ABOUT OUR BANDS
OUR GOALS
Through the learning, rehearsing, and performing of music, it is our goal that the students of the band program become:
Through the learning, rehearsing, and performing of music, it is our goal that the students of the band program become:
- Creative problem solvers who can think critically and can make decisions through artistic modes and in situations where there are no standard answers.
- Culturally aware citizens who have a sense of history and an appreciation for the fine arts through multicultural experiences.
- Humanistic thinkers who have creativity, sensitivity, and emotion.
- Collaborative workers who are self-confident, receptive to others' ideas, and utilize peer input to develop interpersonal relationships within the framework of their settings
OUR DIRECTORS
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The Western Alamance High School band program features the All-American Brigade Marching Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble and Western Express Jazz Band. All high school bands perform under the direction of Mr. Michael Jefferson.
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 Mr. Michael Jefferson
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Mr. Patrick Bennington
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OUR BANDS
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Marching Band: Early August through early December. These students work together to create a quality performance ensemble that performs for every home football game and local parades. Membership in the Marching Band is open to all students. In the fall, the marching band rehearses after school two days per week. Band Camp is required and held some weekdays beginning in early August. Marching Band is an extracurricular group. See MARCHING BAND page for more details.
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Concert Band: Each semester, this is the core of the band curriculum and taught during regular school hours. This performance ensemble will be challenged musically through appropriate literature and performance opportunities. |
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Jazz Band: All year, an audition is needed to join this ensemble. The Jazz Band is the most mobile of all the performing groups and therefore, will be utilized on numerous occasions outside of the high school campus. Some evenings and weekends are required for performances. |
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Percussion Ensemble: Each semester, the percussion class meets during the regular school day and is open to all students. It is recommended that all percussionists be enrolled in this class. They will make up the percussion sections for concert band, and they will also performa as a separate ensemble. |
QUICK BAND FACTS
- There is a place for everyone in Marching Band, even if you don't play a marching instrument.
- Participating in a high school band class does not interfere with participating in after school activities like athletics.
- Participating in a high school band class does not interfere with college prep or vocational-tech courses.
- Participating in Marching Band as a Freshman means you will start the school year knowing many upperclassmen and can talk to those older students about classes, rides, schedules, the school, teachers, etc.
- Studies indicate that music education dramatically improves a student's ability to solve complex math and science problems.
- Students who participate in music programs score higher on standardized tests.
- Music participants, on average, receive more academic honors and higher grades.
- Parent Involvement = Successful Band
WHY SHOULD I BE IN BAND?