Frequently Asked Questions
for incoming Freshmen
West Orange High School
Warrior Band
Information
Welcome to the West Orange Band program! My name is Ken Boyd and I am the Director of Bands at West Orange HS. In the coming weeks, you will get to choose to continue in Band in High School. I know this is a difficult decision. You will find below, answers to some of our more frequently asked questions. I hope these help you decide to become a part of one of the most dynamic and rewarding groups at West Orange!
Frequently asked questions:
- I am an advanced student; can I still be in Marching Band?
- Can I be in Marching Band and still play sports?
- Do I have to be a Music Major to be in Band?
- I don't think I will like marching; can I just be in Concert Band?
- Is there a fee to be in Band?
- Do I have to attend Band Camp?
- When is Band Camp?
- Does the Band have a website where we can access information?
- What Bands are available at West Orange?
YES!!!! Our students represent some of the best and brightest West Orange has to offer. We have students in the Law Magnet, Business Academy and every AP class offered. Most of our students finish high school near the top of their class. This is no coincidence! The best students at West Orange are in the Band!
Can I be in Marching Band and still play sports?
Yes! We have had many students participate in sports and activities and still do Marching Band. It does require planning on the students behalf, but it is worthwhile when considering the benefits.
Do I have to be a Music Major to be in Band?
No, you do not have to be a Music Major. You are able to major in other areas and still be in Band. In fact you are required to take a year of a Fine Arts class to graduate. Band satisfies that requirement, so you might as well try it!
I don’t think I will like marching; can I just be in Concert Band?
Marching Band is one of the biggest concerns students have when coming to high school. Yet, when you talk to freshman band students, most say marching is the activity they liked the best! Including Band Camp! Orange County policy states that Marching Band is a part of the band class grade, therefore, it is required of everyone. There are a few exceptions to this rule. If you have a concern or believe you have a valid reason, please contact Mr. Boyd or Mr. Krahn at 407-905-2409 or kenneth.boyd@ocps.net.
Is there a fee to be in Band?
Yes, as with every band in Orange County, students that enter must pay a Fair Share. Our Fair Share is $200. All band members need a pair of marching shoes, which are $35. All freshmen must purchase these, and returning members may purchase new ones if needed. This is due at the end of the first week of Band Camp, on August 6th. This covers the cost of music, travel to events, drill design, equipment, band t-shirt, uniform cleaning and instructors to name a few. We do offer numerous fundraising opportunities to work off the Fair Share. If there is a problem with the amount, just talk to Mr. Boyd and something can be worked out.
Do I have to attend Band Camp?
Yes, everyone must attend Band Camp. The good news is you receive a half credit for your time. Band Camp is where we learn how to march. We provide instructors for every instrument. We also plan activities to make the camp as much fun as possible.
When is Band Camp?
We have two camps every year. The first is a Mini Camp usually on the two days following the last day of school. At this camp, each student will be able to check out their instrument for next year to practice over the summer and also receive some music. The Full Band Camp typically begins three weeks before the start of school and runs for two weeks. All students are required to attend to earn a spot in our marching show for that season!
Does the Band have a website where we can access information?
Yes, the band website is www.westorangeband.com. You can find answers to most questions on the website.
What Bands are available at West Orange?
West Orange has a wide variety of classes to offer students. We feature four concert bands, three Jazz Bands, Marching Band, and Percussion. The traditional band classes are two freshman bands and two upperclassman Bands. There is a freshman jazz band, as well as two upperclassman jazz ensembles that are chosen by open auditions. Everyone is a part of the marching band, and everyone in marching band is in a band class!
Some general statistics and facts:
Students of the arts continue to outperform their non-arts peers on the SAT, according to reports by the College Entrance Examination Board. In 2002, SAT takers with coursework/experience in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 41 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework or experience in the arts. - The College Board, Profile of College-Bound Seniors National Report for 2000, 2001, and 2002.
The arts provide young people with authentic learning experiences that engage their minds, hearts, and bodies. Engagement in the arts nurtures the development of cognitive, social, and personal competencies.
While learning in other disciplines may often focus on development of a single skill or talent, the arts regularly engage multiple skills and abilities. Music requires the integration of eye-hand coordination, rhythm, tonality, symbol recognition and interpretation, attention span, and other factors that represent synthetic aspects of human intelligence. In addition, critical thinking, problem-solving, and learning how to work cooperatively toward shared goals are all skills which are reinforced through music education.
Music is one of the seven intelligences identified in the brain and the only one that utilizes all seven intelligences simultaneously. Thus, students who participate in music courses exercise more of their brain than in any other course they take in school.
Band reinforces the skills of cooperation which are among the qualities now most highly valued in business and industry, especially in high-tech contexts. Members are required to shift from an I/Me focus to a We/Us focus. Instead of the logic being, "what's in it for me," it becomes, "what's in it for us?" Band is a group effort which focuses on group goals and the completion of those goals in each and every rehearsal and performance.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Boyd or Mr. Krahn at 407-905-2409 or e-mail us at kenneth.boyd@ocps.net or r.krahn@ocps.net. Thanks for your time!