"In music, a mistake is a mistake; the instrument is in tune or not, the notes are well played or not, the entrance is made or not. It is only by much hard work that a successful performance is possible. Through music study, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work."
- #7 in "Top Twelve Benefits of Music Education"
- #7 in "Top Twelve Benefits of Music Education"
Concert Band
Period 2
9:30 AM - 10:25 AM
*Prerequisite: Music reading and performance ability on Woodwind or Brass instruments, at least one year experience or audition.
The Concert Band class is a full-year course of study that offers instruction to all incoming freshman on flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. Class activities emphasize the development of instrument technique, tone production, tuning, fundamentals of music theory, music reading, and listening skills. Students must also be enrolled in P.E./Marching Band in the Fall. This class, combined with the Symphonic Band and Percussion performs at football games, pep assemblies, field show tournaments and occasional parades. The class performs in at least four additional concerts throughout the year and attendance at all performances is mandatory. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use but most students will need to obtain their own.
The Concert Band class is a full-year course of study that offers instruction to all incoming freshman on flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. Class activities emphasize the development of instrument technique, tone production, tuning, fundamentals of music theory, music reading, and listening skills. Students must also be enrolled in P.E./Marching Band in the Fall. This class, combined with the Symphonic Band and Percussion performs at football games, pep assemblies, field show tournaments and occasional parades. The class performs in at least four additional concerts throughout the year and attendance at all performances is mandatory. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use but most students will need to obtain their own.
Charms Practice Logs
Practice Logs are due once a week. Each student will receive a grade for their practice Log on a weekly basis. Students must sign in to their Charms Account and enter in their practice time in the "Practice Logs" section of their account. Each "week" begins on Monday and ends on the following Sunday at midnight. The band director will pull a report on Monday to input grades in the grade book so each student must make sure they log their practice times for the week by Sundays at midnight.
The steps for Charms access and for logging practice times are below as well as the grading scale.
Steps for access and logging of practice sessions:
Practice Report Grading Scale
Superior Practicing
150+minutes a week = Grade of 100
Excellent Practicing
120-149 minutes a week = Grade of 90
Fair Practicing
90-119 minutes a week = Grade of 80
Poor Practicing
60-89 minutes a week = Grade of 70
Needs Improvement
Less than 60 minutes a week = Grade of 60
Unacceptable
Not practicing at all, but still submits the practice report = Grade of 50
Not practicing at all and not submitting your practice minutes = Grade of a zero
Please contact your band teacher with any questions or concerns.
Ms. Hench
[email protected]
Practice Logs are due once a week. Each student will receive a grade for their practice Log on a weekly basis. Students must sign in to their Charms Account and enter in their practice time in the "Practice Logs" section of their account. Each "week" begins on Monday and ends on the following Sunday at midnight. The band director will pull a report on Monday to input grades in the grade book so each student must make sure they log their practice times for the week by Sundays at midnight.
The steps for Charms access and for logging practice times are below as well as the grading scale.
Steps for access and logging of practice sessions:
- www.charmsoffice.com
- Top Right Corner - click "Enter"
- Under "Parents/Students/Members" type in the school code: WesternHSBand (case sensitive), then click on “Enter Student/Parent Area”
- Type in your Student Area Password - this is your school ID number
- You should now be on your students home page, click on the icon labeled “Practice Logs”
- Fill in the form for the current practice session. The student may make as many entries as they wish for each item practiced or they can sum everything up with one generic entry and total the minutes. The date always defaults to the current day; you can still enter past practice session by clicking on the calendar icon and choosing the appropriate date.
Practice Report Grading Scale
Superior Practicing
150+minutes a week = Grade of 100
Excellent Practicing
120-149 minutes a week = Grade of 90
Fair Practicing
90-119 minutes a week = Grade of 80
Poor Practicing
60-89 minutes a week = Grade of 70
Needs Improvement
Less than 60 minutes a week = Grade of 60
Unacceptable
Not practicing at all, but still submits the practice report = Grade of 50
Not practicing at all and not submitting your practice minutes = Grade of a zero
Please contact your band teacher with any questions or concerns.
