Welcome  class  of  2030!!

Please view the video to the right as well as the brochure linked here or viewed below. We look forward to you joining the WHS Band Family in the fall of 2024!

Marching Band New Member Interest Meeting
February 23rd, 7:30 pm, WHS Cafe B
Register Here

​QUESTIONS? EMAIL THE DIRECTORS

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Now is the time when many of you are asking yourself if you should continue on with band in high school. We believe the answer is a resounding "Yes!" We have answered some typical questions incoming freshmen ask about joining band in high school.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Visit the band web page for more information at www.westfieldhsbands.org
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What class do I sign up for?

• Just tell your counselor “I want band” and they should know where to place you 
• Remember that if you are participating in marching band that you should have that placed on your schedule IN ADDITION to a curricular concert band or percussion ensemble

Reasons to join band in high school

• Be a part of the largest single activity on campus (band is over 10% of the school population)
• Being a part of the band gives you a place to belong. The band family is a diverse one with a place for everyone
• Belong to an award winning and highly competitive program where the emphasis is on community, excellence and hard work
• You’ve spent years learning an instrument and high school is a time to capitalize on that hard work. We have many unique performance opportunities waiting for you!

Typical questions regarding band at Westfield

• "Do I have to be in marching band to be in the band at Westfield?" 

No, though it is encouraged. If you are playing a fall sport you cannot also participate in marching band. If you are not playing in a fall sport you should join us because high school is all about getting involved! Marching Band and Concert Band are two separate classes.

• “I don’t have room in my schedule.” 

This is likely not true. We have 200+ students who fit all of their academic requirements AND band in their schedule every year - most for four straight years. Talk to your counselor and they should be able to help you make it work. Sometimes it may mean you wait to take a class until later in your high school career so you can continue taking band now. 

• "I heard marching band takes up all of your time." 

It is a busy schedule, but one that we believe is worth it for what you get out of it. The biggest myth is that after school practices go all year long. The marching season is finished in early November. December through June there are virtually NO after school obligations. Our schedule is no busier than any other fall sport - and you get academic credit PLUS a varsity letter.

• "What is the marching band practice schedule?" 

Each student has three after school practices per week (Mon-Fri). Rehearsals are usually 
2 or 3 hours and never run past 6:30 pm. We also rehearse most Saturday’s prior to football games or performances. A full daily practice schedule for the fall is usually released in June. 

• "Can I play a sport and be in marching band?" 

Yes, just not a fall sport.

• “Can I play a sport and be in a curricular concert band?”

        Yes! Concert Band & Percussion ensemble do not conflict with sports at all!

• "Are there auditions to be in the band?"

No. If you want to be in band you have a spot in band. 

• "What about grades? I'm worried about my grades, getting the right classes." 

Many of the top students in the school are in the band. Each year top 10%, National Merit Scholars and students with full loads of A.P. classes are a part of the band program. Two of the three National Merit Scholarship finalists at WHS are in the band this year. Band helps you to manage your time better, not hurt your academic success.

• "I heard you get P.E. credit for marching band. Is this true?" 

Yes, but not until 10th grade. If taking marching band and a full academic schedule you do not have to attend your gym class during MP 1. 

• "What about jazz band-do I have to be in marching band and how do I get in?" 

You must be enrolled in a curricular band (concert/percussion) in order to participate in jazz. Auditions take place in November after marching band has concluded. No one is cut, the auditions are just for placement. Practices begin in January and run through the spring. Groups typically rehearse once a week and can be done in combination with most sports. 

Thank you! The Westfield band can be a gateway to an amazing high school experience and we are excited to welcome you to the Westfield Band Family.

To you, Future Blue Devils!
Mr. Vitale & Mr. Batiz

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2019 WHS Marching Band at Lake Owego, PA