Band Beneficial Leadership Action Service Tradition Project

What is a BLAST project?
The purpose of a BLAST project is to promote band identity and individual ownership within the West Hall Band program. The director will provide guidance and help facilitate these projects. However, all projects will be student inspired and student led. BLAST projects will promote the idea of leaving the West Hall Band program in a better place than when you found it. Completion of a BLAST project is required for all students interested in a leadership position.

What are the guidelines for a BLAST project?

• Be creative and impressive!
• Project must be organized and led by you individually, but you are welcome to involve any other band members.
• You must submit a formal written project proposal and give feedback to directors at various check-in points throughout the year, and successfully complete the project.
• Project must be completed before graduation.

How do I get started?

• Think of an area within the band that has importance to you. Brainstorm ideas to help this area.
• Think of the future—when you leave the West Hall Band program, what do you want to leave your fellow band members? What legacy do you want to leave? Brainstorm ideas.
• Come up with project proposal and submit to director by the deadline.
• Once approved, there is no limit to what you can do. Have fun!

What are possible BLAST projects?

• Compose a piece of original music to be performed by the West Hall Band or Drumline.
• Organize a social program intended for bonding and growth of our young band students.
• Performance/service opportunities within local schools and the community. For example, musical petting zoo at local elementary zoo, chamber ensembles performing at a nursing home, etc.
• Offer consistent private lessons to middle school students.
• Organize an ‘exchange program’ with a local band.
• Organize a classroom Skype session with a composer, professional musician, your previous band program, etc.
• Mentor/tutor a beginning band student for the entire year. Set up practice sessions with them, help with pass-offs, etc.
• Organize student-run leadership meetings on a regular basis.
• Complete a service project for band equipment or facility maintenance. For example, painting shelves, building jazz band fronts, changing drum heads, organizing music library, etc.
• Organize and rehearse a chamber ensemble for performance at WH and in the community. For example, brass quartet, trumpet ensemble, woodwind quintet, trombone duet, etc.
• Organize a fundraiser to benefit the band—can involve performance opportunities or service opportunities.
• Organize a group of West Hall Band representatives to perform with a local church orchestra for a minimum of two performances throughout the year.​
• Your options are limitless! Whatever you want to do that will benefit the band or band students is a good idea! Most importantly….HAVE SOME FUN with it!