Embedded Files
Updated Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Band Notes 2026 - 2027
Back to School!
The band directors, Mrs. Steber, Mrs. Kemp, and Mr. Martinez, are very excited to welcome the students back to school next week. This note is just to touch base before school starts.
Band Information: Please bookmark the band website and check it from time to time. We have noticed that email blasts can get blocked by well intentioned spam filters or buried under the masses of email. We will still email, but if you notice that you haven't heard from us in a while, check the "Band Notes" page. It is our goal to utilize this page more frequently this year, and copy any mass communication here so that all parents can access it as needed.
Start of Year Information: We have linked all the Start of Year band information on the band website. You will find links to:
Band Calendar - Printed calendars will be sent home at the beginning of the school year. In the meantime, you can view it on the Calendar Page of the band website.
Concert, Symphonic, Honor, Wind Ensemble Bands Supply List and Uniform Information
Beginner Band: Need to rent an instrument? If you have confirmed your instrument selection with Mrs. Steber, but have not made arrangements for it yet you will want to take care of that as soon as possible. This close to the beginning of school there is often a rush on the stores. The sooner you make arrangements with the music store, the better. You can find supply lists and a map to local music stores via the links above or by visiting the Resources page of the band website. Not sure of your instrument confirmation? Please email SusanISteber@katyisd.org to confirm.
Concert/Symphonic/Honor/Wind Ensemble Band Instruments and Supplies If you are continuing in the Beckendorff Band, you likely already have most of the items on the supply list, but it never hurts to double check and make sure you can find it all before school starts. Please refer to the Performing Band Supply List. If you are missing something, you should be able to get them from one of Katy's local music stores.
Please don’t bring anything band related on the very first day of school. We will need to show you where to store your things and don’t want you to have to carry it to all of your other classes! You will bring it on the second day.
Can I drop off my instrument at Cub Camp/Bear Blast on August 7 during Meet the Teacher?
Beginner Band: YES! We will start working with your supplies very quickly once school starts, so this is a great time to drop your instrument and supplies off so they are ready to go!
Concert/Symphonic/Honor/Wind Ensemble: No, you need your instrument at home to practice on so that you are ready to play on the second day of school. Speaking of that....
2nd/3rd year students: Make sure your instrument is in good working order this week. It is a good idea to oil valves/grease slides/check reeds/etc. and play this week. If you need to get supplies at the music store, now is a good time to do it. The closer you get to the start of school, the busier the music stores are and some supplies can run out. If you need a supply list you can visit our band website to access it on the Resources page.
How do I know which band I am scheduled in? Beginner Band classes will have the instrument listed on your class schedule so you should be all set by looking at your schedule. But performing bands are coded differently. Those students will see Band 1, 2, or 3. The number only refers to how long they have been in band at Beckendorff, not the name of their band.
To know which band you are in, look at what class period it meets.
Performing Band Periods
2nd period – Concert Band
3rd period – Symphonic Band
4th period – Honor Band
5th period – Wind Ensemble
Beginner Band Periods*
1st period - Beginner Clarinet, Trombone, Flute
6th period - Beginner Percussion
7th period - Beginner Trumpet, Tuba, Euphonium, Saxophone
8th period - Jazz Band, Beginner French Horn, Oboe, Bassoon
*Questions about your instrument? Please email SusanISteber@katyisd.org for help.
Parent Volunteers It is impossible to manage a band program of this size without the generous support of our parent volunteers. There will be many opportunites throughout the year to help; from donations of post rehearsal snacks, party organization and planning, to chaperones at our many band performances and events. We truly couldn't do it without you.
Katy ISD uses the Raptor Volunteer Initiative to help streamline volunteer activities across campuses, and it is time to register or renew for the new school year. Please visit our Band Volunteer page where you can find information about how to register as a volunteer. Thank you!
Other questions? We have tried to address the most frequently asked questions with this note. If you don't see the answer to your question here, please visit the FAQ page on our website, or send one of the directors an email. We are happy to help with any questions you might have. We are so excited to start the school year and can't wait to see you!
Susan Steber, Head Band Director
Lela Kemp, Assistant Band Director
Lucas Martinez, Assistant Band Director
Page updated
Report abuse