AMS Band Program

Advanced bands (7th/8th grade)

We use the term "Advanced Bands" to differentiate between our 6th grade beginners and our 7th and 8th grade students who have completed at least one year of instruction on their instrument. All band students will get to perform at every concert, go on all of the social events/trips we plan, and be fully involved and included in the band program!

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At Argyle Middle School, we split our band students into 2 different ability-based bands, so that we can meet every child’s needs and give every student the attention they deserve.

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Our goal is for every student to move up at least one band from their 7th grade year to their 8th grade year if they are ready for it, and the VAST majority of students are!

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There will be​ 2 ability-based bands at Argyle Middle School:

1. Symphonic Band (comprised of mostly 7th graders)

2. Honor Winds (comprised of mostly 8th graders)

We will have auditions for band placements before spring break. The main things we use to base our decisions on:

• Student ability level and work ethic

  • We do a locker check EVERY Friday to see who is taking instruments home to practice​

• Passoffs, homework assignments, flipgrids, playing tests, Band Olympics (6th grade students)

• Band class grade and maturity/behavior

• Private lesson enrollment

• Student achievement and behavior in other classes

• Instrumentation needs in the various band classes

  • There's only a certain amount of instruments we can have in each class to have a balanced sound​

We will also check in with your students and ask them if they have any preferences on which band they would like to be in!

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BAND BREAKDOWN:

Beginner Band

The Beginner Band is the first step in the journey as a member of the Argyle Middle School Band.  Students in the Beginner Band will enjoy instrument specific classes where they can learn to play their chosen instrument in a small-group setting.  Students will learn all of the skills necessary to perform concerts for your family and friends!

The Beginner Band will perform several concerts throughout the first year, perform a solo on their instrument by the end of the year, as well as travel to the North Texas Festival of Distinction to compete against bands from around the state.

Symphonic Band

Symphonic Winds is a new class for fall 2024 intended to fill the gap between Symphonic Band and Honor Winds.

Symphonic Band is an advanced performing ensemble with students who have at least one year of experience. Symphonic Band is the equivalent of compacted math or a Pre-AP level content and we typically compare it to an on-level 8th grade class in terms of the expectations and rigor.. Students in this band must be very proficient on their instruments and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. Symphonic Band students will have one 75-minute sectional rehearsal per week as well as some extra full band rehearsals throughout the year. Students in this band are expected to participate in the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, pep rallies, and contests.

All students are expected to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Contest. It is also HIGHLY recommended that students participate in the district supplemental private lesson program. 

Symphonic Band is under the direction of Mr. Frybergh.

Honor Winds

Honor Winds is our most advanced ensemble, designed to emphasize continued individual development in areas such as technique, tone, and music literacy through a progressive curriculum of upper middle school and high school level music literature. Honor Winds is the equivalent of accelerated math or an AP level course and is typically 90-95% 8th grade students. Students in this band must be highly proficient on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time at home. Honor Winds students are expected to practice at least 15 minutes daily outside of class.

All Honor Winds students will have one 75-minute sectional rehearsal per week as well as a full band rehearsal every Friday after school. Honor Winds students will meet TWICE per week before/after school. Students in this band are required to participate in the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, pep rallies, and contests. In addition, each student will audition for the TMEA All Region Band and expected to participate in the Solo & Ensemble contest. 

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It is also required that the student participate in the district supplemental private lesson program.

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Honor Winds is under the direction of Mrs. Cote.

Jazz Band

This course is by director recommendation only and students must also be concurrently enrolled in one of our advanced band classes.

We are excited to offer a Jazz Band at Argyle Middle School! This class meets during the school day only and will perform at all of our concerts as well as some outside of school events.

Jazz band is an optional class that our band students can sign up for in addition to their regular band class. Our Jazz Band students will have the chance to explore different genres and styles of music including Swing, Funk, Latin, Waltz, etc. Students will learn about the rich history of jazz music and musicians and develop new skills including music theory, improvisation, and solo writing. No jazz experience is necessary! Any students interested in jazz band must also be signed up for band.

Jazz Band is under the direction of Mr. Frybergh