Wind Ensemble Syllabus | Fundamentals | Warm-Up Exercises | Solo and Ensemble | Fall 07 Wind Ensemble Roster

Rich Armstrong, Director

The Symphonic Band is scheduled 5th period. The class is designed to develop strong musical fundamentals and work ethic. Students will be asked to concentrate their efforts on a variety of musical tasks. Tone production, articulation, breathing, intonation, technical ability, ensemble skills, and sight-reading are all elements students will be required to develop.

The band performs upper level high school concert band literature. Most of the fall semester curriculum is focused on marching band music. Students are expected to perform at the highest caliber. As a result, participation in the Symphonic Band is quite rigorous and requires significant practice. Students are required to attend sectionals and one-on-one sessions outside of school throughout the year when scheduled.

Members are required to participate in fall and spring sectionals. Symphonic band members are required to play a solo and/or ensemble at the UIL solo/ensemble contest in March. Members are strongly encouraged to participate in the All-Region Band selection process and to get involved in our private lesson program. The Symphonic Band performs at most band department concerts and competes at several concert band festivals including UIL in the Spring.

The Concert Band performs mid level high school concert band literature. The Concert Band is a designed to focus on developing and reinforcing fundamental wind and percussion skills. Concert band members are required to play a solo and/or ensemble at the UIL solo/ensemble contest in March.. Furthermore, members are strongly encouraged to get involved in our private lesson program. Students are required to attend sectionals and one-on-one sessions outside of school throughout the year when scheduled. The concert band is a non-competitive band that performs at most band department concerts. Instrumentation, eligibility, and other factors will help determine whether the concert band will participate at UIL in the spring.

Marching Band 08 Show Info | Fundamentals | Warm-Up Exercises | Summer 08 Info | Student Leaders

Rich Armstrong, Director
Derek Phillips, Assistant Director
Dawson Spicer, Guard Director

The Jazz Ensemble is the top jazz group at WHS. Entrance is by audition only; all students are allowed to audition.

Emphasis is strongly placed on developing proper ensemble blend and balance, individual musical responsibility, various jazz stylistic concepts, as well as improvisatory solo skills. Individual preparation is expected at each rehearsal. As a result, participation in the Jazz Ensemble is rigorous and requires significant practice. Students are required to attend sectionals and one-on-one sessions, as deemed necessary, outside of school throughout the year. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Jazz All-Region/State audition process. The band performs in concert, contest, and special engagements throughout the year.

The WHS Cluster Percussion Program consists of students from Turner Middle School, Waxahachie Junior High School, and Waxahachie High School. Membership into the WHS Cluster Percussion program begins with 6th grade beginner classes and culminates with the senior high school year. Studies in the percussion program include drumline/front ensemble, Waxahachie Percussion Group, Solo and Ensemble, in addition to other ensemble and solo performance opportunities.

The color guard is most well known for their contribution to the marching band in the fall. Using rifles, sabers, props, and a wide assortment of flags, the guard provides a fantastic visual effect to the show. During the spring the guard competes on the North Texas Colorguard Association Winterguard circuit. Membership into the guard is by audition only and is open to all WHS students. Information concerning upcoming audition information will be posted to this page.

About the Director