Weekly Updates

July 17th:

Hello, 

I hope everyone is reading this in a cool, comfortable place.  I wanted to send out a few reminders and send our calendar for the year, our band camp rehearsal schedule, UIL Acknowledgment Form, and Physical Form for those who may need it.  

The incoming 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th graders all have to have a completed and signed physical to participate in any marching band activity.  Everyone will need to turn in a medical history form.  If you turned one in for Athletics we will be able to get it from them.  Thank you.   

We will be using many different ways to communicate with everyone this year.  Emails through Charms, Skyward, Remind and the School Website will be used to communicate.  

For Remind text @gh3cka to 81010

The link to the school's website is:

https://hs.westisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=114611&type=d&pREC_ID=456577

With the heat as bad as it is, make sure to bring a water bottle, sun screen, a hat, and sunglasses.  We will be taking frequent water breaks, please drink water whether you are thirsty or not, please DRINK WATER.  Also wear appropriate clothing, we will be moving around a lot, and crocs will not cut it.  Please wear shoes and socks, no boots or flip flops, or sandals.  Yes, crocs are sandals.  Technically they are clogs, but please don't wear them.  Thank you. 

Lastly, to help save time and paper we would like everyone to fill this google form out, so that we can double check to make sure that we have everyone’s contact information. 

Please fill it out here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-YYV8kPVy6DVPFP872WYRIj2VNH5_XTMrRrVijd-fqlS5PQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Hello, 

I hope everyone is doing great and having a fantastic day.  I wanted to send out a few reminders about our rehearsals and other information, before we get started tomorrow.  

July 20th and 21st: Leadership and Freshman

Please bring your instruments, water bottle,  physical forms and UIL Acknowledgement forms tomorrow so we can get everyone checked in and get started.  Please wear clothes that you can move around in.  Tomorrow will not be too physically demanding, but we will be moving.  Also please fill out the google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-YYV8kPVy6DVPFP872WYRIj2VNH5_XTMrRrVijd-fqlS5PQ/viewform?usp=pp_url so that we can save time.  I talked with Coach Woodard and he said that anyone in Athletics can miss the works outs tomorrow and Friday so we can get started on time.  

I can't wait to see everyone tomorrow and I hope y'all have a cool rest of the day.  Thank you.

Hello, 

I hope everyone is doing well.  We have been having some awesome rehearsals, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way that the students are working.  

This week's report time for Friday’s game will be 5:30pm.  The students will need to wear blue jeans, a band shirt, and shoes they can work in (Please no boots, crocs, flip flops or sandals).  

At away games the Band Boosters offer a way for kids to eat before and after the games.  For away games the students can purchase a Chick Fil a sandwich, chips, and water for $5.00. 

During Home games the boosters offer a way to get around the long lines during the 3rd quarter by purchasing a burger, chips, and a water for $5.00.   

Money for Each of these is due Thursday morning so we can let the concession stands and boosters know with enough time to have everything made ready for the third quarter when the students have their break. This will be starting this week. 

If you have not yet brought money for shoes, gloves and a show shirt, please get that in to us as soon as possible. Shoes cost $41.00, gloves will be $5.00, and their band shirt will be $20.00.  Also,  if they have not gotten or paid for the book, Foundations for Superior Performance, that needs to be purchased as well.  The book can be purchased online or at the Tarpley store in Waco, and they are around $10.  Make sure to get the one for your individual instrument. 

If you have any questions please let me know. 

Hello, 

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  The kids did a great job this past week, and we have a lot going on this week starting with practice tonight.  Please make sure to be in your spot on the practice field by 5:00pm so we can get started right on time. Remember, this means rehearsal starts at 5, this does not mean arrive at 5.

For Friday night, Report time will be 3:30pm so we can run through the show before we go to Lorena. . The Band Boosters will be feeding the band kids before the game, and if your student wants a Chick-Fil-A sandwich and chips at the end of the game $5.00  is due on Thursday morning at 8:00am. 

