• West Junior High Beginning Band
     
    Any 7th grader that wishes to learn a musical instrument is welcome to join the beginning band program at West Junior High.  NO PRIOR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY, so please do not be afraid to give it a try! The junior high band directors will visit the elementary schools to inform the 6th graders about the band program and how to get started.  Band is a regular class that meets daily and joining band is as simple as indicating your preference on your enrollment form.  
     
     Enrolling in Band Class
     
    It's easy!  On your enrollment form for West Junior High, simply select one of the following band classes based on the instrument you have chosen to play.  That's all there is to it!
     
    Beginning Woodwinds
    Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
     
    Beginning Brass 
    Trumpet or Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba 
     
    *Beginning Percussion 
    Percussion Kit (Bells/Drum Pad) 
     
    *The Percussion Class is the only class with an audition.  If you are interested in the percussion class, please contact our percussion coordinator, Steve Smith, to schedule a tryout.  If you scored at least a 6 on percussion at the Band Instrument Fair this tryout will not be necessary.  Visit Mr. Smith's website for more information.
     
    See this page for a description of each instrument: Band Instruments
     
    Hear sound samples of each instrument: Instrument Storage Room
     
    Placement on an Instrument - How Do I Decide Which Instrument I Want to Play?
     
    If you are unsure which instrument you want to play just yet, do not fret!  Contact Mr. Taylor to discuss your preferences. If you were not able to attend our Band Instrument Expo, we will arrange a meeting to let you try out the instruments you have interest in and find what instrument might be best for you!  
     
    Acquiring an Instrument
     
    The following instruments must be acquired by the student for band: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet or Cornet, Trombone, and Percussion Kit.
     
    These local music stores offer a rental-purchase plan and a selection of quality new and used instruments.  They are full-service stores which also provide music books, accessories, and quality instrument repair.  
    • Gilliam Music Company, 2280 West Main, Norman, 321-0080
    • Larsen Music Company, 4001 NW 63rd St, OKC, 843-1573
    • Norman Music Center, 317 W. Gray, Norman, 321-8300
    • Palen Music, 7701 N. Broadway Ext. OKC, 896-8111
    The Horn Trader, located at 114 S. Western Ave in downtown OKC, specializes in quality used instruments.  They do not offer a rental-purchase plan but they do have good prices.  Their phone number is 235-3999.
     
    If you acquire an older instrument from a friend, family member, newspaper ad, or pawn shop, be sure to have the instrument checked at a music store and have them make any needed repairs.
     
     
    The following instruments are "school-owned" and can be used by the student with permission from the director: Bassoon, French Horn, Baritone, and Tuba.
     
    See these pages for more information about acquiring a band instrument:
     
     
     
    Will being in Band help my child's grades?
     

    YES! -- research shows that participation in band will affect your child’s grades for the better! 

    Recent statistics from the College Entrance Examination Board reveal that students with more than four years of music study scored 56 points higher than their peers on the verbal portion of the SAT and 38 points higher on the math portion
     
    Also, 70% of the nation’s major universities report that participation in a musical organization is a higher consideration than standardized test scores for admission decisions.
     
     
    Find out more here: Music Facts & Quotes
     
     
    Any Questions?
     
    See Frequently Asked Questions concerning band: Band FAQs
     
    Please see the Moore West Band Handbook for policy and procedures as well as other information concerning the band program. 
     
    If your child is going to West Junior High, you may contact Mr. Chai at 405-735-4635 or at: claytonchai@mooreschools.com