Music Program
The West County High School Music Program has a long history of excellence, with numerous group awards and individuals receiving top honors statewide. West County High offers two concert bands, a jazz band, jazz combos, pep band, marching band, and an honors program, and is the only school in the area to offer a full symphonic orchestra.
This close-knit music community is led by Mr. Casey Jones, an inspirational teacher with an impressive music education background. The music program caters to both the casual musician looking for a well-rounded education and the college-bound musician looking toward a career in music or music education.
Performing Ensembles
Concert Band
This band is generally made up of underclassmen. Many have played for 3 or more years and are able to read music at a Grade 3 Level, which is the typical level for high school band students.
Symphonic Band
Students in this band are able to play at an advanced, college level proficiency. Students are either placed in Symphonic Band by the Music Director's recommendation or perform an audition to enroll in this class. Students must demonstrate the ability and the willingness to perform.
Symphonic Honors Program
Within the Symphonic Band, select Juniors and Seniors may also additionally participate in the Honors program and earn an extra grade-point. This program depends on the individual student’s interests, such as music education and music composition.
Orchestra
West County High’s orchestra is open to students with an interest in string instruments. Students range in experience from beginner to advanced. They play a variety of classical and modern music and perform at concerts and festivals. Orchestra is open to new and experienced string musicians.
Jazz Band
Playing a mix of contemporary and traditional jazz, this band regularly performs at local fundraisers and events, and participates in jazz festivals throughout Northern California. The Jazz Band meets every weekday before school and requires concurrent enrollment in another music class.
Instrumental Music
Instrumental Music class is an exploratory music class open to students with little or no prior music experience. Students will explore music through listening, writing, and instrument playing.
Pep Band
Concert and Symphonic Band members play a variety of upbeat marching band tunes at home football games and other special events.
Marching Band
All students in Concert and Symphonic Bands also participate in the Marching Band. They perform in the Sebastopol Apple Blossom Parade and other local parades.
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CMEA Festivals
The Orchestra, Symphonic, and and Jazz Bands have participated with high honors at California Music Educators Association festivals.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
SF Giants Game Performance
Every fall, members of the Instrumental Music Program play the national anthem at the beginning of a Giants game. The event is open to orchestra members who can be loaned and instrument to “play” along. Although all instrumental music players practice for the event, attendance is voluntary.
Spring Break Tour
All band and orchestra students are welcome to attend the Spring Break Tour. Tours may include a band/orchestra performance, clinics, taking in a show and bonding time with our band and orchestra family. Past tours have included marching down Main Street in Disneyland, Alliance Redwoods/Sonoma Canopy Tours, Six Flags and Cazadero Music Camp. Attendance is voluntary and students fund their own way.
Musical Orchestra Pit
Any student wishing to participate may play in the Orchestra Pit for the Drama Department’s Spring Musical. Rehearsals occur after school and on weekends. Pit members receive Fine Arts credit for their participation.
Honor Bands
West County High students have been invited to the Sonoma County Honor Band, NorCal Honor Band and to the All-State Honor Band. Our musical excellence is noticed and honored!
Jazz Band Combos
Jazz Combos are comprised of jazz band students to focus on improvisation and small ensemble performance. Motivated students may have opportunities to perform at community events. Past performances have included cafes, holiday events, and radio spots.