Please make sure that your child has paid for their shirt, shoes, and gloves.  Everyone needs to purchase a shirt, but the gloves and shoes are only if they don't have any, or need new ones.   

For the parade on Saturday the kids will need to be at the back of City Hall at 9:00am.  We will be ending the parade at the old car wash at West Mesquite Street. After we are done marching, we will be passing water and tickets to WestFest.  Once all that is done, the directors will head back to the band hall and will be there until 11:30am.  

The boosters still need help to work the corn booth, and to wash tables at WestFest, the sign ups are in the bandhall.  To work the corn booth the students will need a parent to work with them.  

Here is the schedule for the week:

Monday 8/28:  Monday Night Practice at 5:00pm- 8:00pm.  

Thursday 8/31:  Color Guard Practice 5:00pm I think to 7:00pm. 

Friday 9/1:  Football Game at Lorena:  Report time is 3:30pm

Saturday 9/2:  WestFest Parade:  Report time is 9:00am.

Hello, 

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  We are about to be done learning our show so we can start cleaning and getting ready for our contests.   Please make sure to be in your spot on the practice field by 5:00pm tonight  so we can get started right on time. Remember, this means rehearsal starts at 5, this does not mean arrive at 5.

For Friday night, report time will be 4:30pm so we can run through a few things before we go to Whitney.  If the game ends at 10:00pm we will be back in West close to 11:15pm.  The Band Boosters will be feeding the band kids before the game, and if your student wants a Chick-Fil-A sandwich and chips at the end of the game $5.00  is due on Thursday morning at 8:00am. 

Please make sure that your child has paid for their shirt, shoes, and gloves.  We are ordering this this week, so make sure to get the money to us a.s.a.p.  Everyone needs to purchase a shirt, but the gloves and shoes are only if they don't have any, or need new ones.   

If you have any questions please let me know thank you so much for all that you do for our band kids.  

Here is the schedule for the week:

Monday 9/11:  Monday Night Practice at 5:00pm- 8:00pm.  

Thursday 8/31:  Color Guard Practice 5:00pm I think to 7:00pm. 

Friday 9/15:  Football Game at Whitney:  Report time is 4:30pm

The Schedule Looking ahead: 

Monday 9/18: Monday Night Practice

Thursday 9/21:  Mini West Fest at 9:00am, and Color Guard Practice at 5:00pm

Friday 9/22:  Home Football Game:  Report time is 5:00pm. 

Hello, 

I hope everyone is having a happy Thursday.  Tomorrow the band will be in full uniform, this means students will need to bring with them long black socks, athelitc shorts, and their band shirt to wear underneath their uniform. Report time will be 5:00pm so we can get everything situated.  

The Band boosters are selling shirts through dream fly.  Please follow the link and help support the kids: https://www.dreamflyfundraisers.com/west-trojan-band

Have a great day.  Thank you. 

Hello, 

I hope everyone is having a Monday full of merriment and joy.  This week is the calm before the storm for the High School Band.  We have our first contest next week at Troy, as well as homecoming, and two pep rallies.  

This Week’s agenda is 

Monday 9/25  5-8pm  After School Rehearsal.  

Thursday 9/28 5-7pm  Color guard rehearsal 

Friday 9/29 Football Game: Report time will be right after school, students will need their band shirts, and athletic clothes.  We should be back close to 12:00-12:30 in the morning. 

Saturday 9/30:  Saturday practice from 5pm-7pm. We have a clinician coming to work with us and desperately need the time.  Please make sure that you are here for this. 

Next Week: 

Monday Practice 10/2

Wednesday 10/4:  Pre UIL contest at Troy, and Flashlight pep rally at 7:00pm

Friday 10/6:  Homecoming Game,  report time will be 3:00pm so we can get a runthrough of the show before we get ready for the game. 

I will get more information out about the Marching Contest at Troy tomorrow morning.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank you.

Hello, 

I hope you are all rested and having a great day.  Here is our schedule for our upcoming events.  Please let me know if you have any questions. 

