Our Programs | whsbands

High School Band Programs

The Western High School Concert Band has a tradition of excellence, having earned first division ratings at Band Festival for over a decade. The members include certain students in grades 10-12, and all students in grade 9.
This concert group has only 9th graders until mid-October, when the students in grades 10 and 11 join them after marching season concludes.
This group performs at the Holiday Concert in December, many small groups perform at the Solo/Ensemble Festival in February, the entire group performs at the Pre-Festival Clinic/Concert and Band Festival in February/March. They conclude the year with a Spring Concert and marching in the Memorial Day Parade.
This group is a great primer for the high school band experience, and Mr. Bickel lends his expertise with skill-building and team-building while having the students perform selections from a variety of musical eras. Don't miss it!

The Western High School Symphonic Band is the top wind ensemble in the band program. This group has earned recognition at district, state, and national festivals over the decades. Many graduates have gone on to participate in college in marching and concert groups. This group sets the standard for the entire band program, and has earned first division ratings for decades.
The Symphonic Band performs at the Holiday Concert, at Band Festival, and at the Spring Concert. The members are also members of the Western High Marching Band.

The Western High Jazz Band has a tradition of excellence. The group has been recognized at district and State Festivals, and has also performed to high praise at the Essentially Ellington Regional Festival and the Thornapple Jazz Festival.
This group performs at band concerts, in-school parades, and pep rallies. It also at the annual Chilly Jazz Dinner, and at women's and men's varsity basketball games. Don't miss seeing them when they perform!

The Western High School Marching Band is made up of students from 10th to 12th grade. They perform half time at all home varsity football games.
They perform also at the Vandercook Marching Band Invitational.