About Our Program
Our program offers outstanding musical experiences for every student interested in instrumental music. A brief descriptions of each of our ensembles is given below along with the class period or time of the year the ensemble occurs. Also included is an indication of the time commitment involved with participation in that particular group (Level 1, 2, 3 - see the bottom of the page for a more detailed description of the expected time commitment).
Bands
Symphonic Band (6th Period - All Year) (Level 1)
The Symphonic Band performs exciting concert band music throughout the year with a high level of focus on preparing the students for Symphonic Winds. Most 9th grade woodwind and brass students are in Symphonic Band their first year of high school. *All Symphonic Band students also participate in Marching Band.
Wind Symphony (6th Period - All Year) (Level 2)
A premier concert band experience, the Wind Symphony is made up of mostly upperclassmen. The Wind Symphony performs several times in the spring and travels out of town each year. The Wind Symphony is an intense, but very rewarding performing experience! Freshman typically do not make Wind Symphony.
Marching Band (After School - Fall Only - For PE Credit) (Level 3)
One of the most exciting performing experiences in our program the Marching Band spends the fall preparing for several performances in October and early November. The Marching Band also performs at halftime of most football games and supports the football team from the stands. All Band, Colorguard, and Percussion students participate in Marching Band and earn PE credit. We work with students who have additional school fall activities so that the student can participate in both.
Jazz Band (7th Period - All Year) (Level 2)
Jazz Band plays outstanding big band music and has several performances throughout the year. Jazz Band is open to all interested students. .
Orchestras
String Orchestra (4th Period - All Year) (Level 1)
String Orchestra is open to all students who play a string instrument in any grade and any ability level. The group performs at concerts and festivals throughout the year. Most 9th grade string students are in String Orchestra their first year of high school.
Chamber Orchestra (4th Period - All Year) (Level 2) Chamber Chamber Orchestra is an advanced group of string musicians who perform very challenging and intense music written for string orchestra. Only those students who have developed advanced string technique will make Chamber Orchestra as a freshman.
Symphony Orchestra (After school - Winter/Spring) (Level 2)
Symphony Orchestra performs at the holiday concert and throughout the spring. The group is a combination of select woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. Several freshman will have the opportunity to participate in Symphony Orchestra.
Colorguard
Colorguard (6th Period - All Year) (Level 3)
Colorguard combines dance, dramatic performance, and the manipulation of flags, sabers, and rifles into one magical artistry of pageantry. This outstanding performing group is an integral part of the Marching Band in the fall. The students continue developing their skills throughout the rest of the year and present a dance recital at the end of 2nd semester. All freshman who make the colorguard are in 6th period Colorguard class all year.
Winterguard (After School - November to April) (Level 3)
Winterguard is an indoor colorguard activity performed in gyms & arenas. All members of the Colorguard are members of one of two winterguards, Varsity Guard & JV Guard. Both groups compete locally and out of town. All freshman colorguard will also participate in one of our two winterguards.
Percussion
Percussion (6th Period - All Year) (Level 3)
All Percussionists, regardless of grade, take this class which focuses on Marching Band in the fall. Students may also have the opportunity to perform in one of our concert bands or symphony orchestra 2nd semester and will also have the opportunity to perform concert percussion ensemble literature. All freshman percussionists will be in Percussion class fall of their first year.
Winter Percussion (After School - November to April) (Level 3)
Winter Percussion is an indoor marching percussion activity performed in gyms & arenas. All percussionists participate in winter percussion at Clovis West as part of a well-rounded experience in percussion. All freshman percussionists will also participate in winter percussion.
Time Commitment & Instrumental Music Ensembles
As a member of an ensemble, the student makes a commitment to attend all rehearsals and performances so that the group can achieve a high level of excellence. The different levels of time commitment required for each of our ensembles is listed above and described below:
Level 1 - Minimal outside of school commitments, usually limited to concerts and some local festivals. Participation in sports or other activities is usually not an issue when participating in a level 1 ensemble.
Level 2 - Significant outside of school commitments including some rehearsals, several performances, festivals, and trips during the year. Participation in sports and other activities can create conflicts from time to time, but forward planning usually resolve these issues.
Level 3 - Extensive outside of school commitments including regular weekly rehearsals, several performances, festivals, and trips occur during the season or the year. Participation in sports* and other activities is very difficult, if not impossible. A student should make sure that their calendar is free of any conflicts before committing to a level 3 ensemble. *Fall sports and Marching Band generally do not work as we are not able to accommodate fall practice and game schedules. Please speak with a director about the sport you would like to do in the fall.
