Wind Ensemble Biography

The Westside High School Wind Ensemble was created in 2000 when the school opened its doors for the first time under director Mr. Rick Scott. For the past four years the Wind Ensemble has been under the direction of Mrs. Kelly Porter-Centanni. Under her direction the ensemble has achieved many first time accomplishments. In 2009 the ensemble was awarded its first division one rating from the UIL Region 23 Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. In 2010, they received their first "straight" division one rating in Sight-Reading. The group has also received consistent superior ratings at the Houston Independent School District Concert and Sight-Reading contest each spring. In addition, the Wind Ensemble has performed at several contests throughout Texas and has brought home numerous awards including the overall “Best in Class”, and the “Sweepstakes Award” at the 5 Star Festival in the Meyerson Center in Dallas. In 2008, the Wind Ensemble traveled to Orlando Florida and participated in the Festival Disney. There, the ensemble was awarded a superior rating and the “Bronze Mickey Mouse Award” for the overall third place winner. In addition to the ensemble successes, its individual members excel in musicianship. The ensemble annually places students in the Region Band and regularly dominates membership in the Houston All-City band with 89% of the Wind Ensemble being selected in 2010 and taking 9 first chair positions. Along with several campus-based concerts, the Westside Wind Ensemble is active in the community and performs frequently throughout the school year in the greater Houston area.