Performing Ensembles

Symphonic Band is scheduled 1st period and meets daily 8:10-8:56. The band performs advanced level concert band literature and is expected to perform at the highest caliber. As a result, participation in the Symphonic Band is quite rigorous and requires significant practice. Students are required to attend sectionals and one-on-one sessions outside of school throughout the year. Due to the Texas No Pass, No Play Law, students must earn passing grades for all classes at the end of the nine weeks grading period. Students not meeting the grading requirements will not be eligible to participate in the all-region selection process and UIL solo & ensemble contest. Members are required to learn and pass-off the high school all-region etudes and audition for the all-region band. Students are also required to participate in the UIL solo & ensemble competition. Members are strongly encouraged to get involved in our private lesson program. The Symphonic Band performs at several concerts throughout the year including UIL Concert/Sight-Reading Contest and concert band festivals. Auditions for concert bands will be held in May for the following school year.

Concert Band is scheduled 2nd period and meets daily 9:00-9:50. The band performs upper level high school concert band literature and is expected to perform at the highest caliber. Students are required to attend sectionals and one-on-one sessions outside of school throughout the year. Due to the Texas No Pass, No Play Law, students must earn passing grades for all classes at the end of the nine weeks grading period. Students not meeting the grading requirements will not be eligible to participate in the all-region selection process and UIL solo & ensemble contest. Members are required to learn and pass-off the 9th grad all-region excerpts and is strongly encouraged to participate in the all-region band audition process. Students are also required to participate in the UIL solo & ensemble competition. Members are encouraged to get involved in our private lesson program. Concert Band performs several concerts throughout the year including UIL Concert/Sight-reading Contest and concert band festivals. Auditions for concert bands will be held in May for the following school year.

Jazz Band is scheduled 8th period and meets daily 3:09-3:55. The Jazz Program offers a wide opportunity in our program to study various genres of music. The Jazz Ensemble will focus on Big Band ensemble techniques and styles. Rock and Blues will also be studied. Members of the Jazz Ensemble must also participate in one of the other two band classes. There will be exceptions granted for guitar, bass guitar, and piano if necessary. The Jazz Combo will focus on small ensemble jazz playing, emphasizing improvisation. 

Due to the Texas No Pass, No Play Law, students must earn passing grades for all classes at the end of the nine weeks grading period. Students not meeting the grading requirements will not be eligible to participate in the all-region selection process and jazz festivals. Members are strongly encouraged to get involved in our private lesson program. The Jazz Band performs at several concerts throughout the year including jazz band festivals in the Spring. Auditions for jazz band will be held in May for the following school year.

The Color Guard is scheduled 3rd period and meets daily 10:28-11:14. Students are required to attend sectionals and one-on-one sessions outside of school throughout the year. Due to the Texas No Pass, No Play Law, students must earn passing grades for all classes at the end of the nine weeks grading period. Students not meeting the grading requirements will not be eligible to participate in any color guard competitions.

Color Guard is known as the “Sport of the Arts,” and involves learning many different skills: jazz, ballet, and modern dance technique, equipment skills on flag, rifle and saber, theatrical skills, musical skills, and strength, coordination, and endurance. It is a year-round activity: fall semester is primarily spent as a part of the marching band, and mid-November through April is winter guard season.

Potential members do not need to have any prior experience, but must attend the weeklong clinic & tryout in the spring. All members are required to be in the class during the school day, attend before and after school rehearsals, and participate in fundraising activities.