A fixture at West Aurora High School since 1919, we welcome you to the online home of the Department of Bands! Our program features 7 concert ensembles, 5 jazz bands, the Blackhawk Marching Band, and the Blackhawk Basketball Pep Bands. Our mission is to promote musical appreciation, knowledge, and participation through the study and performance of quality instrumental repertoire. The performance-based classes and ensembles in our program feature unique content that offers unparalleled aesthetic experiences, rigorous performance demands, and are worthy of academic study. Participation in these courses and ensembles is the best and most direct way to experience the art of music making, one that will assist students in developing a greater understanding of themselves and humanity. The Band Faculty and Staff of West Aurora High School welcome you to our program and invite you to explore our ensembles!
An Overview of the West Aurora High School Department of Bands
West Aurora High School enrolls over 3,700 students and is part of School District 129, one that serves students from Aurora, the Village of North Aurora, Montgomery, and Sugar Grove Township. The district employs ten full-time music educators who serve ten elementary schools, four middle schools, and one high school in an effort to ensure consistent instruction and a smooth progression from the 5th through the 12th grade. The West Aurora High School Department of Bands has a long and distinguished history of performance excellence. The program boasts 13 ensembles including 7 wind bands, 4 jazz bands, and 2 athletic bands – the Blackhawk Marching Band and the Blackhawk Basketball Pep Band. The band program at West High enrolls over 490 students and has been called a beacon of the district as it is an integral part of the Aurora community.
Our Bands & Ensembles
Concert Ensembles
The Wind Symphony, the top ensemble at West High, features the finest wind and percussion performers. It has performed at the Illinois Music Educators Conference (2011 and 2000) and as a demonstration ensemble at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. The band has also been a regular participant in many concert band festivals including the prestigious University of Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival (2016, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009, and 2008, and 2002), the Illinois State University Concert Band Invitational (2015), and the Bands of America Concert Band Festival (2001). In addition to four annual concerts, the Wind Symphony performs for an elaborate Veteran’s Day ceremony and a Winter Concert with the Choir Department.
The heart of the high school band program is the concert ensembles, and the WAHS program includes six additional ensembles – Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and two Freshman Bands (Red and Blue). Each school day features seven periods of concert ensemble instruction.
Athletic Bands
The Blackhawk Marching Band, an extracurricular ensemble, boasts 295 members and is a mainstay at many town festivals and parades such as the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, the Grundy County Corn Festival, and local parades for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July in Aurora. Our non-competitive marching band performs for all home football games and prides itself on being a spirited ensemble that supports its school and community. The band has performed at the Walt Disney Magic Music Days in Orlando (2014, 2010, 2006, 2002), the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, DC (2012, 2005, and 2000), and the Indianapolis 500 Parade (2001) among many others. The Department also includes two basketball bands that perform at all boys home basketball games, select girls basketball games, and pep rallies.
Jazz Bands
The Jazz Program at West High has been highly visible and greatly successful for a long period of time. The Jazz Ensemble, the top jazz band, has been a regular at area jazz events including the Purdue University Jazz Festival and was the first high school band invited to perform at the Chicago Jazz Festival (2006). Our jazz program features three auditioned jazz bands that meet during the students’ lunch period, with an additional band that meets before school at the conclusion of the marching band season in a “jazz for all” format.
The West Aurora High School Bands are supported by an outstanding Band Booster organization and are fortunate to have both building and central administration that recognize the value of instrumental music education as part of a comprehensive and enriching curriculum.
Download the official handbook of the 2019/2020 West Aurora High School Department of Bands
