The Downingtown West Instrumental Music Program
CONCERT BAND Grades 9-12
This organization will consist of band members functioning together as both a concert and marching band as determined by their performance schedules. Membership is open to all instrumentalists who have successfully completed their required audition. All members are required to perform in all scheduled concerts, parades, football games, adjudications, exchange programs and other special events. In addition to the regularly scheduled band periods, assessment / instruction, on a rotating basis, is required for each band member. During the marching seasons, additional rehearsals are required on an after-school OR evening basis. This organization will include a $100 required District Activity Fee to be applied to all Marching Band students. There may be additional fees which will be communicated to students prior to course selection.
SYMPHONIC BAND Grades 10-12
This organization will consist of band members functioning together as both a symphonic band and marching band as determined by their performance schedules. Members are selected on the basis of the results of the required band audition with consideration being given to the need for a balanced instrumentation. All members are required to perform in all scheduled concerts, parades, football games, adjudications, exchange programs and other special events. In addition to the regularly scheduled band periods, assessment / instruction, on a rotating basis, is required for each band member. During the marching seasons, additional rehearsals are required on an after-school OR evening basis. This organization will include a $100 required District Activity Fee to be applied to all Marching Band students. There may be additional fees which will be communicated to students prior to course selection.
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE Grades 9-12
This course is a skills development course for an intensified program of instrumental instruction. This organization, as a whole, will have no performance responsibilities other than as an adjunct to the DHS Concert/Symphonic and Marching Bands. Students are expected to perform in the class and throughout the community, individually and in small ensembles. Students must be enrolled in Blue & Gold Concert and Marching Band or Blue & Gold Symphonic and Marching Band.
JAZZ BAND Grades 9-12
This is an extra curricular ensemble which focuses on different types of Jazz while using a traditional Big Band Instrumentation. ALL Brass and Woodwind Membership must have Concert or Symphonic Band as a class. This is treated as a higher level ensemble.There are two concerts and a mini tour at the end of the school year. This is an audition only group. ALL MEMBERS MUST HAVE BAND SCHEDULED AS A CLASS.
Downingtown Indoor Guard (D.I.G) Grades 9-12
Color Guard is a combination of the use of flags, sabers, mock rifles, and other equipment, as well as dance and other interpretive movement. This group is an extra curricular ensemble designed to enhance the sill set and compete against other indoor guards locally and nationally. The membership is primarily from the out door guard but is open to anyone in the DWest High School.
INDOOR PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE Grades 9-12
This is an extra curricular ensemble. All members must have either Concert Band or Symphonic Band on their schedules. No exceptions. This is an audition based ensemble. This ensemble competes on the regional, state, national and international levels. The instrumentation includes traditional marching battery percussion (snares, quads, bass drums and cymbals) and melodic front ensemble percussion. ALL MEMBERS MUST HAVE BAND SCHEDULED AS A CLASS.