Wind Ensemble is the varsity ensemble in the band program and meets on “A” days during the fall and spring semester. Students in this Wind Ensemble I, II, III, or IV must be enrolled concurrently with Instrumental Ensemble I, II, III, and IV which meets on “B” days. Students in this band are expected to perform and rehearse at the highest level of their ability. Members are expected to be enrolled in private lessons, participate in the All-Region Band Auditions, Solo & Ensemble Contest and be leaders in other performing ensembles such as Jazz Band, Brass Choirs, Woodwind Choirs, and Percussion Ensemble. The Wind Ensemble will set the standard of the excellence for musical performance, integrity, and professionalism. This ensemble frequently performs at various school, civic, and other concert band festivals and events. Members are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled events including before and after school sectionals, listenings, and additional rehearsals. Auditions and other criteria will determine membership.
Symphonic Band is the 2nd concert ensemble in the band program and meets on “A” days during the fall and spring semester. Students in this Symphonic Band I, II, III, or IV must be enrolled concurrently with Instrumental Ensemble I, II, III, and IV which meets on “B” days. Students in this band are expected to perform and rehearse at the highest level of their ability. Members are encouraged to be enrolled in private lessons, to participate in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, and be leaders in other performing ensembles. This ensemble frequently performs at various school, civic, and other concert band festivals and events. Members are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled events including before and after school sectionals, listenings, and additional rehearsals. Auditions and other criteria will determine membership.
Concert Band is the 3rd concert ensemble in the band program and meets on “A” days during the fall and spring semester. Students in this Concert Band I, II, III, or IV must be enrolled concurrently with Instrumental Ensemble I, II, III, and IV which meets on “B” days. This ensemble will perform at UIL concert and sight reading contests depending on current instrumentation. This ensemble is geared towards improving fundamentals of musicianship and performance. Students in this band are expected to perform and rehearse at the highest level of their ability and are encouraged to be enrolled in private lessons, to participate in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. Audition and other criteria will determine membership.
The “Spirit of Waxahachie” Indian Marching Band is comprised of the band students enrolled in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. The Marching Band performs at all varsity football games and related activities and participates in various marching competitions and civic performances in the area. All band members will be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. The Marching Band rehearses daily before and after school hours. The Marching Band is a part of the total band program. Enrollment in the total program is required. Participation in the Marching Band will waiver .5 credit of PE each fall semester.
Marching Band students are eligible to receive a physical education waiver. All students in band are required to participate in marching band.
2011-2012 Marching Band Rehearsal Schedule
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Time
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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| 7:00a - 8:00a | Rehearsal | Rehearsal | |||
| 5:30p - 8:30p | Rehearsal | ||||
| 4:15p - 6:15p | Rehearsal |
Jazz Orchestra is the top-performing jazz ensemble in the band program. Students in this band are expected to perform and rehearse at the highest level of their ability. Members are expected to be enrolled in private lessons, participate in the All-Region Jazz Band Auditions, Solo & Ensemble Contest, and be leaders in other performing ensembles. Students will explore the history of jazz, develop improvisational skills, learn basic jazz theory, and perform solos with the band. The Jazz Orchestra will set the standard of excellence for musical performance, integrity, and professionalism. Members are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled events including before and after school sectionals, listenings, and additional rehearsals when scheduled. Auditions and other criteria will determine membership.
Jazz Orchestra is a zero hour class and will be scheduled in the morning from 7:30-8:15 everyday of the week.
During the marching band season jazz band will be scheduled around the marching band schedule.
The WHS Cluster Percussion Program consists of students from Finley Junior High, Howard Junior High School, and Waxahachie High School. Membership into the WHS Cluster Percussion program begins with 6th grade beginner classes and culminates with the senior high school year. Studies in the percussion program include drumline/front ensemble, Waxahachie Percussion Group, Solo and Ensemble, in addition to other ensemble and solo performance opportunities.
The color guard is most well known for their contribution to the marching band in the fall. Using rifles, sabers, props, and a wide assortment of flags, the guard provides a fantastic visual effect to the show. During the spring the guard competes on the North Texas Color Guard Association Winter Guard circuit. Membership into the guard is by audition only and is open to all WHS students. Information concerning upcoming audition information will be posted to this page.