Oshkosh West Bands Ensembles
Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble is the most select band, open to the most skilled students. This group performs musically challenging wind and percussion literature. Members also have the opportunity to perform with the Symphony Orchestra and Pit Orchestra.
This ensemble is the premier wind and percussion ensemble at our school and is made up of a select group of the most musically mature and technically skilled students. Advanced skills and the study and performance of highly challenging wind and percussion literature is emphasized. Besides formal concerts, students will also participate in pep band for basketball and football games, parades, and other special performances that may include clinics, conferences, conventions, recruiting events or other performances. Members may be required to participate with the Oshkosh West Symphony Orchestra. Placement with this group will be based on director recommendation and/or by audition. For questions on what these extra commitments may require, please contact one of the band directors.
Click here for past repertoire by the Oshkosh West Bands.
Varsity Band
Varsity Band is the third level of band between Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. This course focuses on highly sophisticated and musically challenging band literature.
This band is a very select group open only to the most musically mature and technically skilled students. The study and performance of highly sophisticated and musically challenging wind and percussion literature is emphasized. Besides the formal concerts, students will also be involved in pep band performances at basketball and football games, parades, and other special appearances.
Click here for past repertoire by the Oshkosh West Bands.
Concert Band
Concert Band members experience the study of more sophisticated and exciting band literature. Students are typically in this band following Wildcat band, but freshmen may audition for placement in this group.
This band is composed of those students who, on the basis of ability and attitude, reflect a maturity that will enable them to experience the study of a more sophisticated wind literature in formal concerts. Further, students will be involved in pep band performances for football and basketball games, parades, and other special appearances. Emphasis on further development of musicianship, performance skills, and musical understanding will be stressed.
Click here for past repertoire by the Oshkosh West Bands.
Wildcat Band
Wildcat Band is the entry level of band at Oshkosh West. Students extend what they learned in middle school band and now experience more advanced concert music, marching techniques, and pep band.
A varied program of activities and performances is an essential part of this performance-oriented ensemble. Besides formal concerts, students will be involved in pep band performances at football and basketball games, parades, and other special appearances. Skill development, as well as growth in musicianship, will be emphasized.
Wildcat Band students will be split into like instrument sections to work on the fundamentals of playing technique on each family of instruments (brass, percussion, and woodwind). Each section will prepare "chamber ensemble" music for that family of instrument as well as work with the other Wildcat Band sections to prepare traditional full-band concert music and pep band music.
Click here for past repertoire by the Oshkosh West Bands.
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble is open to any student who participates in one of the OWHS Bands, Choirs, or Orchestras. The group performs various styles of Jazz including swing, Latin, funk, and many others. This ensemble is considered an extension of the band program and will offer students a challenge above and beyond the normal band curriculum. The Jazz Ensemble often performs in the community and may have the opportunity to travel for clinics and performance festivals. Players on the following instruments are part of this ensemble: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drumset, vibes, piano, string bass (or electric bass), piano, guitar, and sometimes other instruments including voice.
Parade Marching Band
All West Band members are a part of the marching band for parades and processions. This includes all students enrolled in Wildcat Band, Concert Band, Varsity Band, and Wind Ensemble, as well as members of the drumline.
Traditionally, this band marches in the Oshkosh Holiday Parade, Appleton Holiday Parade, and the Oshkosh Memorial Day Procession.
Pep Band
All students perform in the pep bands, but in different capacities. Please read the descriptions below for more information.
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Oshkosh Summer Marching Band
Summer Marching Band is open to ALL Oshkosh band students currently in grades 8-11.
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Drumline
While the Oshkosh West Drumline is tailored for our percussionists, the group is open to all band students.
Pit Orchestra
The West Pit Orchestra is made up of brass, woodwind, percussion, and string players from the various bands and orchestras. This group varies each year depending on what instrumentation is needed for the show selected. To be in the pit orchestra, players must complete a simple audition and commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule listed below.
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Click here for a list of past musical productions.
Solo and Ensemble
All students will prepare either a solo or an ensemble. Extra credit and band letter points will be provided for those students who prepare multiple events.
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Trip Band
Students in the West Bands have the opportunity to travel to an exciting destination over spring break on even-numbered years.
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