Welcome to the
Washington High School Band Website
This site is designed to provide information and resources to students, parents, alumni, and boosters of the Washington High School Band located in Sioux Falls, SD. Our program is made up of student performers grades 9-12 and includes four Concert Bands, an active Marching Band, Pep Band, four Jazz Ensembles, and numerous smaller instrumental ensembles. We will do our best to keep this website as up to date as possible so you are always informed about everything happening in Warrior Nation. We hope you find this site easy to use and informative. Click on any of the links to the left for more information and visit the "Contact" tab to get in touch with the WHS Band Directors!
Augustana University Summer Music Camp Information
At Augustana Summer Music Camp, you'll find the finest in musical instruction, performance opportunities and fun for six full days. For more information: augie.edu/summer-music-camp.
Augustana University Summer Music Camp Information
At Augustana Summer Music Camp, you'll find the finest in musical instruction, performance opportunities and fun for six full days. For more information: augie.edu/summer-music-camp.
We have announced our 2018 Marching Band Show!
Check the Marching Band tab for the trailer to our show theme, as well as a SKETCH of what summer rehearsals look like. Times and dates are still subject to change
All-State Band Registration
If you have a student that is trying out for All-State Band, they are REQUIRED to fill out this Google Form BEFORE DECEMBER 11th, 2017. It is VERY important that all questions are filled out fully and not skipped. Please take a few minutes of your time to make sure your son/daughter/student completes this form.
Band Senior Spotlight
December
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Thelonious Singer, Senior 2018
Theo is a senior saxophonist at Washington High School. He is a 4-year member of the Warrior Marching Band, participates as an alto saxophone player in Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble, a tenor saxophone player in Jazz 1. He also leads the WHS Jazz Combo group, "The Loneliest Monks," and has participated in Quacko - the show choir band. In addition to music, Theo is also a member of Young Progressives. Theo would like to thank everyone that puts so much effort into helping him become a better person and musician such as his father, mother, Mr. and Mrs. Coyne, Mr. Harder, Mr. Brandt, Jamie Nold, Nate Malchow, Mr. Frericks, Emmanuel Michael, Simon Keller, and last but not least, his hero, Joel Shotwell. As far next year, Theo plans to get out of South Dakota and attend college somewhere that is yet to be decided. He welcomes any advice on choosing between colleges including: The University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, The University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, or the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He's not quite sure what he will do in college but he knows he will participate in music and is excited to find out what he will actually do the rest of his life. One piece of advice Theo would give incoming students to WHS is, "You should strive to learn. The more enthusiastic you are to learn, not only in band, but also in life, the more fun you will have becoming better at whatever you are studying." 
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Alana Shields, Senior 2018 Another Senior at Washington graduating in 2018 is Alana Shields, a Clarinetist in the band program. She is a member of Symphonic Band, Jazz 1, Marching Band, and Pep Band. In addition to band, Alana also plays viola and participates in Symphony Orchestra and leads the Symphony Quartet. Alana would like to thank her Great Aunt, Tina, for supporting her in both her musical and educational career and always pushing her to be the best person she can possibly be. Next year, Alana plans to attend to college to pursue a degree in Secondary Education. If Alana could share one piece of advice with incoming members of the WHS Band she would say, "You are your own greatest critic. No one will ever be as harsh on you as yourself so just take a break and enjoy what you're doing instead of worrying about it. Everything will work out in the end." |
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Ashley Bautista, Senior 2018
Ashley is our last Senior Spotlight in December. She is a Tenor Saxophone player in the band program at WHS. Ashley is a member of the Warrior Marching Band, Jazz 1, Jazz 2, and Symphonic Band. Ashley also participates in Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra as a violin player. Ashley would love to thank her mother because she has always pushed Ashley to do better and work hard. She has taught Ashley to do everything with purpose and passion. Next year, Ashley plans to study Music Therapy at a college that has yet to be decided. She would like to pass on one piece of advice to future Warriors and that is "You do you and treat yo-self" |
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Past Senior Spotlights 2016-2017
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Lucille Stverak - Senior 2018 Lucy is a senior trombone player at Washington High School. She is a 3-year member of marching band and also participates in Symphonic Band, jazz band, show choir back-up band, and brass ensemble. In addition to all things music, Lucy also participates in golf. Lucy would like to thank her parents because they have supported her in everything she has done, including band. She would not be the person she is today without them. Next year, Lucy plans to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, MN to get her degree in Elementary Education and she plans to continue playing in band. One piece of advice Lucy would like to share with incoming students is, "Do what you love no matter what other people say. Don't let someone change you because it is different from what they like. Think of as a puzzle. Music is a piece of you and without it you would be incomplete. Join as many groups as you can because it makes time fly by and also you will receive so many memories that will last a life time." |
Benjamin Weidner - Senior 2018
Ben is a senior bari saxophone and bassoonist at Washington High School. He participates in Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz II. In addition, Ben is also a member of TARS (Young Republicans).
