Greetings Wolf Band Family! It's that time of year again! Summer is quickly approaching, and that means Summer Band Camp is right around the corner!
Below you’ll find LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of information on how to prepare for Summer Band Camp--read carefully and if students and/or parents have questions, please reach out to Mr. Gonzalez (contact info found below). Please pay special attention to clothing and other equipment needed to help beat the Houston heat!
Please feel free to click on the links for examples of items, if you have questions please ask, and don't forget to #checkthecalendar! Stay tuned for more info!
HYDRATION
Water Jugs – REQUIRED, any color is fine
All students are responsible for their own hydration at regular intervals, especially when doing physical activity outside during high temperatures. WATER JUGS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL MEMBERS AT EVERY FUNCTION (Rehearsals, Games, Contests, Parades, etc.)
[Example – Water Jug]
***SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES ARE NOT SUFFICIENT FOR OUTDOOR REHEARSALS***
Students should have ONLY WATER in their water jugs. Other beverages, especially the sugary and caffeinated variety, are not to be consumed during outside activity. Sports drinks (Powerade/Gatorade/etc.) can be helpful after strenuous activity as a supplement, NOT IN PLACE OF WATER. ONLY WATER is allowed in the band hall. Avoid dairy products in the morning before being outside for extended amounts of time.
Wearable Hydration Packs – OPTIONAL but encouraged!
We encourage the use of these packs (commonly known as Camel AS A SUPPLEMENT to having a Water Jug, NOT A REPLACEMENT
for one.
[Example – Wearable Hydration Pack]
REHEARSAL ATTIRE
Even though our ‘outside block’ of rehearsal will take place before the hottest part of the day, mornings can still get pretty warm in Houston. Below are clothing items that will help students manage the heat and humidity as much as possible.
Clothing
[Example – Long-Sleeve Rash Guard/Swim Shirt]
Tall Black Socks - REQUIRED: These won’t be used until we start wearing our marching uniform, but they will be necessary once we do! Tall socks should go up to the calf or higher. No ankle-length or no-show socks under the marching uniform. For daily rehearsals, normal length socks of any color are totally fine.
OTHER SUN PROTECTION
Hats - REQUIRED: Some kind of hat or head covering is required for all outside activity. Must cover the top of the head; no visors! The bigger the hat, the better. Think ‘sun protection’ and not ‘fashion statement!’
[Example – Wide Brim Sun Hat]
Sunscreen - REQUIRED: SPF 30 is the minimum recommended level of sun protection. Look for ‘broad spectrum’ on the label, as it will help against UV-A and UV-B rays. Reapply frequently.
[Example – Sunscreen]
Fanny pack/hip packs – OPTIONAL but encouraged: A great way to carry some essentials (sunscreen, a snack, phone, hand sanitizer, etc.) on your person without taking up space in pockets during physical activity (running, marching, etc). No color restrictions!
[Example – Fanny Pack/Hip Pack]
Sunglasses (optional): If possible, sunglasses are advised during outdoor activity.
Lip-protection (optional): As musicians, it’s important to take care of our face and lips, since the majority of
us use them to make music. Use some kind of lip balm that provides some sun protection as well.
[Example – Lip Protection]
You can find most of these items at your local sporting goods store, as well as from online retailers. We can’t wait to start our season!
Go Wolves!
Gerardo L. Gonzalez
[email protected]
WHS Bands
Below you’ll find LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of information on how to prepare for Summer Band Camp--read carefully and if students and/or parents have questions, please reach out to Mr. Gonzalez (contact info found below). Please pay special attention to clothing and other equipment needed to help beat the Houston heat!
Please feel free to click on the links for examples of items, if you have questions please ask, and don't forget to #checkthecalendar! Stay tuned for more info!
HYDRATION
Water Jugs – REQUIRED, any color is fine
All students are responsible for their own hydration at regular intervals, especially when doing physical activity outside during high temperatures. WATER JUGS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL MEMBERS AT EVERY FUNCTION (Rehearsals, Games, Contests, Parades, etc.)
[Example – Water Jug]
***SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES ARE NOT SUFFICIENT FOR OUTDOOR REHEARSALS***
Students should have ONLY WATER in their water jugs. Other beverages, especially the sugary and caffeinated variety, are not to be consumed during outside activity. Sports drinks (Powerade/Gatorade/etc.) can be helpful after strenuous activity as a supplement, NOT IN PLACE OF WATER. ONLY WATER is allowed in the band hall. Avoid dairy products in the morning before being outside for extended amounts of time.
