West Wing Band

Every student should come to class DAILY with the following materials:

• A pencil with a good eraser ✏️ (Please no pens. if you make a mistake you need to be able to erase it)
• A Binder with at least 15 sheet protectors 📒
• Class Band Method Book: Traditions of Excellence 📕 (see below for specifications and images)
• Your instrument 🎺
• A good attitude and eagerness to learn 🌝

Tradition of Excellence

This band method book is the DVUSD Curriculum standard for band. There are different levels of the book based on experience. Please see the info below to see which level your student will need for the school year. Books are INSTRUMENT SPECIFIC so please make sure the book is for the instrument that your student plays. Books can be purchased online through Amazon and through one of the music vendors listed on the Instrument Repairs and Materials Page. These books will also be available for purchase at our instrument rental night.

• Book 1 (red cover): 5th & 6th Grade
• Book 2 (blue color): 7th & 8th Grade
• Book 3 (green color) *7th & 8th Grade students may need to purchase this book mid-year.

 

It is expected that students will provide their own instrument, accessories and materials for participation in band at West Wing. Larger instruments can be rented from the band program following the completion of the instrument loan agreement. 

To purchase or rent an instrument and to acquire other accessories and class materials, please visit any of the following local vendors: 

Peoria Music Academy

8100 W Union Hills, Suite #200

Glendale, AZ 85308

602-612-6187

https://peoriamusicacademy.com/

 

Milano Music

38 W Main Street

Mesa, AZ 85201

(800) 344-9324

milanomusic.com

Music & Arts

5350 W Bell Road #132

Glendale, AZ 85308

(602) 504-0206

musicarts.com

2024-2025 School Year

*Events may be subject to change. Any changes to performances and events will be communicated as quickly as possible.

*Call times for performances and events will be communicated at least two weeks prior to the event.

*Permission Slips and Cost information (if applicable) will be sent out prior to any off-campus events.

*It will be communicated in advance if a performance is graded or optional (but participation is always recommended).

 

Friday, September 27th - MRHS Marching Band Feeder Night (4:00 PM @ MRHS) - 7th/8th Grade -mandatory & graded

Saturday, September 28th- ASU Middle School Honor Band (TBD @ ASU Gammage) - 7th/8th Grade -optional by nomination only

Thursday, October 24th - Fall Concert (6:00 PM @ West Wing) - 6th/7th/8th Grade -mandatory & graded

Wednesday, November 20th - DVUSD Middle School Band Pre-Assessment (during the school day @ MRHS) - 7th/8th Grade-mandatory & graded

Thursday, December 5th - Field Trip to the Musical Instrument Museum (9:00-1:00) - 5th Grade-optional but encouraged

Wednesday, December 11th - Winter Concert (6:00 PM @ West Wing) - 6th/7th/8th Grade-mandatory & graded

Wednesday, January 15th- 5th Grade Band Introduction Concert (5:30 PM @ West Wing) - 5th Grade-mandatory & graded

Tuesday, January 21st - MRHS Concert Band Feeder Night (5:00 PM @ MRHS) - 8th Grade -mandatory & graded

Wednesday, February 12th - DVUSD Elementary/Middle School Honor Band (All Day @ SDOHS) - 6th/7th/8th Grade-optional by audition only

Saturday, March 1st - Arizona Middle School All-State Band (All Day @ Mountain View HS, Mesa) - 6th/7th/8th Grade-optional by audition only

Thursday, March 13th - ABODA Festival & Main Event (Millennium High School, Goodyear) -6th Grade-mandatory & graded

Thursday, March 27th - DVUSD Middle School Band Post-Assessment (during the school day @ DVHS) - 7th/8th Grade-mandatory & graded

Wednesday, April 30th - Middle School Pre-Trip Concert & Info Night - 7th/8th Grade - mandatory & graded

May 2nd-4th - California Trip to Universal Studios - 7th/8th Grade-optional but encouraged

Date TBD (Late April/Early May) - Instrument Rental Night (5:30-7:30 @ West Wing) 4th/5th/6th/7th Grade-optional & for incoming band students or students new to instrument

Wednesday, May 7th - Spring Concert (6:00 @ West Wing) - 5th/6th Grade-mandatory & graded

Early May (Official Date TBD) - Main Event Field Trip (Time TBD) - 5th/6th Grade-optional but encouraged

Conservatory Club is utilized as a dedicated practice and social club after school for students enrolled in band at West Wing School. Students will have the opportunity to strengthen bonds with their classmates, practice their instruments and prepare music outside of class time, receive more individualized help from Mr. Hix an high school students from Mountain Ridge High School and also participate in other games and activities.

Please see the schedule below for the dates that the club will meet for this school year. Please note that dates may be subject to change. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated as quickly as possible. It is important that students and families also communicate any absences from the club with Mr. Hix. Please also understand that students will get a lot from this experience if they put a lot into it. Behavior and participation expectations are the same as the regular school day. 

If you are interested in signing your student up for Conservatory Club, please use the QR code provided on the flyer below.

West Wing Mustang Band Conservatory Schedule

2024-2025 School Year

MONDAYS (5th/6th Grades)   AUGUST- 19th, 26th   SEPTEMBER- 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th   OCTOBER- 14th, 21st, 28th   NOVEMBER-4th, 18th   DECEMBER- 2nd, 9th, 16th   JANUARY-13th, 27th   FEBRUARY- 3rd, 10th, 24th   MARCH- 3rd, 10th, 24th, 31st   APRIL- 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th   MAY- 5th

WEDNESDAYS (7th/8th Grades)   AUGUST- 14th, 28th   SEPTEMBER- 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th   OCTOBER- 2nd, 16th, 23rd, 30th   NOVEMBER-6th, 13th, 20th   DECEMBER-4th, 18th   JANUARY-8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th   FEBRUARY-5th, 12th, 19th, 26th   MARCH- 5th, 12th, 26th   APRIL- 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

THURSDAYS (Special Ensembles)   AUGUST 29th   SEPTEMBER- 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th   OCTOBER- 3rd, 31st   NOVEMBER-7th, 14th, 21st   DECEMBER-5th, 12th   JANUARY-9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th   FEBRUARY- 6th, 20th, 27th

 

Phone: (623) 376-5083

Email Mr. Hix

Degrees and Certifications:

-BA in Music Education-California Lutheran University
-Arizona PreK-12 Music Education Certificate

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This is my sixth year teaching at West Wing School. My goal is to excite students about music, and to foster the development of enduring skills for instrumental music and life-long learning. The program allows students to enjoy the ability to create and perform, while also developing long-lasting friendships.

I received my bachelor's degree in Music Education in 2015 from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. Prior to teaching at West Wing, I taught three years of elementary through high school band in the Kellogg Joint School District in Kellogg, Idaho. I am primarily a saxophone player and studied under Dr. Daniel Geeting at CLU. I also love to sing, and have been a regular participant in several church choirs. During my time in Idaho I performed with the North Idaho College Wind Symphony.

Beyond the classroom, I enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, and have previously served as a camp counselor and summer camp director both in Oregon and California. Many of the activities and skills I learned through those positions have guided my teaching and classroom environment.

Should you wish to reach out to me, please see my contact information above.

Sincerely,

                Mr. Hix

Help support the Mustang Band! Every dollar helps keep the band program running. From instrument needs to field trip expenses, band programs always benefit from the generous help of the community. We appreciate your support.

Please follow the link provided to learn more about tax credit donations: www.dvusd.org/taxcredit

Access our curriculum video here.