Are there other ways to stay involved with band information?

The booster website is consistently updated with any relevant information. There is a monthly schedule in addition to: contact information, upcoming events, and external links. Additionally, there is an informational group on the Facebook website that is managed by one of the band boosters.

During marching season and many times throughout the year students are sent home with itineraries for upcoming events. If you haven't seen an information sheet in a while, check your child's pockets!

How can our family become active in the band?

Membership in the Westland Band Boosters is available to all interested individuals. The organization meets once a month on the second Monday. Membership costs $5 and includes full voting rights on any issue concerning the support of the Westland Band.

Please see the website for more information www.westlandbandboosters.com

What options do we have for paying band fees?

The most crucial fee is the show deposit of $50. This allows the directors and show designers to create a spot in the half time show specifically for your child. If you neglect to pay or fundraise the $50 show deposit by Wednesday, August 12, your child will not have a spot in our band.

The Westland Band Boosters do an exemplary job of providing each student's family with opportunities to raise money for band. Many students in the past have had zero financial liability due to involvement with the various traditional and non- fundraisers.

What are sectional groups? When do they meet and are they required?

Sectional groups are rehearsals with students who play similar instruments. These smaller groups afford the directors an opportunity to "fine-tune" music and teach instrument-specific topics. Each group will meet at least once the week before Band Camp begins. These are required attendances for all students.

What will occur during band camp this year? How is the schedule different? What does my child need to bring?

Band camp will take place at Fort Hills Christian Camp in Hillsboro the week of August 2-6, 2010.  This is the time that students grow together the most and learn how to work together to be successful.

Students should plan on bringing the following to all summer rehearsals:

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• shoes with shoelaces
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• refillable water bottle 

What happens if my child needs to miss a rehearsal?

We will be flexible with students that have work conflicts until August 11 as long as the directors are formally notified (email, hand written note or phone call) of the conflict. At that time the two-week window from the time of this notification will have passed and students should have submitted their practice schedule to their place of employment.

If your family is on vacation, please contact a director at your earliest convenience and be sure to pay your show deposit so we can plan on having your child participate.

Who are the student leaders this season? What extra responsibilities will they have?

Students that showed interest in becoming a leader during the freshmen clinics are invited to attend the "freshmen and wanna-be leader" practices on August 6,7,10, and 11. The following week I will announce information about leadership auditions.

I work during the day. How can my student get back and forth from rehearsals?

Band members are expected to provide their own transportation through a family member, public transportation, friends, or band members that are able to drive. SWCS employees are not permitted to transport students. If you are struggling with finding transportation for your child, please contact a director and we will do our best to find available transportation.