Wearable Hydration Packs – OPTIONAL but encouraged!
We encourage the use of these packs (commonly known as Camel AS A SUPPLEMENT to having a Water Jug, NOT A REPLACEMENT
for one.
[Example – Wearable Hydration Pack]
REHEARSAL ATTIRE
Even though our ‘outside block’ of rehearsal will take place before the hottest part of the day, mornings can still get pretty warm in Houston. Below are clothing items that will help students manage the heat and humidity as much as possible.
Clothing
- White, Gray, or Blue shirts (solid, if possible) – REQUIRED - This is the standard rehearsal top. Plain shirts are best, but small designs or lettering is permitted.
- Black shorts (solid) - REQUIRED - This is the standard rehearsal bottom. Athletic shorts (not super thick or baggy) are best. These will be worn under marching uniform pants.
- Athletic shoes - REQUIRED - Sandals/flip-flops, boots (work or cowboy) are NOT PERMITTED. We also suggest shoes with appropriate arch support, depending on individual foot shape (flat arches vs high arches). Athletic shoes only!
- Athletic Attire/Moisture-Wicking Attire – OPTIONAL but encouraged - We highly encourage this type of clothing (in White, Gray, or Blue), including the long-sleeve shirt version and full-length pants, if desired. Many of these types of clothes have a UPF, which helps protect against harmful UV rays. The more skin is covered, the less sunscreen you’ll have to apply!
[Example – Long-Sleeve Rash Guard/Swim Shirt]
Tall Black Socks - REQUIRED: These won’t be used until we start wearing our marching uniform, but they will be necessary once we do! Tall socks should go up to the calf or higher. No ankle-length or no-show socks under the marching uniform. For daily rehearsals, normal length socks of any color are totally fine.
OTHER SUN PROTECTION
Hats - REQUIRED: Some kind of hat or head covering is required for all outside activity. Must cover the top of the head; no visors! The bigger the hat, the better. Think ‘sun protection’ and not ‘fashion statement!’
[Example – Wide Brim Sun Hat]
Sunscreen - REQUIRED: SPF 30 is the minimum recommended level of sun protection. Look for ‘broad spectrum’ on the label, as it will help against UV-A and UV-B rays. Reapply frequently.
[Example – Sunscreen]
Fanny pack/hip packs – OPTIONAL but encouraged: A great way to carry some essentials (sunscreen, a snack, phone, hand sanitizer, etc.) on your person without taking up space in pockets during physical activity (running, marching, etc). No color restrictions!
[Example – Fanny Pack/Hip Pack]
Sunglasses (optional): If possible, sunglasses are advised during outdoor activity.
Lip-protection (optional): As musicians, it’s important to take care of our face and lips, since the majority of
us use them to make music. Use some kind of lip balm that provides some sun protection as well.
[Example – Lip Protection]
You can find most of these items at your local sporting goods store, as well as from online retailers. We can’t wait to start our season!
Go Wolves!
Gerardo L. Gonzalez
[email protected]
WHS Bands
FAQ GOING INTO SUMMER BAND CAMP
FAQ/Info:
Audition/Class Placement
Q: How do I sign up for band?
A: Sign up for BAND on your course selection sheet. (Ask your Westside Dean for help)
***If you accidentally didn’t choose band, it’s not too late. E-mail Mr. Gonzalez!
If you are NOT from West Briar Middle School, please fill out this form: Future Wolf Band Member Form
We will then add your information to our system. We want to make sure you are getting all the right information!
Q: Do I have to tryout for the Wolf Band?
A: Any middle school band student can be in the Westside HS Band Program! While you won’t have to audition to ‘get in,’ you will need to prepare music for us to place you in the correct class period based on your ability. A Westside HS Director will be at WBMS to hear all incoming 9th graders towards the end of May in order to place you in the correct class period.
All other students (NON-HISD students) will email a video of the music/video to Mr. Gonzalez. Please have videos sent by June 3rd, 2022.
