Band
Beginning Band
Beginning Band is for students in their first year of playing a band instrument. Beginning Band is offered to Westlake students starting in 4th grade, but it can also be taken by older students who have not previously played an instrument. Homeschool students who are joining the Westlake band for the first time will usually start in Beginning Band.
Music Aptitude Test
Students who will be playing a band instrument for the first time must take a music aptitude test. This test is usually administered to all 3rd grade students at the end of second semester. Homeschool students may schedule a time to take the test. The music aptitude test helps the band director determine which instrument would be a good fit for each student.
Instrument Selection
Following the music aptitude test, parents of 3rd graders will be notified of the date for instrument selection. Each interested family will sign up for a brief time slot. The student will have the opportunity to try out various instruments. Selection will be based on aptitude, as well as the overall composition of the band.
Lessons & Rehearsals:
Students typically receive one 30 minute group lesson and one full band rehearsal per week, held during the school day. Students in Beginning Band finish the first year by performing in a Spring Beginning Band Concert.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 8:15–9:00am (starting in October)
Intermediate Band
Qualified Westlake and homeschool students in their second year of band participation who have successfully demonstrated skills above the Beginning Band level make up the Intermediate Band.
Students typically receive one 30 minute group lesson and two full band rehearsals per week, held during the school day. Qualified students may perform at solo and ensemble contests held in the spring semester.
Rehearsals: Thursdays and Fridays, 8:15–9:00am
Concert Band
Concert Band is for students having acquired the skills necessary to play music at an upper junior high to senior high school level, as determined by the director. Students in 7th and 8th grade will typically receive one group lesson per week. Band is taken as a course during the school day.
Westlake’s Concert Band has performed at school programs, competed in contests, participated in music ministry for area churches and school chapels and participated in the Association of Christian Schools International’s music festivals.
The concert band performs three annual concerts (December, February, May), in addition to playing at the Westlake high school graduation ceremony.
Rehearsals:
- Mondays, 8th period (2:10–3:20)
- Tuesdays, 8th period (2:10–3:20)
- Fridays, 8th period (2:38–3:20)*
*Students in 7th and 8th grade do not attend rehearsal on Fridays. Instead, they have a weekly group lesson. These group lessons are scheduled throughout the week, based on availability.
Program Fees
Student | Beginning Band Annual | Intermediate Band Annual | Concert Band Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCA Student: first child | $125 | $175 | $225 |
| WCA Student: 2nd child & beyond | $100 | $150 | $175 |
| Homeschool: first child | $350 | $500 | $850 |
| Homeschool: 2nd child & beyond | $300 | $450 | $775 |
Homeschool Band
Homeschool students are encouraged to participate in band at Westlake. In addition to the annual band fee, there is an annual administrative fee of $75.
Homeschool students must follow the same admissions process as full-time students.
Homeschool band is a drop-off program. Students are asked to follow Westlake's uniform guidelines when attending rehearsals.
Homeschool band payments will be billed to families via FACTS. Information about setting up your FACTS account will be sent to families in late July.
Questions about band payments? Please contact our Business Manager, Mrs. Claudette Gearhart.
