Arts at West Springfield included the band, orchestra, and theatre departments that were comprised of the creative minds at West Springfield. Similar to other decades, in the 1990s the theatre department put on numerous shows such as Winter One-Acts and Spring and Fall plays while band and orchestra held concerts that showcased their hard work, learning and rehearsing, classical and contemporary pieces. Additionally, student-led bands often performed at traditional events such as the annual Spaghetti Dinner (an event where students enjoyed bowls of spaghetti while socializing) and even in occasional talent shows. In specific to the 1990s, the arts department realized an expansion as another orchestra was created and the roster for band and theatre classes expanded as well. The expansion of arts at WSHS had indicated a rise in creative expression, which led to further expansion of the departments and made students feel heard and seen.

Band

Since West Springfield’s start, the band has an been integral part of the arts department as well as student life. As a part of the department, the various band ensembles at WSHS participated in regional, statewide, and national competitions winning titles that not only made students proud to be Spartans, but fueled the prominence and distinction of West Springfield High School’s Band. As part of student life, the band was the energy and fuel for those who played and attended football games.  

The fast, upbeat percussion expressed the sentiments of victory and accomplishment after a close win. The less upbeat, but spirited, melodies of the clarinets expressed the solemn but hopeful attitudes of students after a loss. Either way, the band was integral to enhancing the roller coaster of emotions that players, coaches, and audience members would experience throughout the course of a game.

Orchestra

In the 1990s, the orchestra department at West Springfield saw an expansion from its one “String Ensemble” group to many as an increasing number of students enrolled in orchestra seeking an education in the violin, viola, cello, and/or double bass. As the classical voice of West Springfield, the orchestra department performed multiple concerts a year, showcasing their ability to play diverse styles of music within the classical genre. These styles included baroque, romantic, and impressionistic styles. At these concerts, students could be heard playing music from composers such as Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, and more. All in all, the diverse rhythms, dynamics, keys, and styles in the music played by WSHS orchestras were a physical representation of the growing diversity of beliefs, values, and ideals represented at West Springfield. 

Theatre

In the 1990s, the theatre sector of the arts departments continued to perform plays, one-acts, and improvisation scenes that evoked a variety of emotions within their audience.

The fall and spring plays were important events within the Springfield community. The theatre department was known for its high-production plays and quality actors. As the most dramatic of the three departments, the theatre department had the potential to portray a story and its characters in a way that was fiery and passionate, or gentle and awkward, striking an emotional chord within the audience.