GCISD HS Band Program
Band is a rigorous, full year course concentrating on the continued development of fundamental wind and percussion skills. The curriculum focuses mainly on marching band in the fall and concert band in the spring. The rehearsal and performance schedules are very demanding, including outside-of-school practices, football games, pep rallies, contests, sectionals, and concerts. Students in all bands are members of a team and are required to participate in all team activities outside of the school day including rehearsals, concerts and performances. Participation in fall marching band allows students to earn .5 credit of the required 1 PE credit required towards graduation. So, two years of participation in band satisfies the PE requirement. Participation in two years of band also satisfies the 1 fine arts credit required for graduation. Students enrolling in any band course are required to participate in marching band, including all rehearsals and performances. Additional expenses for supplies and required fees are associated with this activity. The campus activity sponsor will provide a specific list of costs.
GCISD District-owned Instrument Usage Fee
All wind and percussion performers who utilize a district-owned instrument are assessed a $50 instrument usage fee per semester to cover maintenance and repair of that instrument through the normal wear and tear produced in a season. Participation in this activity requires additional fees which will be communicated through parent meetings before the start of the year. For more specific costs, please contact the activity sponsor at the campus. Students will be given several opportunities to earn money through fundraisers which can be used to cover any costs throughout the year.
BAND Sub Non-Varsity B (CHHS-Concert II; GHS-Concert)
(Enrollment Based)
Course No. FASB1A
Semesters: 2; Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Director Approval. Previous Band experience required.
Sub Non-Varsity B band is an auditioned group composed primarily of students continuing to develop their basic performance skills. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of proper tone production, technical ability and sight-reading skills. Depending on instrumentation year-to-year, this ensemble may or may not compete at UIL or other outside band competitions. Students perform music of many genres and styles. Private lessons are encouraged. Students will be required to audition with a HS band director for approval into this course.
BAND Sub Non-Varsity A (CHHS-Concert I; GHS-Symphonic)
(Enrollment Based)
Course No. FASA1A
Semesters: 2; Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Director Approval. Previous band experience required.
Sub Non-Varsity A band is an auditioned group composed primarily of students with intermediate tone production, technical ability and sight-reading skills. Students are expected to perform at solo & ensemble contest and are strongly encouraged to audition for the TMEA All-Region Band if they are taking private lessons. Students perform music of many genres and styles at an intermediate level. Private lessons are encouraged. Students will be required to audition with a HS band director for approval into this course.
BAND Non-Varsity (CHHS-Symphonic; GHS-Honors)
(Enrollment Based)
Course No. FAHB1A
Semesters: 2; Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Director Approval. Previous band experience required.
Non-Varsity band is an auditioned group composed primarily of students with advanced tone production, technical ability and sight-reading skills. Students are required to audition for the TMEA All-Region Band and to perform at Solo & Ensemble contest. Students perform music of many genres and styles at an advanced level. Private lessons are required. Students will be required to audition with a HS band director for approval into this course.
BAND Varsity (CHHS-Wind Symphony; GHS-Wind Ensemble)
(Enrollment Based)
Course No. FABV1A
Semesters: 2; Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Director Approval. Previous band experience required.
Varsity band is an auditioned group composed primarily of students with exceptional tone production, technical ability and sight-reading skills. Students are required to audition for the TMEA All-Region & All-State Band and to perform at solo & ensemble contest. Students perform music of many genres and styles at a very challenging level. Students will be required to audition with a HS band director for approval into this course. Private lessons are required.
BAND Jazz I-IV
Course No. FABJ1A/B, FABJ2A/B, FABJ3A/B, FABJ4A/B
Prerequisite: Audition; Director approval and concurrent band class enrollment where applicable.
Semesters: 2
Jazz Band offers instrumental students the opportunity to learn and perform outstanding jazz literature from multiple styles, genres, and time periods. The band performs at a high level, requiring students to have prior training and experience, and to successfully complete an audition. Because of the standardized instrumentation requirements, enrollment in the ensemble is limited. As part of the class, students will perform at various venues and events throughout the fall and spring semesters. For more information about the band or to set up an audition, please contact the band director.
BAND Percussion
(Enrollment Based)
Course No. FABP1A
Semesters: 2; Credits: 1
Prerequisite: Director Approval. Previous band experience required.
Percussion is an auditioned group composed entirely of students with prior percussion training at the middle or high school levels. Students perform music of many genres and styles at a very challenging level. Percussion students will be required to perform at all band performances as well as additional percussion performances over the course of the fall and spring semesters. Students are required to audition for the TMEA All-Region & All-State Band and to perform at solo & ensemble contest. Private lessons are required. Students will be required to audition with a HS band director for approval into this course.