***Percussionists, please contact Mr. Juwan Blanton (Westside HS Percussion Director) for information on your placement process***
Wolf Band Director Contact Information
Mr. Gerardo L Gonzalez, Director of Bands - [email protected]
Ms. Savanna Sturm, Associate Director of Bands - [email protected]
Mr. Juwan Blanton, Percussion Director - [email protected]
Students who do not meet with a Director will NOT be placed in a band class for Fall 2023
Q: How will I know what’s going on? How is information delivered?
A: Students & Parents - Join the Band App! There is a mobile app format, but it also works well as a desktop website. This is where we will communicate in the coming weeks and months. Having an account is required for all students (and strongly encouraged for all parents)! You can create a Band App account at www.band.us and request to join the Incoming Wolf Band Members group.
Check our Band Website Calendar for our summer band camp dates! You will receive lots of information in the coming weeks and months.
Q: What else do I need to do?
A: Make sure you show up on Day 1 of Summer Band Camp -- It’s that easy!
Q: I want to be in band….but is MARCHING band required?
Yes, and you’ll have tons of fun as a result of working hard on our competition show for 2023! All students enrolled in a band class at Westside High School will march during our football/competition season. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences that you will have in high school! It’s a large time commitment but it goes by quickly, ending in late October / early November. Students will march in highly competitive contests, football games, and parades. Students will receive their PE credit in the Fall due to Marching Band, and their Fine Arts credit in the Spring during Concert Season. Don’t be concerned about conflicts with other organizations. Please have this conversation with Mr. Gonzalez via email.
Q: When do I start Summer Band Camp?
Check the calendar! All students are expected and required to attend the summer band camp. We highly encourage you to visit and become familiar with the Wolf Band site, especially the calendar page! Please keep our camp schedule in mind when making family vacation plans, as missing any days of camp will result in members being behind as we prepare for our first performance during the first week of classes. The daily schedule for SBC can be found on the calendar details. As we add dates like marching contests, games, and other activities, we will update them on the calendar. We are required to start rehearsals before the start of the school year because we have our first football game the first week of school, which means we have a lot to do in a really short time! We will get you ready! All you have to have are the right supplies and a positive attitude! Again, you are required to attend every rehearsal. Please email Mr. Gonzalez if you think there is a conflict with your schedule as soon as possible.
FULL BAND CAMP (for ALL Wolf Band Members) begins Monday August 1, 2023.
NEW MARCHER CAMP (incoming 9th graders and transfers) starts two days earlier on Thursday July 28 and Friday July 29
Q: Do freshman students start earlier?
This year all incoming Freshmen will meet with the Wolf Band Leadership Team & Directors and take two days to devote time solely to our newest members so they don’t feel too overwhelmed once full rehearsals start. The two dates for Freshman/Cub Camp are currently on the calendar for the end of July. After that, full band rehearsals are Mon-Fri from August 1st through August 19th.
Q: Does the Wolf Band take big trips?
Yes, and once the district allows travel, we’ll start planning our first big trip since Disney in 2018! Our hard-working students deserve an incredible trip! These have included New York, Disney, & Chicago in years past.
Our next trip is scheduled for March 2023!
Q: What are Band Fees, and what do they do?
All students pay for a one-time annual band fee. This fee includes most essential things throughout the marching/spring season including food for all games and contests, marching shoes, flip folder, lyre, two t-shirts, entry fees, music, etc. We don’t “nickel & dime” you at Westside; we issue one fee that pays for almost everything. Upperclassmen fees are cheaper because they don’t need new marching shoes, flip folders, etc. We will send the band fee breakdown when it’s approved. Fees range from $150-$275 on a normal year, depending on various factors.
Q: Is the Wolf Band on social media?
We try very hard to send as much information as possible, in as many ways as possible, due to a large number of students in our programs. For that reason, we ask students and parents to like/follow the following accounts:
***All Wolf Band members (parents are welcome too!) are required to download the Band App.
Facebook - @WestsideHSBand
Instagram - @whswolfband
Q: What happens when classes start?
Once school begins, we will have weekly rehearsals throughout the week. It’s important for every student to attend every rehearsal since we do not cover any of this material inside during the school day -- (impossible because we meet separately). Our weekly rehearsal schedule (during ‘normal’ Friday Game weeks) is as follows:
Q: Do I need a physical?
YES! The University Interscholastic League (UIL) and Houston ISD require students involved in outdoor/athletic activities to have a physical done on the official HISD Physical Form. Here you have two options: you can get one done by your own physician, or you can sign up for your physical to be done on campus—details to follow later this summer.