10/9 Monday:  Monday Night Practice 5pm-8pm

10/12 Thursday:  Thursday Night Guard Practice

10/13 Friday:  Eligibility Check at 3:30pm.  Students may regain or lose eligibility at this time, please get grades taken care of.  

10/13 Friday:  Away football game at Maypearl.  Report time is 4pm.  We should be back close to midnight. 

10/14 Saturday:  Pre UIL Contest at Whitney:  Bring money for the concession stand.  

8:00am:  Call Time at the School

8:15am: Warm up, and Run throughs

9:15am: Load Trailer

10:00am:  Leave for Whitney

11:50am:  Warm Up 

12:30pm:  Performance TIme

3:30pm:  Awards and FInals Announcements. 

• If we make finals we will stay and perform again later in the evening. We will be home close to 10:00-10:30pm 
• If we do not make finals we will be leaving for West, after the announcements are made, and be home close to 4:30pm

10/16 Monday:  Monday night Practice from 5ppm-8pm: 

• The Boosters will be feeding the students at the end of practice
• We will be performing at the stadium at 7:45pm,  for any parents that would like to watch.  

10/18 Wednesday:  UIL Marching Contest in Troy

• Leave for Troy at 11:30am
• We Perform at 2:00pm
• We will arrive back at West close to 3:30pm-4:00pm.  
• Students will need to plan  on getting a ride home. 

Hello, 

I hope all is well. We had a great weekend at Whitney, and are ready to go to UIL Wednesday.  Here is the schedule for this week. 

Monday 10/16:  Practice from 5pm-8pm.  The Band Boosters will be feeding the kids after practice at the stadium.  Parents are welcome to come watch our run through of the show at 7:45 at the stadium. 

Wednesday 10/18:  UIL Marching Contest 1:45pm.  

Thursday 10/19:  Color Guard Rehearsal 5pm-7pm.

Friday 10/20: Home Football Game vs Grandview and 8th Grade Night.  Report time is 5:30.

Future Events: 

10/23 Monday Night Practice 5pm-8pm

10/26 Thursday Guard Practice 5pm-7pm

10/27 Away Game vs Dallas Gateway. 

10/28 Area Marching Contest:  TBA

Hello, 

We have a busy two weeks for our band program, and I wanted to let everyone know what is going on.   

Starting with our middle students, we will have a pumpkin painting on October 30th from 5:00pm-6:30pm. Bring your pumpkin and come out and have some fun. We also have a concert for our 7th and and 8th grade students on October 31st, starting at 6:00pm.  Please feel free to wear your Halloween costumes, or band shirt and blue jeans.  

For our high school students, we have the game this Friday 10/27 report time is right after school.  The time for the football game has been pushed up to 7:00pm, so we will be in a mild rush to get there on time. We should be home close to 12:30am.   Monday on the 30th, we will have our pumpkin painting from 5pm-6:30pm.  Please bring your own pumpkin.  Next week is Senior Night, and we will be honoring our seniors during halftime.  

Students 7th-12th who are going to All Region need to be showing up to lessons, and really start to practice.

High School students interested in Solo and Ensemble need to come see us to get music picked out.  Please understand that if you want to be a section leader or drum major you have to do one of the two.  

The Basketball Band will be practicing  on Tuesday’s after school starting at 4:00pm.  I am currently working on getting a game schedule to share.  

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thank everyone for all that you do, and have a great day.

Hello, 

I hope everyone is doing well. Our middle school kids had a great concert last night, and the pumpkins came out “interesting” i think is a good way to say it. 

 For our football game on Thursday, report time will be 5:30pm.  It is supposed to be chilly, so students need to prepare accordingly.

 We will be recognizing our seniors during halftime.  Senior parents will need to meet at the entrance to the track between where the band sits and the student section 3 minutes before the 2nd quarter is over, in alphabetical order based on the students names.  The students will know what to do, please follow them.  At the end of the recognition the band will be playing the fight song and marching off of the field.  Parents please follow your seniors off of the field, you will do great. 

