About Our School

Our School

    Smithson Valley Middle School is located in Spring Branch, Texas, about 20 miles north of San Antonio. 

We are a part of the Comal Independent School District.

    With a total enrollment of more than 950 students, SVMS offers fine arts electives in band, choir, orchestra, theatre, dance, and art. The Band Program at SVMS is one of the largest organizations on campus, with over 250 students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Students in the 7th and 8th grades are divided into 3 performance-based ensembles, known as the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band.

    Every day in rehearsals, a solid emphasis is placed on developing each student's character, work ethic, and drive for success while encouraging teamwork and leadership throughout all grade levels. Our hope is that the young people of SVMS will grow to become better people, students, and musicians through their participation in the SVMS Band.

The Beginning Year

    Students begin playing their instruments in the 6th grade in like-instrument classes that meet for 45 minutes each day. During their first year, students work to establish a solid fundamental foundation, develop proper individual practice habits, learn how to operate in the band environment, and grow stronger in their music literacy and performance skills. Our goal is to provide a productive and structured atmosphere where kids can have fun making music together, while also building the foundation for future musical and educational success.

    Students perform in two beginning band concerts during their 6th-grade year; one in December and one in May.

Extending Skills in 7th & 8th Grade

    Seventh and eighth-grade band students audition for and are placed in one of three bands, which perform at many events throughout the year, including:

• various school concerts

• individual and small ensemble contests

• pep rallies

• the Texas U.I.L. Concert and Sight Reading Contest

• and a concert festival in Dallas each May (as part of an overnight trip at the end of the year). 

     Students in the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Bands are expected to participate in one section rehearsal each week where they will have the opportunity to work more closely with the band directors in like-instrument rehearsals before or after school.

    All grade levels are strongly encouraged to take private lessons where available. IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CHILD TO BE ENROLLED IN PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A ONE-ON-ONE INSTRUCTOR, PLEASE CONTACT A BAND DIRECTOR FOR MORE INFORMATION!

    The 7th and 8th grade band classes at SVMS prepare young people to be great students in band and academic classes, while also providing them with the performance and rehearsal skills necessary to be successful future members of the Smithson Valley High School Ranger Band.  With an emphasis on instrument fundamentals, musical performance, and student responsibility, the SVMS Band offers a well-rounded learning environment for all students.