The Patriots

West Suburban Home School Band

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Getting Started

The bulk of the information on this web page is for anyone wishing to join the WSHSB for the two concert trimesters, during the school year. The third trimester is Summer Marching Band, which is open to current members and those thinking about joining the band. Experienced musicians may participate in the summer marching trimester, before they have submitted their audition tape. Non-musician siblings or friends may march as part of our Color Guard Unit, with minimal requirements. For complete information about these unique opportunities, see Summer Marching.

Basics

To join the WSHSB a student must be home schooled. Those interested in joining the WSHSB, at any level, must apply for membership over the spring or summer. This is the only time of the year when applications are accepted. The fall roster is set and final by the end of August. Recommended minimum age for any level is nine. The band includes all woodwinds and brass, as well as a full percussion section. There are no stringed instruments. There are four skill levels for you to consider.

Band Levels

The Cadet Band is for beginners, those with little or no prior wind or percussion experience. The Cadet level does not require an audition but does have requirements for over the summer. See Cadet Requirements. There you will also find information on choosing an instrument. Students should expect to be in Cadet Band one year.

The Symphonic Band is geared towards providing students with an opportunity to study and perform high school level music. Admittance into this band is by audition.

Auditions Required

Those wishing to join at the Concert Junior, Concert Senior or Symphonic level are required to submit an audition tape by the deadline stated on the Calendar. AUDITIONING FOR A PARTICULAR BAND DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE IN THAT BAND. There may also be limits in instrument sections within each band level. Audition requirements for each level are described on the Audition page. If a student is unsure whether to audition for Concert Junior or Senior, they should review the required audition exercises. You may be able to borrow the necessary Essential Elements 2000 book from a friend or look at one in a music store. You may also consult with the director for her suggestions or recommendations.

Want to join the WSHSB?

This is the first step in the process of joining, or considering joining, the WSHSB. A parent of a prospective new student, for any of the four levels, should email the director, Karen Borow, at Director of WSHSB. She will call you at her earliest convenience. Include your name and phone with best time to call, student’s name, age and musical experience along with each instrument and number of years played. State any piano experience. Indicate what instrument your student might like to play in the band. This email notification is imperative for those wishing to join at any level. The director needs to know the number of students to expect. Sufficient music purchases for the concert trimesters are among her considerations. It is especially important for those wishing to audition for Symphonic Band to assure their audition music will be ready and available on the pick-up date. They will also need information on where to pick-up their audition music.

Parents as members

Parents are also welcome to join the WSHSB. Email your information to the director as stated in the paragraph above. Any parent may join at the Cadet level with no audition. See Cadet Requirements. Those wishing to join at the Junior or Senior level must demonstrate proficiency to determine if and where they might best be utilized. When you email your intention to the director, please let her know the best days and times for you to meet with her. She will set an appointment when you can play a few selections of her choosing. Parents with high proficiency levels may be considered for Symphonic Band by preparing an audition tape as described on the Audition page.

Registration Form and Fees

Once there has been contact with the director, and audition requirements completed, it is time to register if you haven’t already done so. Student and adult musicians need to print and complete the Fall Registration Form, found on the Forms/Documents web page. The deadline is on the form. There is a discount for three or more children, with a fee schedule located on the web page with the registration form. Mail your completed form and check to the address on the form or turn them in at the Parents’ Meeting in mid-September. No checks will be accepted without a completed form and vice-versa.

Parents’ Meeting

There is only one parents’ meeting in mid-September. Both new and returning parents are expected to attend. The director gives an overview of the year, describes goals and expectations for both parents and students and answers any questions. Parents are invited to sign-up for a variety Band Booster jobs needing to be filled. Outstanding Registration Forms and fees are turned-in. Band fees must be paid before a student’s music is distributed to the parent /student. Music distribution begins that night. See the Calendar for the exact date for the meeting.

Inquiries Only

If you would simply like to make an inquiry about the band, feel free to email the director, Karen Borow, at Director. She will call you as soon as possible. Give her your name and phone with best time to call, and the nature of your inquiry. If you have a potential student, it would be helpful to include their name, age and musical experience along with each instrument and number of years played. State any piano experience. Indicate what instrument your student might like to play if they were to join.

 

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