Band is open to any 5th - 8th grade student. Beginners traditionally start in the 5th grade, but those in the upper grades are welcome to join at any time. Beginners in 6th - 8th grades will not be part of the Concert or 6th Grade Band until their progress is deemed fit by the band instructor to join full rehearsals. Band in each grade requires a full year commitment. Participants are charged a fee. The following are descriptions of the various performing groups that make up the instrumental music program at Waukesha Catholic.

Cadet Band
Cadet Band includes all 5th grade students who choose to participate. Individual or small group lessons are scheduled once a week during the school day. Full band rehearsals will be scheduled during the school day starting around late October in preparation for the Christmas or Mid-Winter performance. Students from St. Mary's and St. William's will also have the opportunity to practice all together as they perform the Spring Concert as one large group.

6th Grade Band
6th Grade Band is comprised of students with one year playing experience or less. Individual and/or small group lessons are scheduled once a week during the school day. Full band rehearsals are scheduled twice a week. 6th Grade Band performances include two or three yearly concerts, solo/ensemble festival, and a possible parade.

7th Grade Band and 8th Grade Band
These two separate bands make up students with at least one full year of playing experience. They rehearse two times a week. Individual and/or small group lessons are scheduled as well. Both bands perform three to four yearly concerts, participate in solo/ensemble festival and the annual Christmas Parade.

6th Grade Jazz Band and 7th/8th Grade Jazz Ensemble
Both jazz groups are an offshoot of their respective grade level bands and are open to any 6th, 7th or 8th grade student. However, the student must be a member of one of the grade level bands (except for piano, guitar, or bass guitar), in order to be a member of one of the jazz groups. The 6th Grade Jazz Band will rehearse 2 to 3 times a month during Tuesday's TOOL Time (last period of the day). The 7th/8th Grade Jazz Ensemble meets before school once a week. Performances number about 2-3 times per year. Students explore the musical styles of swing, rock, Latin, blues and the art of improvisation.

In an effort to involve more parents and to build upon the current support of the band program, Waukesha Catholic has an active Band Parent Organization. Involved parents help with things such as concert and performance preparation, band fund management, band camp scholarships, etc. A Summer Band Program is also available to students wishing to pursue musical improvement over the summer months. For questions regarding the band program, please feel free to contact Rebecca Van Treeck.