West Sylvan Middle School
8111 SW West Slope Drive
Portland
OR
97225
(503)-916-5690
WSMS Band
Denley Arce is the Director of Bands at West Sylvan MS. He teaches several levels of Band at WSMS including Jazz Band. Musicians can take part in various levels of band, including jazz.
To hear the work that our students do in band, you can view some of our past performances in this folder: Band Performances
Band
There are several levels of band students are able to sign up for that best suit their experience playing in band. There is a class for those who are brand new to music and also classes for those who have over a year of playing in band already under their belt. All band classes are designed to develop individual & group skills in playing band instruments, explore band music from a variety of musical styles & eras and develop each student's overall musicianship. Students with no experience with band instruments are welcome to join, but should come to the first class with an idea of what instruments they would like to play.
Beginning Band
Students who have little to no experience with playing an instrument in band should join beginning band. In beginning band, students are taught foundational skills necessary to be successful with playing in a band. These foundational skills include: How to read music, how to make a sound on your instrument, how to play with proper technique, how to breathe to play an instrument, how to practice, basic music terminology and more! Students in beginning band should expect to participate in 2-3 mandatory performances.
Concert Band
Concert Band is for students who have at least a year of experience playing in band. Beginning Band or involvement in community ensembles is a prerequisite for this class. Students wanting to skip Beginning Band to join Concert Band may be asked to submit an audition for placement into the group. Concert Band builds directly from the foundations set by increasing difficulty of literature and adding in new concepts. Students in Concert Band have more opportunities to participate in optional performances, such as LHS pep band games that we’re invited to, All-State Honor Band (upon acceptance via audition), All-City Honor Band, Jazz Band, and our district solo/ensemble festival. Students in Concert Band should expect to participate in 3-4 mandatory performances, one of which being a band festival field trip.
Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band is West Sylvan’s top concert ensemble which students are required to audition for. It is for students with a high work ethic and a dedication to improving who are seeking a more rigorous and fulfilling band experience. Students must complete at least one year of band at West Sylvan to audition for Symphonic Band, whether it is Beginning Band or Concert Band. Spots are limited based on set instrumentation. Symphonic Band students should expect to participate in 4-5 mandatory performances, including our annual combined concert with LHS and a band festival outside of our local community.
E-mail Mr. Arce at darce@pps.net if you would like to stay in the loop about auditions.
Jazz Band
Our Jazz Band program is an extension of our band classes that happen during the day. Students are required to participate in Concert or Symphonic Band in order to join (Unless they play piano, guitar or strings). Beginning Band students may be allowed on special exceptions. Our current setup allows for students to be involved in two different groups that take place during various times during the day: Jazz 1 and Jazz 2.
JAZZ 2 is a club that currently meets 3 days a week during the day in advisory. This is a group that tailors to those new to jazz and those who play non-standard jazz instruments. Any students that know how to play their instruments and can read music well are able to join this group.
JAZZ 1 is our more rigorous jazz group that meets a few days a week before school from 8:10 - 9:00 AM. Only standard jazz instruments are allowed to participate in this group (Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano). Students who participate in this group will receive a more traditional big band jazz experience than those in Jazz 2. There is a limit on instrumentation for this group, and it is as follows:
5 Saxophones (2 Alto, 2 Tenor, 1 Bari), 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, 2 drummers, 2 bassists, 2 piano players, 2 guitarists.
If interest exceeds the limit, an audition from all interested will be required. Saxophone players may be asked to play a different version of the instrument that they’re used to. Since this is an extra group that meets outside of our normal school hours, a participation fee is asked from all participants. Students who cannot pay the participation fee are not barred from participating in the group, but communication with Mr. Arce is appreciated.
Our Jazz Program is only able to exist because of the funds collected from participation fees and generous donors.