Concert Ensembles​
The West Aurora Bands Department offers a comprehensive, five-tier concert band program designed to challenge and inspire students at every stage of their musical journey. From the foundational skills developed in Freshman Band to the artistry and mastery of the Wind Symphony, each ensemble provides a high-quality, performance-based experience tailored to the needs and abilities of its members.
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Our ensembles perform a wide range of wind band literature, matched to the skill level of each group, and emphasize the development of tone, technique, musicianship, and ensemble precision. All groups rehearse daily during the school day and perform in scheduled concerts, with additional opportunities for festivals, contests, solo and chamber ensemble performances, honors bands, and community events. No matter the entry point, our concert band program is built on the belief that music is for all. Students are encouraged to grow as musicians, explore new challenges, and take pride in contributing to the tradition of excellence that defines West Aurora Bands.
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Wind Symphony - Wind Symphony Syllabus
Wind Symphony is a performance-based, year-long course composed of our most musically advanced, select wind and percussion students. This honors-level, capstone ensemble emphasizes both the development of musicianship through progressive technical studies and the performance of advanced wind band literature.
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With a long and distinguished history of performance excellence, Wind Symphony rehearses daily and participates in performances—and occasional additional rehearsals—outside of regular school hours. Students also have opportunities to perform in contests, festivals, solo and chamber ensembles, honors bands, and community events.
Wind Ensemble - Wind Ensemble Syllabus
Wind Ensemble is a performance-based, year-long course for advanced wind and percussion students who demonstrate strong musicianship and technical skill. The ensemble focuses on refining tone, articulation, and ensemble precision through progressive technical studies and advanced-intermediate to advanced wind band literature.
Rehearsing daily, Wind Ensemble performs multiple times each year, with concerts scheduled outside of regular school hours. This group offers a challenging yet supportive environment for students seeking to advance their skills and prepare for potential placement in the Wind Symphony. Additional performance opportunities include contests, festivals, solo and chamber ensembles, honors bands, and community events.
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Symphonic Winds - Symphonic Winds Syllabus
Symphonic Winds is a performance-based, year-long course made up of musically proficient, select wind and percussion students. The focus is on developing musicianship through progressive technical studies and intermediate wind band literature.
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The ensemble rehearses daily and performs regularly outside of school hours. In keeping with the principles of music for all, Symphonic Winds emphasizes performance fundamentals while preparing two concerts each semester in a supportive, less stressful atmosphere. Students interested in gaining experience on a secondary instrument are also encouraged to join.
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Additional performance opportunities include contests, festivals, solo and chamber ensembles, honors bands, and community events.
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Concert Band - Concert Band Syllabus
Concert Band is a performance-based, year-long course for developing wind and percussion students. Emphasis is placed on strengthening musicianship through technical exercises, ensemble skills, and concert band literature at the appropriate skill level.
The ensemble rehearses daily and performs at concerts throughout the year, with some events scheduled outside of school hours. Concert Band offers students the opportunity to expand their playing skills while gaining valuable full-ensemble experience.
Additional performance opportunities may include festivals, solo and chamber ensembles, and community events.
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Freshman Bands - Freshman Band Syllabus
Freshman Band is a performance-based, year-long course designed for 9th-grade wind and percussion students. The focus is on building foundational skills in tone production, rhythm, music reading, and ensemble performance through age-appropriate concert band literature.
The ensemble rehearses daily and performs at scheduled concerts throughout the school year, with some events occurring outside of regular school hours. Freshman Band prepares students for continued growth and success in upper-level ensembles.
Additional performance opportunities may include festivals, solo and chamber ensembles, and community events.