GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Our classes meet in like-instrument groups every day. 
Band classes are full-year courses, and it is best for students
to start learning a band instrument in the sixth grade, in order to
develop skills needed for high school and to remain with their age group
through middle school.  Instruction is available for the following instruments:
flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and percussion.  Students interested in tuba should start on the baritone.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE
No prior musical experience is necessary to join the band.  Previous piano instruction will benefit a student no matter which instrument they select to play in the band.

HOW TO BEGIN....
STEP 1
The process of instrument selection will begin after your child selects Beginning Band on the choice sheet.  You will receive a letter about a very important meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Westlake High School Band Hall.  At this meeting we will inform you in more detail about the WRMS Band program, and your child will have the opportunity to hear Westlake students performing on each of the instruments.  At this meeting, we will also ask you to sign up for an instrument interview appointment.
STEP 2
Instrument interviews will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2009 in the WHS Band Hall.  You and your child will come at the assigned time with three instrument choices in mind.  Your child will have the opportunity to try each of these three instruments in the presence of a band director, in order to determine the instrument choice that is best for them.  At this event there will also be information concerning instrument rental or purchase.  If you plan to use a family-owned instrument, please bring it with you.