Ensembles

The Honor Band at New Tech middle school is composed of the highest-level musicians on campus.  It is the most rigorous music course offered.  The members of the Honor Band will be selected by audition or hand based on their accomplishments on their respective instruments.  Scholars will participate in contests such as UIL, All-Region auditions run by TMEA , Solo Contest. Students will also perform in school events and public concerts.

Symphonic Band is designed to help scholars learn how to perform daily in a band setting and push their individual skills to a higher level. This course will prepare students for Honor Band as well as High School Band. Scholars in the symphonic band will participate in contests such as UIL and Solo Contest based on their ability and readiness.  Students will also perform in school events and public concerts. 

The Concert Band is designed for scholars who are continuing their band journey and may benefit from a more gradually paced learning environment. This ensemble focuses on building fundamental musical skills, ensemble playing, and instrument technique in preparation for potential advancement to higher-level ensembles. Students in this group will participate in school performances and may be considered for contests and events based on their progress and readiness.

This course is the entry-level band course for 6th Grade Scholars. It is designed for the scholar who has no prior musical experience and would like to explore the world of instrumental music through band. Beginning band scholars will learn musical notation, basic music theory, the physical operations of wind band and percussive instruments as well as how to interact with other musicians in an ensemble setting.

Advanced level 7th and 8th graders apply the musical skills developed in their primary band class to learning and performing jazz, swing, pop, rock, blues, Latin music, showmanship, and basic improvisation. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day. Scholars are selected for this ensemble by ensemble need and director recommendation.

Intermediate level 7th and 8th grade scholars apply the musical skills developed in their primary band class to beginning jazz performance and the study of jazz, swing, pop, rock, blues, Latin music, showmanship, and basic improvisation. This course may include rehearsals and performances outside the school day. Scholars are selected for this ensemble based on ensemble need and director recommendation.