Physicals are due August 8th - no exceptions.
You can find the physical form at www.wolfband.org/forms
No Physical >>> No Band Camp >>> No Spot in UIL Show
I know that’s a lot of information, but I hope that you are excited about being a Wolf Band Member because we are excited about having you join our organization! You are about to become a part of one of the most successful programs at Westside HS—come be a part of our success!
Thank you and Go Wolves!
Gerardo L. Gonzalez
Director of Bands
Westside High School
[email protected]
FAQ/Info:
Audition/Class Placement
Q: How do I sign up for band?
A: Sign up for BAND on your course selection sheet. (Ask your Westside Dean for help)
***If you accidentally didn’t choose band, it’s not too late. E-mail Mr. Gonzalez!
If you are NOT from West Briar Middle School, please fill out this form: Future Wolf Band Member Form
We will then add your information to our system. We want to make sure you are getting all the right information!
Q: Do I have to tryout for the Wolf Band?
A: Any middle school band student can be in the Westside HS Band Program! While you won’t have to audition to ‘get in,’ you will need to prepare music for us to place you in the correct class period based on your ability. A Westside HS Director will be at WBMS to hear all incoming 9th graders towards the end of May in order to place you in the correct class period.
All other students (NON-HISD students) will email a video of the music/video to Mr. Gonzalez. Please have videos sent by June 3rd, 2022.
***Percussionists, please contact Mr. Juwan Blanton (Westside HS Percussion Director) for information on your placement process***
Wolf Band Director Contact Information
Mr. Gerardo L Gonzalez, Director of Bands - [email protected]
Ms. Savanna Sturm, Associate Director of Bands - [email protected]
Mr. Juwan Blanton, Percussion Director - [email protected]
Students who do not meet with a Director will NOT be placed in a band class for Fall 2023
Q: How will I know what’s going on? How is information delivered?
A: Students & Parents - Join the Band App! There is a mobile app format, but it also works well as a desktop website. This is where we will communicate in the coming weeks and months. Having an account is required for all students (and strongly encouraged for all parents)! You can create a Band App account at www.band.us and request to join the Incoming Wolf Band Members group.
Check our Band Website Calendar for our summer band camp dates! You will receive lots of information in the coming weeks and months.
Q: What else do I need to do?
A: Make sure you show up on Day 1 of Summer Band Camp -- It’s that easy!
- Percussionists start Monday, July 24th @ 8:00am
- New Marchers start Thursday, July 27th @ 7:30am
- Full Band starts Tuesday, August 1st @ 7:30am
Q: I want to be in band….but is MARCHING band required?
Yes, and you’ll have tons of fun as a result of working hard on our competition show for 2023! All students enrolled in a band class at Westside High School will march during our football/competition season. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences that you will have in high school! It’s a large time commitment but it goes by quickly, ending in late October / early November. Students will march in highly competitive contests, football games, and parades. Students will receive their PE credit in the Fall due to Marching Band, and their Fine Arts credit in the Spring during Concert Season. Don’t be concerned about conflicts with other organizations. Please have this conversation with Mr. Gonzalez via email.
Q: When do I start Summer Band Camp?
Check the calendar! All students are expected and required to attend the summer band camp. We highly encourage you to visit and become familiar with the Wolf Band site, especially the calendar page! Please keep our camp schedule in mind when making family vacation plans, as missing any days of camp will result in members being behind as we prepare for our first performance during the first week of classes. The daily schedule for SBC can be found on the calendar details. As we add dates like marching contests, games, and other activities, we will update them on the calendar. We are required to start rehearsals before the start of the school year because we have our first football game the first week of school, which means we have a lot to do in a really short time! We will get you ready! All you have to have are the right supplies and a positive attitude! Again, you are required to attend every rehearsal. Please email Mr. Gonzalez if you think there is a conflict with your schedule as soon as possible.
FULL BAND CAMP (for ALL Wolf Band Members) begins Monday August 1, 2023.
NEW MARCHER CAMP (incoming 9th graders and transfers) starts two days earlier on Thursday July 28 and Friday July 29
Q: Do freshman students start earlier?
