performance at New Jersey Music Educators Conference
2019 Music for All National Concert Band Festival Invited Ensemble
Wind Ensemble has received Gold ratings at State Concert Band Festival for 10 straight years
MARCHING BAND
2015 Class A Northeast Regional Champions
2015 USBands Group 5A National Champions
Bands of America 3-time Regional Finalist (2018, '19, '21)
NJMBDA Class AAAA 2nd place, 2nd place overall - 2021
JAZZ ENSEMBLES
Performances with guest artists:
Saxophone: Todd Groves and Jaleel Shaw
Trombone: Sean Nelson, John Fedchock
Trumpet: Al Chez
Drums: Scott Neumann