Ben would like to thank a number of people and things. His mom, first, for being very supportive and always pushing him to be his best. He would also like to thank Coyne and Harder for being the best band directors ever and the sidewalks for keeping him off the streets.
Ben's plans for next year are just to keep living life. One piece of advice he would like to pass on to incoming band members is, "Don't ever lie to Mrs. Coyne, she will probably kill you. And always strive for improvement -- always be a better player then you were yesterday."
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Cassidy Waggoner, 2018
Cassidy Waggoner is a senior Alto/Bari Sax player. As an active member of the WHS Band program, Cassidy is the Drum Major for the Warrior Marching Band, plays saxophone in Symphonic Band and Jazz 1, participates in Quacko (show choir back-up band), wind ensemble, pep band, and the orchestra pit. Outside of the music department, Cassidy participates in Young Progressives, Link Crew, and Green Club. She is also the caretaker for the fish we have as class pets in the band room. One person Cassidy would like to thank is her mother, Sheila. She writes, "She is always there to support me at all of my band performances and she always encourages me to keep pushing myself to get better everyday, even when life gets in the way." After graduation, Cassidy plans to attend Augustana University to pursue a career in nursing. One piece of advice from Cassidy Waggoner is this: "do not be afraid to get involved. Even if you get stressed between balancing band and school just remember: pain is temporary, but memories last forever. And never forget... have courage and be kind." |
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Hollie Leggett, 2018
Hollie Leggett is a senior clarinet player at Washington High School but she does many things for the music program. In addition to being the Drum Major for the Warrior Marching Band and playing clarinet in Symphonic Band, Hollie also participates in Concert Choir, Show Choir, and Orchestra.
One person Hollie would like to thank throughout her high school career is her sister because she always supports everything Hollie does.
After Graduation, Hollie plans to attend the University of Minnesota to study either Music Education or Fashion Marketing.
Hollie's advice to everyone is this, "As I embark on this journey I would like to remind people that not everything is going to happen right away. I did not get where I am today by sitting around and not working hard. Not everything will be perfect right away but if you work hard enough you can achieve anything. I have to keep reminding myself this as I continue my education. Don't expect everything to be perfect right away but don't give up if things don't turn out the way you want them to. Sometimes when it seems like your life is falling apart it is actually falling into place."
Hollie Leggett is a senior clarinet player at Washington High School but she does many things for the music program. In addition to being the Drum Major for the Warrior Marching Band and playing clarinet in Symphonic Band, Hollie also participates in Concert Choir, Show Choir, and Orchestra.
One person Hollie would like to thank throughout her high school career is her sister because she always supports everything Hollie does.
After Graduation, Hollie plans to attend the University of Minnesota to study either Music Education or Fashion Marketing.
Hollie's advice to everyone is this, "As I embark on this journey I would like to remind people that not everything is going to happen right away. I did not get where I am today by sitting around and not working hard. Not everything will be perfect right away but if you work hard enough you can achieve anything. I have to keep reminding myself this as I continue my education. Don't expect everything to be perfect right away but don't give up if things don't turn out the way you want them to. Sometimes when it seems like your life is falling apart it is actually falling into place."
WASHINGTON BANDS HANDBOOK!
Click on the "marching band" tab to the right to see the title, listen to a MIDI Demo (in the rough draft stages), and see the new dates for the marching band season!
