Fine Arts / Band

Beginning Band is designed to teach the basic fundamentals of playing a band instrument. Areas of focus will include characteristic tone, tonality, meter, rhythm, form, articulation, dynamics, balance, notation/terminology, melody/line, harmony, scales/patterns, posture, hand position, and technique. Each student will provide his/her own instrument for this class with the exception of oboe, bassoon, horn, euphonium, tuba, and large percussion instruments which will be provided by the school for a small fee. Students will perform in concerts outside the school day during the school year. Students will have the opportunity to perform at a solo festival and concert festival in the spring. Limited outside-of-school rehearsals and performances will be required. No previous musical experience is necessary. Course placement is determined by audition. This is a full year course.

Symphonic Band provides an opportunity for students to continue instrumental development at an advanced level. Through appropriate literature for this level, students will focus on continued development of characteristic tone, tonality, meter, rhythm, form, articulation, dynamics, balance, notation/terminology, melody/line, harmony, scales/patterns, posture, hand position, and technique. Students will perform at concerts on and off campus including UIL competitions. Students may participate in individual activities such as solo and ensemble contest and All-Region auditions. Student attendance at rehearsals and performances outside of school will be required. Course placement is determined by audition. This is a full-year course.

Wind Ensemble provides an opportunity for students to continue instrumental development to a mastery level. Through appropriate literature for this level students will focus on continued development of characteristic tone, tonality, meter, rhythm, form, articulation, dynamics, balance, notation/terminology, melody/line, harmony, scales/patterns, posture, hand position, and technique. Students will perform at concerts on and off campus including UIL competitions. Students may participate in individual activities such as solo and ensemble contest and All-Region auditions. Student attendance at rehearsals and performances outside of school will be required. Course placement is determined by audition. This is a full-year course.