Bellevue West High School in Bellevue, Nebraska, is home to more than 1500 students. Over 240 of them participate in the many programs offered by the Department of Music.

The comprehensive instrumental music program offers a wide variety of styles and levels so that each student can enjoy its benefits. Bellevue West offers three levels of concert bands, two levels of jazz bands, one of the best marching bands in the nation, and a myriad of other musical endeavors.

The Thunderbird Marching Band is comprised of the members of the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, select members of the 9th Grade Concert Band, plus an auditioned color guard.  Marching band meets from 7:00-8:50 am. daily.  Since the select members of the 9th Grade Concert Band and the color guard are not scheduled in the first period band class time, we only practice fifty five minutes a day with everyone.  In addition to student-run sectionals held after school, one three hour evening rehearsal a week is schedule to help provide some continuity within the program.  Band camp begins approximately two weeks before school starts and is held for eight hours daily.  From June to November, the drum line and color guard meet once a week for a three hour sectional.  During the off season (Jan.-June) the drum line and color guard meet twice a month for general percussion and color guard fundamental sectionals.

Drill and music arrangements for the Thunderbird Band are procured by Kyle Haugen.

The Thunderbird Marching Band travels extensively in the Midwest each fall and has a strong tradition of musical excellence. The West Band has been a Bands of America Regional Class Champion and Grand National semi-finalist. In 2001 the West Band received the Al Castronova Esprit de Corps Award for outstanding sportsmanship at the Bands of America Grand Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

The West Wind Ensemble was created in 1997 when our Symphonic Band program had reached enough personnel and musical growth to support two quality concert bands.  The West Wind Ensemble is now the premier concert band at Bellevue West.  Fifty three students comprise the Wind Ensemble representing the best musicians in our grade ten through twelve concert band program.  During the marching season the Wind Ensemble combines with the Symphonic Band to form the Thunderbird Marching Band.  The Thunderbird Marching Band rehearses 1st period daily from August to November.   Wind Ensemble begins in November after the conclusion of marching band.  Through outstanding cooperation and scheduling preparation of our counseling department the class schedules of all 53 members of the Wind Ensemble are arranged to immediately allow these students to switch their Wind Ensemble rehearsal class to 2nd period, thus allowing all the band directors in our program the ability to work with every band in our concert program.  In addition to presenting three concerts each year, the Wind Ensemble participates in the NSBA Concert Band Festival and competes at District Music Contest.  Band students also participate in solo and ensemble contest in addition to auditioning for All State and numerous honor bands within the state.  Repertoire for the Wind Ensemble comes from the finest grade IV,V,VI literature composed for high school and college level ensembles.  The West Wind Ensemble has consistently received superior ratings at the local, regional, and national level.
Bellevue West Wind Ensemble Members

Sixty four percent of the Wind Ensemble comes from an active or retired military family.  Thirty six percent of this band started beginning band somewhere other than Bellevue, with many having moved several times.  Members of the Wind Ensemble are among the brightest and most active students in our school.  Most students take advanced placement classes in addition to Wind Ensemble.

                34%       Are involved in high school athletics

                76%       Are involved in at least one school club

                17%       Are involved in student government

                59%       Are academically in the top 10% of their class

                32%       Also participate in the Vocal Music Department

                32%       Take private lessons on their instrument

 

Wind Ensemble website www.kylehaugen.com

 

Seventy seven students comprise the Symphonic Band representing grades nine through twelve.  The Symphonic Band begins in November after the conclusion of marching band.  Concerts are presented in December, February, and May.  The Symphonic Band participates in the Bellevue Invitational Concert Band Festival held in April each year for 2nd bands in the Omaha Metro area and surrounding school districts.  Students also participate in solo and ensemble contest in addition to auditioning for All State and numerous honor bands within the state.  Repertoire for the Symphonic Band is grade III and IV music.  The Bellevue West Symphonic Band has performed for the NSBA March convention in 1991 and 1996.

Bellevue West has two jazz bands.  Jazz Band begins in November and rehearses till mid May.  All rehearsals are held outside of the school day.  West Jazz I and II are all ability based jazz bands selected by audition from members of the concert band program.  Forty students are involved in the jazz program.   All jazz bands rehearse daily before and after school for fifty-five minutes with each director assigned to a band.  All jazz bands compete in several local and regional competitions each year in addition to concerts and performances within the community.