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Raeann Nichols - Senior 2017 The Senior Spotlight for April is Raeann Nichols! She is a percussionist for the WHS Band program. She is a member of the WHS Concert Band and in the Warrior Marching Band as a member of the frontline. Because she is so active in the music program a WHS, she is not involved in any other activities, but instead, devotes her time to music. After graduation, Raeann plans to take a year off from school to work, travel, and volunteer. After that, she will attend Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, SD for a bachelor's in Nursing in the pediatric department. Raeann would like to thank her parents for always supporting her, believing in her, and pushing her to stay in band when it seemed so much easier to quit. Her piece of advice to incoming band members would be, "Band is fun, but it's hard. Surround yourself with people that make it easier." A fun fact about Raeann is that she is actually related to Mrs. Coyne! |
Band Senior Spotlight is a monthly interview of two WHS senior band students describing the many amazing things they do for our program and what their plans are after graduation. Meet our newest month's students below!
Joshua Stirler - Senior 2017 Josh is a WHS senior tuba player. He plays tuba in the Concert Band and pep band, sousaphone in the Warrior Marching Band, and trombone in our Jazz III ensemble. In addition to being active in the music department, Josh is also a member of the WHS Fishing Club. Josh would like to thank his parents for pushing him to be the best person he could possibly be. After high school, he plans to attend Mitchell Tech for Diesel Technology. If Josh could say one thing to incoming members of the band, he would tell them, "You can never be involved in too many things. Always do what you want to do and never let anyone tell you can't." |
Sabrina Lickiss - Senior 2017 Sabrina Lickiss is a senior piccolo and flute player at WHS. In addition to playing the flute, she also plays alto and bari saxophone and was the Drum Major for the Warrior Marching Band her Junior and Senior year. Sabrina is a member of the WHS Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz I and III, and pep band. Sabrina would like to thank her parents most of all for helping to pay for all her instruments and instrument repairs, as well as supporting her in her music career. Her plans for next year include attending the University of South Dakota for a degree in Music Education and get a master's degree in conducting as well. If Sabrina could share one thing with incoming students to the WHS music department she would say, "Don't let anybody tell you that you cannot do something. Prove them wrong because when you put your mind to something, anything is possible." 
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Alyssa Badger - Senior 2017
Alyssa Badger is a senior Tuba and Trombone student at WHS. She participates in Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra, and peer tutors for Concert Band. Other than being heavily involved in the music program, Alyssa also participates in Book Club and Young Democrats here at Washington. After college, Alyssa plans to attend Morningside College and major in secondary education. Alyssa would like to thank her parents for supporting her and coming to her concerts. She would also like to thank all the friends she met in band that pushed her to stay and participate. If Alyssa could say one thing to incoming students to the Fine Arts Department, she would say, "Get involved not only in the band program but other activities around the school. Enjoy the four years in high school and have fun!" |
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Jakob Larson - Senior 2017 Jakob is a senior bass trombone and bass guitar player at Washington High School. He participates in the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Show Choir Band, Jazz Choir, and runs a small Jazz Combo group. In addition to being so involved in music at WHS, Jakob also participates in the Trombone Choir at Augustana. Jakob's plans for next year consist of going off to college and pursuing either a degree in music education or genetics. He wouId like to thank his parents, the upperclassmen, and teachers who helped him accomplish the things he is doing now. A piece of advice he would like to pass on to other members of the band would be, "Always have a drive and goal; never stop being hungry. Be driven to be your best and then be better." |
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Krista Olson - Senior 2017 Krista is a senior percussion student. She is active in band at WHS by being a member of Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the JV Showchoir Band, Pep Band, and also in the pit in Marching Band. In addition to participating in band, Krista also sings in choir and the Classic Connection Show Choir. After graduation Krista would like to attend college to pursue her dream of becoming an elementary teacher. Krista would like to thank a couple people for helping her get to where she is today: her sister for pushing her to stay in band and also her parents for their continuous support and showing up for all her performances. If she could share one thing with incoming students to WHS Music Department, she would simply say, "Stay involved. You will find some of your best friends in band." |
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Simon Keller - Senior 2017
Simon is a senior baritone saxophone player in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and top Jazz ensemble at Washington High School. In addition to playing bari sax, Simon also plays cello, bass, drums, and was a feature guitar soloist for the 2016 marching band show winning Oustanding Soloist in Rosemount, MN. Simon also particpates in a student-run Jazz Combo group and plays in the Orchestra. After graduating Simon plans to make music seriously and professionally while also working. There are many people Simon would like to thank for making him who he is today including his very supportive and inspiring parents, directors, mentors, teachers, and friends. If Simon could say one thing to all incoming musicians at WHS he would tell them, "Don't get a big head; you're not as good as you think you are. There are people who have helped you along the way and they deserve as much respect as you do. Don't let your head stop you from bettering yourself; you will always have room for improvement, more often than not, a lot of room."