Ms. Hench
[email protected]
Basic Class Supplies
Woodwinds: Brass:
Plenty of good reeds! (at least 4) Appropriate mouthpiece
Cork Grease and Swab Valve Oil or Slide Grease
- PENCIL
- Metronome/Tuner
- Wire Music Stand (for home practice)
- A black three ring binder with page protectors.
Woodwinds: Brass:
Plenty of good reeds! (at least 4) Appropriate mouthpiece
Cork Grease and Swab Valve Oil or Slide Grease
2013 Concert Band at AUHSD District Music Festival
Measuring for tuxes and concert gowns will be held after school in November. Exact dates and times will be announced Money is due to place the order prior to Thanksgiving Break The order will arrive in time for the Snow Show on December 17th.
Concert Attire:
Over the years, the Western High School Performing Ensembles have received many top awards for their musical performances. Not only have they performed with excellence, but they have also looked great! When musicians perform for adjudicators or an audience, they must not only exhibit superb musicianship, but they must also radiate a visual excellence that says, “Look at us! Not only do we sound great, but we look great too!” That’s what is called “Stage Presence.” Not too elegant and not too drab, but just right (and tasteful). So what is just right? All students must have appropriate hair, make-up, and accessories. This means: No bright colored hair, outrageous hairstyles, costume make-up or accessories that will detract from the performance. Remember, the music is the focus of the performance, not the performer!
Gentlemen's Concert Attire
The following attire is appropriate for all concert performances:
Black Dress Shoes (No tennis shoes,boots or sandals!)
Black Socks
Black Slacks (No Jeans!)
White Dress Shirt (long sleeve)
Black Bow Tie
Black cummerbund
Black Tuxedo Jacket
Over the years, the Western High School Performing Ensembles have received many top awards for their musical performances. Not only have they performed with excellence, but they have also looked great! When musicians perform for adjudicators or an audience, they must not only exhibit superb musicianship, but they must also radiate a visual excellence that says, “Look at us! Not only do we sound great, but we look great too!” That’s what is called “Stage Presence.” Not too elegant and not too drab, but just right (and tasteful). So what is just right? All students must have appropriate hair, make-up, and accessories. This means: No bright colored hair, outrageous hairstyles, costume make-up or accessories that will detract from the performance. Remember, the music is the focus of the performance, not the performer!
Gentlemen's Concert Attire
The following attire is appropriate for all concert performances:
Black Dress Shoes (No tennis shoes,boots or sandals!)
Black Socks
Black Slacks (No Jeans!)
White Dress Shirt (long sleeve)
Black Bow Tie
Black cummerbund
Black Tuxedo Jacket
NOTE: The prices for the tuxedo have gone up a little bit this year. The full price of the tuxedo plus shipping is $106.00
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Ladies Concert Attire

Knit / Satin
Style: 5833XR Price: $61.00
BLACK KNIT EXPRESS GOWN STYLE 5833XR IS IN STOCK FOR KWIKDELIVERY!!
Empire style gown featuring a "large scoop" neckline and 3/4 sleeves. Sewn-in satin "Criss-Cross" trim at the waist. E-Z FIT sash ties create a perfect waistline every time. Long, floor length skirt
*Shown in E-Z CARE wrinkle resistant, machine washable soft performance knit.
Available in virtually every size!
Misses sizes 00 - 34.
Children sizes 05 - 13.
View Sizing Chart
We can assist with placing orders.
Black Dress Shoes (No tennis shoes,boots or thongs!)
Style: 5833XR Price: $61.00
BLACK KNIT EXPRESS GOWN STYLE 5833XR IS IN STOCK FOR KWIKDELIVERY!!
Empire style gown featuring a "large scoop" neckline and 3/4 sleeves. Sewn-in satin "Criss-Cross" trim at the waist. E-Z FIT sash ties create a perfect waistline every time. Long, floor length skirt
*Shown in E-Z CARE wrinkle resistant, machine washable soft performance knit.
Available in virtually every size!
Misses sizes 00 - 34.
Children sizes 05 - 13.
View Sizing Chart
We can assist with placing orders.
Black Dress Shoes (No tennis shoes,boots or thongs!)