Westfield Big Red Band
Ensembles
Big Red Band
The Big Red Band is one of the largest organizations on the Westfield High School Campus, with over 150 students enrolled. The Big Red Band is an ensemble comprising the entire band membership, including three concert bands, a percussion ensemble, and a color guard. The marching band begins summer band rehearsals at the end of July.
During the school year, the band rehearses 8 hours per week outside of the school day until the last football game or competition in November. Participation in the marching band is a requirement for all members of the band program, and PE and fine arts credits are awarded.
There are necessary pre-season training camps that enable the group to put on public performances early in the school year. Each student is responsible for the annual band fee to help pay for expenses necessary to put on a quality and competitive program on the field and concert stage.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble at Westfield High School is the top-performing concert band in the Westfield High School band program. This varsity-level ensemble comprises mainly upper-level students and performs the finest wind literature while refining fundamental and advanced musical skills.
The Wind Ensemble rehearses daily during the 7th and 8th periods and regularly meets for after-school section rehearsals, ensemble rehearsals, and clinics. Members of the Wind Ensemble perform frequently throughout the year and participate in the UIL Concert & Sight-reading Evaluation. In addition, members of this ensemble are encouraged to participate in region band auditions/concerts. Membership into this ensemble is by audition only.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band at Westfield High School is the second concert ensemble in the Westfield band program. Composed of all grade levels, this non-varsity ensemble performs high-quality literature and focuses on refining fundamental and advanced musical skills.
The Symphonic Band rehearses during 1st and 2nd periods each day and regularly meets for after-school section rehearsals, ensemble rehearsals, and clinics. Members of the Symphonic Band perform frequently throughout the year and participate in the UIL Concert & Sight-reading Evaluation. In addition, members of this ensemble are encouraged to participate in region band auditions/concerts, solo & ensemble contests, and lessons. Membership into this ensemble is by audition only.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band at Westfield High School is an ensemble that meets after school and is made up of students in all grade levels that are also enrolled in a concurrent band class period. This ensemble explores various genres of jazz music and spends much of its time focusing on developing improvisational skills. This ensemble performs at various concerts and gigs around the Houston area.
Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble is a class that meets as a drumline and front ensemble during the fall semester, and percussion ensembles are based on band placements in the spring semester. The percussion ensembles work together toward competitive festivals with the band and as separate ensembles. The percussion studio will compete in festivals, solo and ensemble, and indoor circuits throughout the school year.
Color Guard
The Westfield Color Guard provides additional visual aspects to the marching band performance. The color guard performs alongside the marching band at football games and competes in winter guard contests during the late winter and early spring.
The color guard interprets the marching band’s music via the synchronized spinning of flags, sabers, rifles, and dance. The color guard uses different colors and styles of flags and costumes to enhance the visual effect of the marching band as a whole. The color guard may also use backdrops and scenery to provide color to strengthen and expand the show’s concept. Although not a requirement, many color guard members have a background in dance.
