Band is FUN
Band is a FAMILY
Band is a place to BELONG
MRS. CHRISTA MARTIEN, DIRECTOR OF BANDS
Mrs. Christa Martien is in her fourth year of teaching at McLean Middle School and her eighth year with the Fort Worth Independent School District. Before joining McLean, she taught at Southwest High School for four years. A native of El Paso, Texas, Mrs. Martien graduated from Coronado High School and went on to study Music Education at Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, she studied oboe under Ms. Amy Anderson and performed with the university’s top ensembles as well as the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra.
Under her direction, the McLean Wind Ensemble has consistently earned superior ratings at contests. The 2025 Music for All National Festival will be the ensemble’s first national performance. Mrs. Martien is passionate about helping students from all backgrounds achieve success and find joy through music education.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Martien enjoys photography and spending time with her husband, Nik, and their daughter, Leighton.
MR. JACOB GANDY, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BANDS
Jacob Gandy is a third-year band director and a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington. He plays the French Horn and currently plays principal horn with the Mansfield Philharmonic. He continues to participate in the Fort Worth community through music education and performances and enjoys both greatly. Outside of music, Jacob enjoys hiking in national parks and caring for his house plants and garden, combining his love for the outdoors with his creative pursuits. These interests bring balance and inspiration to his work and personal life.
One of the most fun nights of the year!
Wind Ensemble Recording A Longford Legend Mvt 2 at TCU in February of 2023 to compete in a National Competition
Scroll through the pictures (left) to see how FUN band is at McLean!!
We offer 2 types of band classes at McLean.
Beginning Band: 0 years band experience
Intermediate or Advanced Band: 1 or 2 years of band experience
If you are enrolled in one of the band classes above, you may take these additional classes:
Jazz Band
Band Assistant
Got questions? Email Head Director Christa Martien at christa.white@fwisd.org.
Can I be in band AND another busy elective, such as athletics/theater/JCC?
Absolutely! The band directors, coaches, and other teachers at McLean communicate ahead of time to be sure that you will have as few schedule conflicts as possible. We make sure that the teachers work out any schedule conflicts between games, performances, and practices so that students are not caught in the middle.
What kind of trips and social events are there?
In a typical year, we have many trips and events throughout the year, including:
Spring Trip to an amusement park (Itz, Alley Cats, Six Flags)
Paschal Football Game (we even perform at halftime!)
Bass Hall Concert
Band Banquet
Fall Band Lock In
Social Events throughout the year, planned by Band Council
Even with the pandemic going on, we have found many ways to have fun and engaging events and concerts, including our Drive By Winter Concert, Virtual Midwinter Mini Concert, virtual Band Banquet, and more!
How much does band cost?
While we do have a band due to help our band boosters cover the cost of band t-shirts, food/drink, and events & trips, we firmly believe that money is never a reason not to be in band. It is our priority to make sure that we work with all students and financial situations to ensure that EVERY student can be a part of our band family.
How do I get an instrument?
We have school owned instruments available for a small semesterly fee, but also encourage students to rent or purchase their own instrument from NTune Music. Remember, money is never a reason not to be in band--if you want to play an instrument, we will find a way to make it work for you!!
Have more questions? Email Head Director Christa Martien at christa.white@fwisd.org.
What are the band classes called?
Each band class has both 7th and 8th graders in it, placed in the class through an audition process.
Wind Ensemble, or Varsity: This is our most advanced band, with students competing at All Region, Solo & Ensemble, and UIL each year. It is mainly 8th graders with advanced 7th graders.
Symphonic Band or Non Varsity A: This is our 2nd most advanced band, with students competing at Solo & Ensemble and the FWISD Festival of Bands each year. It is a fairly even mix of both 7th and 8th graders.
Concert Band or Non Varsity B: This band is divided between woodwinds and brass, and focuses on Solo Contest as well as our 3 concerts. It is made up of mostly 7th graders.
Do I have to be in 8th grade to be in varsity band?
Definitely not! All 7th and 8th graders are eligible to be in the varsity band. All students are placed into a band class based on a variety of aspects including playing ability, dedication, responsibility, and effort in the band program--not their grade level.
Do I have to do anything outside of school?
Yes, there will be some commitments outside of school. Students will participate in 3 concerts per year: Fall Concert, Winter Concert, and Spring Concert. Our competitive bands also perform at the FWISD Festival of Bands and/or UIL.
Students in Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will have 1-2 practices (called a sectional) per week for approximately 1-1.5 hours.
In addition to being enrolled in a regular band class, band students may take the following additional classes if interested.
Do I need to know anything about jazz before I join Jazz Band?
There is no prior knowledge needed to join Jazz Band. This class is designed for students who have never done jazz, but want to learn! We also encourage 8th graders who took Jazz Band in 7th grade to continue learning jazz to work on improvisation, soloing, and more.
What instruments can be in Jazz Band?
We are welcoming any and all instruments into Jazz Band. Students who take private lessons on piano or guitar have the option to play in Jazz Band, pending director approval.
How many Band Assistants will there be?
We can have between 1 and 3 Band Assistants in each class throughout 6 class periods. Band assistants help with the music library, instrument inventory, and mentoring other band students on their music.
Band is FUN
Band is a FAMILY
Band is a place to BELONG
Join our Band Family for the 2025-2026 school year!!!