Frequently Asked Questions
I am a freshman and would like to join band. Where do I start?
Freshmen enroll in Concert Band/Marching Band. Concert Band is “home base” for you and is where everyone’s band journey begins. Freshman also elect to take Instrumental Music, for which no audition is required, or Jazz Ensemble, which requires an audition. We will send you information in the mail about our summer evening sessions, band camp, and schedule of events once we have you on the roster. Concert Band Course Code is 1801. Instrumental Music Course Code is 1850/1851.
What can I expect as a freshman?
You will first attend a camp on the Belleville West campus that involves upwards of 150 musicians. During this time you will truly become a high schooler and learn the ways of our band. Do not be intimated! You will be welcomed and have a role in the band immediately. On the first day of school, you will already know your way around campus and know the most people. After the camp, the band performs for school functions, football games, band festivals, parades, and concerts. Because of the large amount of preparation, you will see a large growth in your musicianship your freshman year. By the end of the school year, you will have performed for over 100,000 people. Note: make sure you can attend the marching band camp. Attendance at camp is a mandatory part of the class.
How do I join Jazz Ensemble?
Give Mr. Pond-Jones a call or E-mail. We will have you come in after school and take a brief audition. You do not need anything prepared. After a successful audition, we will pass your name to the guidance department for enrollment.
Does band take a lot of time?
As all activities in high school require a high amount of dedication, so does band. At times during the year, you will need to be very conscientious of your schedule. However, we understand that our students have many commitments, and we work to ensure that our students can be involved all over campus. Band students are typically highly involved in theatre, debate, the school newspaper, scholar bowl, bowling, tennis, cross country, the National Honors Society, and school yearbook. Students with great time management are capable of keeping a part-time job. We take pride in the level of involvement and scholastic achievement found among our students.
Is there a band fee?
Yes, there are two band fees. One fee is paid to the district and one is paid to the West Band Parents Association. Our band fees are very modest and we strive to make band possible for all students. Information on fees is mailed after enrollment. Fees pay for uniforms, meals, music, travel, and equipment usage.
Does the band provide instruments?
We have various instruments available for your use. Though we recommend having your own instrument, we are happy to help you get started with a school-owned instrument. No specific fees are charged for instrument rental.
As a parent, how do I become involved in band?
We have a band booster organization! Parents are very important in the successful operation of our band. The West Band Parents Organization meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm in the band room. You may find more information at bellevillewestmusic.org.
Freshmen enroll in Concert Band/Marching Band. Concert Band is “home base” for you and is where everyone’s band journey begins. Freshman also elect to take Instrumental Music, for which no audition is required, or Jazz Ensemble, which requires an audition. We will send you information in the mail about our summer evening sessions, band camp, and schedule of events once we have you on the roster. Concert Band Course Code is 1801. Instrumental Music Course Code is 1850/1851.
What can I expect as a freshman?
You will first attend a camp on the Belleville West campus that involves upwards of 150 musicians. During this time you will truly become a high schooler and learn the ways of our band. Do not be intimated! You will be welcomed and have a role in the band immediately. On the first day of school, you will already know your way around campus and know the most people. After the camp, the band performs for school functions, football games, band festivals, parades, and concerts. Because of the large amount of preparation, you will see a large growth in your musicianship your freshman year. By the end of the school year, you will have performed for over 100,000 people. Note: make sure you can attend the marching band camp. Attendance at camp is a mandatory part of the class.
How do I join Jazz Ensemble?
Give Mr. Pond-Jones a call or E-mail. We will have you come in after school and take a brief audition. You do not need anything prepared. After a successful audition, we will pass your name to the guidance department for enrollment.
Does band take a lot of time?
As all activities in high school require a high amount of dedication, so does band. At times during the year, you will need to be very conscientious of your schedule. However, we understand that our students have many commitments, and we work to ensure that our students can be involved all over campus. Band students are typically highly involved in theatre, debate, the school newspaper, scholar bowl, bowling, tennis, cross country, the National Honors Society, and school yearbook. Students with great time management are capable of keeping a part-time job. We take pride in the level of involvement and scholastic achievement found among our students.
Is there a band fee?
Yes, there are two band fees. One fee is paid to the district and one is paid to the West Band Parents Association. Our band fees are very modest and we strive to make band possible for all students. Information on fees is mailed after enrollment. Fees pay for uniforms, meals, music, travel, and equipment usage.
Does the band provide instruments?
We have various instruments available for your use. Though we recommend having your own instrument, we are happy to help you get started with a school-owned instrument. No specific fees are charged for instrument rental.
As a parent, how do I become involved in band?
We have a band booster organization! Parents are very important in the successful operation of our band. The West Band Parents Organization meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm in the band room. You may find more information at bellevillewestmusic.org.