Simon is a senior baritone saxophone player in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and top Jazz ensemble at Washington High School. In addition to playing bari sax, Simon also plays cello, bass, drums, and was a feature guitar soloist for the 2016 marching band show winning Oustanding Soloist in Rosemount, MN. Simon also particpates in a student-run Jazz Combo group and plays in the Orchestra. After graduating Simon plans to make music seriously and professionally while also working. There are many people Simon would like to thank for making him who he is today including his very supportive and inspiring parents, directors, mentors, teachers, and friends. If Simon could say one thing to all incoming musicians at WHS he would tell them, "Don't get a big head; you're not as good as you think you are. There are people who have helped you along the way and they deserve as much respect as you do. Don't let your head stop you from bettering yourself; you will always have room for improvement, more often than not, a lot of room."
Kadie Roozenboom - Senior 2017
Kadie Roozenboom is a senior trumpet player in Symphonic Wind Ensemble. She participated in jazz band her freshman through junior year. Other ways Kadie is involved in the WHS band program is by being a part of marching band and show choir back up band. She is also involved in other activities at Washington include DECA and Salsa. Her favorite band memory is when the fire alarms went off her freshman year at the marching band overnight. She forgot to grab her shoes and her jacket, but luckily Jakob Larson let her borrow his shoes. If Kadie had to give advice to her fellow band students it would be, “Think positive and remember the memories because it goes by super fast!
Kadie Roozenboom is a senior trumpet player in Symphonic Wind Ensemble. She participated in jazz band her freshman through junior year. Other ways Kadie is involved in the WHS band program is by being a part of marching band and show choir back up band. She is also involved in other activities at Washington include DECA and Salsa. Her favorite band memory is when the fire alarms went off her freshman year at the marching band overnight. She forgot to grab her shoes and her jacket, but luckily Jakob Larson let her borrow his shoes. If Kadie had to give advice to her fellow band students it would be, “Think positive and remember the memories because it goes by super fast!
Brendan Hansen - Senior 2017
Brendan Hansen is a senior percussionist in Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Brendan is well involved in the WHS band program. He plays piano for Jazz 1, was a marching band drum major, and plays drum set in both basketball pep band and show choir back up band. Since he is so involved with band, Brendan does not participate in any other activities. When asked to reflect on his favorite band memory, he said it was the hail storm in Waseca his sophomore year because it was great bonding with his fellow band members. Brendan’s words of wisdom for those in band is, “Don’t look at a piece of music and think, ‘How am I ever going to be able to play this?!’ because you won’t get any better by staring at it. Practice it.”
Brendan Hansen is a senior percussionist in Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Brendan is well involved in the WHS band program. He plays piano for Jazz 1, was a marching band drum major, and plays drum set in both basketball pep band and show choir back up band. Since he is so involved with band, Brendan does not participate in any other activities. When asked to reflect on his favorite band memory, he said it was the hail storm in Waseca his sophomore year because it was great bonding with his fellow band members. Brendan’s words of wisdom for those in band is, “Don’t look at a piece of music and think, ‘How am I ever going to be able to play this?!’ because you won’t get any better by staring at it. Practice it.”