This year all incoming Freshmen will meet with the Wolf Band Leadership Team & Directors and take two days to devote time solely to our newest members so they don’t feel too overwhelmed once full rehearsals start. The two dates for Freshman/Cub Camp are currently on the calendar for the end of July. After that, full band rehearsals are Mon-Fri from August 1st through August 19th.
Q: Does the Wolf Band take big trips?
Yes, and once the district allows travel, we’ll start planning our first big trip since Disney in 2018! Our hard-working students deserve an incredible trip! These have included New York, Disney, & Chicago in years past.
Our next trip is scheduled for March 2023!
Q: What are Band Fees, and what do they do?
All students pay for a one-time annual band fee. This fee includes most essential things throughout the marching/spring season including food for all games and contests, marching shoes, flip folder, lyre, two t-shirts, entry fees, music, etc. We don’t “nickel & dime” you at Westside; we issue one fee that pays for almost everything. Upperclassmen fees are cheaper because they don’t need new marching shoes, flip folders, etc. We will send the band fee breakdown when it’s approved. Fees range from $150-$275 on a normal year, depending on various factors.
Q: Is the Wolf Band on social media?
We try very hard to send as much information as possible, in as many ways as possible, due to a large number of students in our programs. For that reason, we ask students and parents to like/follow the following accounts:
***All Wolf Band members (parents are welcome too!) are required to download the Band App.
Facebook - @WestsideHSBand
Instagram - @whswolfband
Q: What happens when classes start?
Once school begins, we will have weekly rehearsals throughout the week. It’s important for every student to attend every rehearsal since we do not cover any of this material inside during the school day -- (impossible because we meet separately). Our weekly rehearsal schedule (during ‘normal’ Friday Game weeks) is as follows:
- Monday – Guard & Percussion Only (4:00pm-6:30pm)
- Tuesday – Winds Only (4:00pm-6:30pm)
- Thursday – Full Band (4:00pm-6:30pm)
- Friday – Game Day
Q: Do I need a physical?
YES! The University Interscholastic League (UIL) and Houston ISD require students involved in outdoor/athletic activities to have a physical done on the official HISD Physical Form. Here you have two options: you can get one done by your own physician, or you can sign up for your physical to be done on campus—details to follow later this summer.
Physicals are due August 8th - no exceptions.
You can find the physical form at www.wolfband.org/forms
No Physical >>> No Band Camp >>> No Spot in UIL Show
I know that’s a lot of information, but I hope that you are excited about being a Wolf Band Member because we are excited about having you join our organization! You are about to become a part of one of the most successful programs at Westside HS—come be a part of our success!
Thank you and Go Wolves!
Gerardo L. Gonzalez
Director of Bands
Westside High School
[email protected]
March-A-Thon 2021
It's *that* time of year again!
The Westside Wolf Band is back in full force for the 2021 Winter March-A-Thon! That means between lawn concerts and donations, we hope students will be able to raise $125 per student for the following:
Ways to donate:
Cash - students can collect cash donations and log them on their collection folder
Check - please make checks payable to Westside Music Boosters
Online - donations can be made online through two platforms:
Thank you for your endless support!
The Westside Wolf Band is back in full force for the 2021 Winter March-A-Thon! That means between lawn concerts and donations, we hope students will be able to raise $125 per student for the following:
- Keep the cost of future band fees LOW! - The Wolf Band has some of the lowest band fees around for the type of activities we participate in, and that's only because we are fortunate enough to have generous donors during this time of year. Every donation helps!
- Offset cost of essential equipment - It's no secret that things just cost money, and the higher quality things cost a little more. From repairing well-worn instruments, to purchasing of new items to replace instruments at the end of their life, the Wolf Band is always looking to stay a high-quality organization with high-quality music and instruments.
- Basic operational costs - Simple things like *feeding* the Wolf Band certainly comes at a cost, and donations help lower the overall amount it costs each student to cover costs.
Ways to donate:
Cash - students can collect cash donations and log them on their collection folder
Check - please make checks payable to Westside Music Boosters
Online - donations can be made online through two platforms:
- Zelle (PREFERRED!) - Our Music Boosters have a Zelle set up for payments using your own banking app (unfortunately, not all banking systems use Zelle)
- Search for [email protected] (WHS Music Booster Treasurer email address) in your banking app or the Zelle App
- PayPal (3% fee charged) - Donations can be made by scanning the following PayPal QR code--but please be aware that PayPal takes 3% of all donated funds.
Thank you for your endless support!