Looking ahead, 

Next week's playoff game will be on Friday at Waco ISD stadium the time is TBA.  Please let me know if anyone has any questions.  Thank you. 

Hello, 

This week we have a lot going on, with the High School Band.  We did have a location, and schedule change for the game on Friday, information for the game is below.  

All Region is ramping up, and if you are participating in this (it is on a voluntary basis, and not every student is participating), please start practicing hard, and show up for lessons with selections prepared.  

Solo and Ensemble has begun.  For those involved, make sure you get your pieces, and start showing up for your lessons.  

Basketball band will also be starting this Tuesday so we can make sure everything is set for the home varsity basketball games.  The schedule for the games we will be attending will be sent out soon. 

This week's football game has been moved to Belton at U.M.H.B. at 7:30pm.  Report time will be 4:00pm on Friday, so we can get loaded and headout early in case traffic on 35 is an issue.  We should be home close to 12:00am.  

I hope everyone has a great week, thank everyone for all you do. 

Hello, 

I am sending out a reminder about our “Amazing All Bands Christmas Concert Spectacular”  next Saturday December 16th.  

Our Band Boosters will be raffling off gift baskets at the concert, and are asking for donations of the following items from each of the grades.  If you can help please have the items at the school by December 14th. 

Below is the list of grades and what kind of items they should bring for the gift baskets.

Beginners and 7th Graders:  Outdoors

8th Grade: Movie Night 

9th Grade: Gift Cards

10th and 11th Grade: Coffee and Chocolate

12th Grade: Baking 

Here is the Schedule for the concert day on December 16th.  

• Our Beginner Band will be performing  at 1:00pm with the 7th Grade Concert Band performing immediately after.  Both the Beginners and the 7th Graders will need to be at the school ready to go at 12:30.  

• The 8th Grade Symphonic Band will be performing at 3:00pm, and these students will need to be here at 2:20.  

• The High School Bands will be performing right after the Choir performs, and will need to be at the school at 3:00pm.  

Dress for the concert is “Concert Black”. With this dress code, gentlemen will need to wear a white long-sleeved dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress belt, black dress socks and black dress shoes, and a nice tie. The ladies will need to wear a nice black dress or a black blouse, black slacks, and black shoes. Dresses should be no shorter than mid-upper calf, which is an appropriate length for school code and for the seated position of all instruments. If the dress is a shorter length, please wear black leggings underneath your dress. The concert is a formal event for our band program, and we want our students to be as professional as possible.  Please no jeans, sweat pants, or just leggings.  However,  we do want our kids to enjoy their time performing.  If they would like to wear something festive such as an ugly sweater, an elf costume, a reindeer costume, or a Santa hat, those are fine with us.   If anyone needs help with any of the clothes please let us know as soon as possible so we can help.

We are extremely proud of all the progress our students have made, and cannot wait for everyone to be able to come and enjoy the show.  Please let us know if you have any questions, thank you.  

Hello, 

I hope everyone is doing well.  I wanted to send this out because of how busy everyone will be this week.  We have a lot going on this week and many upcoming events this month and next month. 

Monday Feb. 5th:  Monday Night Practice for Band students 5-7, Winter Guard 5-8

Tuesday Feb 6th: - Boys and Girls Basketball games starting at 6pm until they are done. 

• Band Booster meeting at 6pm in the band hall

Thursday-Friday Feb. 8th-9th:  The Band directors will be out of town at the Texas Music Educators Conference in San Antonio.  

• No Winterguard rehearsal this day due to the directors being gone.  

*****Events that are coming up:  

Solo and Ensemble Accompanist Rehearsal dates are 2/13, 2/15, 2/20, 2/22

 from right after school to 5pm. 

Saturday Feb. 17th:  Band Boosters Band Fiesta. 

Saturday Feb. 24th: Solo and Ensemble in Temple for Participating students. 

Monday  March 4th:  UIl Concert and Sight Reading Parent Concert

Wednesday or Thursday March 6th or 7th UIL Concert and Sight Reading.