Instrumental - Director Jenifer Hernandez

Choir - Director Mr. Christopherson

Instrumental Music

WCS offers many levels of instrumental music. Most of which are in the form of band. Our instrumental program begins in the fourth grade at which time each student participates in the recorder program. The recorder is a small soprano instrument typically made out of plastic and designed to give, what is for most students, their first look at music. These students perform in the school’s annual winter and spring concerts.

Once some of the foundation has been laid in fourth grade, the students have the opportunity to join band in fifth grade. This is known as our Beginning Band. We work out of book one of the book entitled Standard of Excellence, by Bruce Pearson.

Our sixth grade band is known as the Advanced Band. This group has the opportunity to really advance and make great strides this year. They have a lot of knowledge that was acquired their first year and are ready to take on many challenges. Our advanced band works out of book two of the book Standard of Excellence.

Both the Beginning Band and the Advanced Band have the privilege to play in several events each year. Each group plays in a winter and spring concert shared by all the other music groups. Each group also performs in our city’s annual Arbor Day festivities as well as Festival of Music, an event when all the school music programs in Woodland come together and share what they’ve learned. This takes place at Woodland High School’s football stadium at the end of every school year.

Our middle school band is designed for those who are in middle school and preferably have had two years experience playing an instrument. This group is challenging and has the motivation to excel every year. This group also participates in the named events above, as well as sharing the joy of Christmas in our convalescent homes around town. An event the middle school looks forward to every year is marching the Woodland’s annual Christmas Parade. We combine with the other middle schools and high schools from Woodland to make a band well over 400 students. There is a lot of excitement and it is a joy to take part in this event. Starting this year, we have students that will be part of an honor band. A privilege they have worked hard for.

What’s ahead for Band at WCS??

It is my vision for the band program at WCS to keep growing and keep learning about this gift God has given us. In the next few years it is my desire to participate in ACSI’s festivals that take place in the spring in the Bay Area. It is my desire to have our students experience Disney Magic Music Days, a program that gives the students an inside look at Disneyland and many chances to perform while there. They are also provided time to have fun in the park! In the next two years we will have our high school band under way, which will provide the program with many more opportunities.

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