If you are new to the Westmount Music Program, you might find the Beginner Band information package helpful. For those already involved, read the Music Handbook! Or read on...

Who Is the Westmount Music Association?

The Westmount Music Association is comprised of parents of students enrolled in the Music program at Westmount Charter School. This parent association is a vital part of our program that supports and enhances our activities throughout the year. Elections for executive positions take place early in September at the Annual General Meeting.

What is the Westmount Music Program?

Westmount offers music instruction in the following levels and categories:

In addition, Jazz Band is offered as an extra-curricular program after school, one day a week. The Jazz Band is open to Grade 7-12 band students who play the alto, tenor or bari-saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, or drum set.

Goals include:

Program Expectations

  1. Supplies
    • Instrument: each student is expected to rent/purchase their instrument from an independent retailer, unless they already own their own instrument. A limited number of the larger instruments are available for rent from the school, but are typically made available to experienced players.
    • Music Books: each student is expected to purchase the Standard of Excellence method book and theory workbook, available at local music supply stores. Grade 5-7 Band students use the RED books.
    • Uniforms: Westmount band students wear uniforms consisting of a band shirt with black pants, black dress socks and black shoes for concerts and performances. Grade 5 Beginner Band wears a burgundy t-shirt which is sized and ordered in late September of the new school year. The cost for this t-shirt is added to your child's school fees in September.
    • Instrument Supplies: each student is expected to purchase their own reeds, cork grease, valve oil, slide grease, and any other items necessary for the maintenance of their instruments. Percussionists require a set of concert snare sticks.
  2. Practicing
    Students are expected to practice a minimum of 90 minutes a week. They should have a quiet room, away from distractions. Practice time should be recorded daily on a Beginner Band Practice Journal (monthly calendar) which is then signed by a parent before handing it in on the first band class of the following month.
  3. Marks and Report Cards
    Student progress is monitored through achievement tests, theory assignments, performance evaluations and reflections, participation and attitude. As per school policy, a report card mark is issued 3 times a year. A detailed explanation of the marking system is printed in the Music Handbook.

Annual Activities

Students can expect to perform in 3 concerts each year: December, February, and June. In addition, all concert bands attend music festivals in February/March. Grade 6-12 Band students attend Band Camp in the Fall. Grades 8-12 students participate in a Band tour in alternate years. Clinicians are made available to further enhance specific learning on individual instruments.

Facilities

The Band Room consists of a large rehearsal area, several practice rooms, a recording studio, and an instrument storage room that is locked every night. Students may leave their instruments in the storage room during the day for security if they so wish.

Communication

In addition to this website, our Communications Director sends 1-2 emails each month to keep parents informed of upcoming events and activities.

Instrument Selection

Once you and your child have completed and submitted the Background Information Sheet, the information is reviewed carefully and every consideration is given to awarding your child their first or second choice of instrument. Occasionally, we must offer children their third choice. Many factors influence instrument assignment, including:

Scholarships

Westmount Music Association Scholarship
This scholarship is presented by the Westmount Charter School Music Parents' Association. The WMPA exists to support the efforts of the students and teachers involved in Westmount's middle school and high school instrumental and choral music programs.

This award, in the amount of $500, is given to the best overall Grade 12 Instrumental and/or Choral Music student who will continue to study music in their post-secondary education. The successful student will be chosen by the Westmount band director(s), based upon the best, consistent display of musicianship and leadership during their Senior year of Band, Orchestra, and/or Choir study. It is recommended that Grade 12 Music students make their intention to continue their music studies known to their music director so that they might be considered for this award.

The scholarship will be presented at the Grade 12 graduation ceremony.

Donna Rottenfusser Band Scholarship
This scholarship is presented in honour of Westmount Charter School's first Band Parents' Association President. Mrs. Rottenfusser has tirelessly served on the BPA Executive since its inception in 2002, first as President, and now as Past-President. Because of her strong work ethic and Westmount community involvement, Donna is an inspirational model for us all.

This award, in the amount of $200, is given to the Grade 12 Band student who best demonstrates dedication, perseverance, enthusiasm, positive attitude, and leadership in his or her Band studies. Special consideration is given to those students who have had to overcome a special handicap or circumstance. The successful applicant will be chosen by the Westmount band director(s) and will receive this award at the Grade 12 graduation ceremony.

Applicants should complete and submit this form to the band director before May 15th.

FAQ's

1. When is instrument selection?
The students hand in their forms in June and the confirmations go home before the end of June.
2. Is my child allowed to carry his/her instrument on the bus?
Yes! In the past, Southland drivers have been very co-operative in allowing even our larger instruments to be transported by bus.
3. Why are saxophones not on the list of choices?
Saxophones are typically too big for our Grade Fives to manage. If a student has a strong desire to play saxophone in Grades 6-8, we recommend they choose a woodwind instrument to start on (clarinet or bass clarinet), and they may be able to change to the sax later in Grade 5, depending on availability. The student who switches to saxophone should have a strong interest in joining a Jazz Band in Gr 7.
4. Can my child play an electric bass (guitar) in all levels of the concert bands?
No. The electric bass is not considered a band instrument. Students who wish to learn the string bass should sign up for String Orchestra I in Grade 6 or take private lessons.
5. Why must my child have previous keyboard experience to play percussion?
We do not have drummers in concert band - we have percussionists. This means that students must be able to play all the instruments in the percussion section, especially the mallet instruments - bells, xylophone, etc. Students who have prior piano/keyboard experience are better able to keep up with the challenging mallet percussion parts than other students.
6. Once my child has been selected to play an instrument in Band or Orchestra, is that their instrument for life?
Not necessarily. It is not uncommon for students to change instruments after Grade 5 or Grade 6. Students will also sometimes "double" on a second instrument (often for Jazz Band). However, it is unusual for students to switch instruments after Grade 7. The music becomes more difficult and there isn't a Beginner-level opportunity for the student to learn the new instrument. Only the most dedicated students would switch instruments in Grades 8+.