The Wind Ensemble is a performing group made up of a mix of 7th and 8th grade students equivalent to a high school level class. Students in this band must be proficient on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. The Wind Ensemble students will have one 60-minute sectional 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. In addition, students in Wind Ensemble are expected to try out for the NISD District Middle School band and the Region 2 All Region Band. Students will also be expected to participate in the NISD Solo & Ensemble contest. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to check the band calendar and incorporate the scheduled events into their family calendar. In order to maintain a high level of performance, Wind Ensemble students will need to practice 20 to 30 minutes daily. It is also recommended that the student participate in the district supplemental private lesson program.
The Symphonic Band is a performing group made up of a mix of 7th and 8th grade students equivalent to a 8th grade level class. Students in this band must be proficient on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. The Symphonic Band students will have one 45 – 60 minute sectional rehearsal per week as well as some extra full band rehearsals throughout the year. Students in these bands are expected to participate in the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, pep rallies, and contests. It is required that the Symphonic Band students participate in the All-Star band tryouts and all students are expected to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Contest. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to check the band calendar and incorporate the scheduled events into their family calendar. In order to maintain a high level of performance, Symphonic Band students will need to practice 20 to 30 minutes daily. It is also recommended that the student participate in the district supplemental private lesson program.
The Concert Band is a performing group made up of a mix of 7th and 8th grade students equivalent to a 7th grade level class. Students in this band must be proficient on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. Students in these bands are expected to participate in the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, pep rallies, and contests. It is recommended that the Symphonic Band students participate in the All-Star band tryouts and all students are expected to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Contest. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to check the band calendar and incorporate the scheduled events into their family calendar. In order to maintain a high level of performance, Symphonic Band students will need to practice 15 to 20 minutes daily. It is also recommended that the student participate in the district supplemental private lesson program.
The Beginner Band is a fundamental class designed for beginning 6th grade students. Students will meet in like-instrument classes and will learn the necessary skills for instrumental performance. The Beginner Band is intended as a training ground to prepare each student to participate in one of the 3 performing bands the following year. Students will learn many musical and instrumental concepts and will perform scales, music and band literature throughout the year. Basic music concepts such as rhythm notation, music note identification, instrumental fingerings and tone production will be covered in this class. The Beginner Band will also perform at the winter and spring concerts as well as participate in a contest for Beginner Bands in the spring. Students are also expected to participate in the Solo & Ensemble contest in April. It is recommended that each student practices an average of 15 minutes per day 5 days a week. Supplemental private lessons are available and are recommended by the directors.