New Information for the 2017 California Trip!
| Monday, January 16th, 2017 Meeting Slideshow File (PDF) Click Here to Download the Document |
Click the link for the January 2017 "Warriors in Tune" Newsletter with Updates about the California Trip, including Flight Information, Hotel Information, Times, and MORE: LINK TO JAN 2017 NEWSLETTER
Warrior Marching Band
Thank you all for an absolutely GREAT marching band season. Next up: California!
February 17-22
February 17-22
Indoor Show and Chicken Dinner
Thank you for all who attended our indoor show and chicken dinner! We appreciate your support and thank all of the donors and volunteers who helped make this event possible!
The Marching Warriors will present their final performance of the year on November 3rd at 6:30 and 8:00 pm in the WHS gym as part of their indoor show and chicken dinner. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat chicken dinner are $10 which grants you access to one or both of the performances. The marching show "UNDERCOVER" will be performed along with several section features and a season slide show. Come on out and celebrate the end of a wonderful and successful marching season!
The Marching Warriors will present their final performance of the year on November 3rd at 6:30 and 8:00 pm in the WHS gym as part of their indoor show and chicken dinner. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat chicken dinner are $10 which grants you access to one or both of the performances. The marching show "UNDERCOVER" will be performed along with several section features and a season slide show. Come on out and celebrate the end of a wonderful and successful marching season!
Warrior Band Looking for a 'Few Good Parents'
Have you ever wondered how the band is able to do the things it does, get 100+ students from point A to point B at the right time, in the right uniform, with the right equipment? The answer is quite simply because of our amazing band parent organization. Band parents work diligently behind the scenes to help keep the warrior program alive and well. The band boosters are currently looking for interested parents to help chaperone trips and football games, work the pit crew, help with sewing, uniform fittings and more. If you are interested please follow the link below to contact the committee chair of the area you would like to help with, every little bit helps!
For more information about the band parent/booster organization click here!
For more information about the band parent/booster organization click here!
Holiday Shopping List for Band Supplies
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As we approach the Holiday season, you may be asking yourself what gift can you give your son or daughter that would be both enjoyable and useful? The answer of course: band supplies! Woodwind players are always in need of new reeds (each one if cared for properly should last 3-5 weeks), or perhaps a new neckstrap or reed case. Brass players always need valve oil and slide cream. All wind players can make an impact on their sound by investing in a step-up horn, or mouthpiece. For many the prospect of a new instrument may be daunting, but by simply placing a higher quality mouthpiece on a student instrument you can greatly increase the quality of its sound. Percussionists can benefit from replacing old and worn out snare sticks, and mallets. All students can benefit from practice tools such as a tuner or metronome, and of course private lessons make a great gift for your son or daughter that will keep on giving throughout the year! For more shopping ideas, and even specific recommendations navigate on over to the Equipment Page, under the Resources tab, or click here.
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Students Selected for Augustana Honor Band
Congratulations to the following band students who were nominated and selected for the Augustana band festival honor band:
The bands will rehearse Friday November 11th and Saturday the 12th culminating in a concert in the Great Hall of the Washington Pavilion on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Call the Pavilion Box Office 605-367-6000 for tickets. All seats are reserved.
The bands will rehearse Friday November 11th and Saturday the 12th culminating in a concert in the Great Hall of the Washington Pavilion on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Call the Pavilion Box Office 605-367-6000 for tickets. All seats are reserved.
Do you Shop at Amazon.com?
Do you shop at Amazon.com if so you could help support the WHS band at the same time. By going to smile.amazon.com you can purchase all of the same items, for the same price and Amazon.com will donate 0.5% to the WHS band. All you need to do is visit smile.amazon.com and select Sioux Falls Washington High School Marching Band Boosters as your charity. While 0.5% may not seem like a lot, that percentage spread over all the parents and students of the WHS band program can really add up. Please follow the link below to set up this easy and convenient fundraiser. Amazon
Successful Band Camp and Parent Demo
The WHS band students have already put in hours and hours of practice this summer in the form of sectionals and 3 full weeks of band camp. Spirits are high, and focus is clear, these students are pumped for a great fall marching season. After a very successful parent preview these students, and their ability to work together and achieve is astounding. It is going to be an exciting season.