Join our Band Family!

Welcome Stripling Band Members!

SMS Honor Band

After listening to 16 of the best bands in Area B Honor Band, Stripling ranked 1st place in Class 2C for Region 5 which involves the following districts:

Fort Worth ISD
Mansfield ISD
Arlington ISD
Grand Prairie ISD
Midlothian ISD
Cedar Hill ISD

And ranked 8th overall (4 spots away from advancing to State), in Area B! We are very proud of everyone!

12 things your student learns by studying music

Self-confidence

Coordination

Teamwork

Comprehension

Problem Solving

Discipline

Arts Appreciation

Reasoning

Communicating

Conceptualizing

Value Judgments

Accountability

THE INSTRUMENTS

FLUTE

The flute is the highest pitched instrument in the beginning band. The flute is made of silver and is played by blowing across an opening in one end while the fingers press keys to change notes. With it's clear, penetrating sound, the flute often plays the melody in the band.

Students who play the flute are detailed and persistent!

CLARINET

The clarinet is a popular choice for Beginning Band. The sound is a large, beautiful woody texture with an extensive range. The mouthpiece and reed produce the sound.

Students who play the clarinet are determined and love a challenge!

OBOE

The oboe is similar in appearance to a clarinet, but it is played using a double reed instead of a single reed to produce its brilliant and distinct sound. Soloistic and melodious, the oboe is a special part of the band. The oboe is a special instrument, and only a select few students will be chosen for oboe.

Students who play the oboe are diligent, dependable, studious, and COMMITTED.

Bassoon

The bassoon, like the oboe, is a double reed instrument and only a few select students will be chosen for the bassoon. It is the lowest sounding member of the woodwind family with it's dignified and majestic sound. The bassoon is one of the most specialized instruments in the band. Universities and colleges seek out bassoonists who often receive substantial scholarships.

Students who play the bassoon enjoy puzzles, hard work, and are COMMITTED!

saxophone

The saxophone is a woodwind instrument even thought it is made of brass. Most people know the saxophone as they have heard it in jazz or rock music. This instrument is versatile and is also used in the concert band. Some saxophone players will also have the opportunity to play tenor or baritone saxophones after the beginning year.

Students who play the saxophone are driven and competitive!

trumpet

The trumpet is the highest instrument of the brass family. It is recognized by its bright and clear sound. The trumpet is frequently used to play melody. Like some of the other instruments in the band, the trumpet is also used in jazz and pop music. Similar to most brass instruments, the trumpet has three valves and is played by vibrating one's lips on a mouthpiece.

Students who play the trumpet at confident and enthusiastic!

FRENCH HORN

The French horn, also a member of the brass family, produces sound by buzzing into a small mouthpiece similar to a trumpet. Students with good musical ears, such as choir students, tend to be the most successful on this instrument. Recognized by its distinct coil shape, the french horn is one of the most commonly heard instruments in movie soundtracks. It has the widest range of any brass instrument.

Students who play the french horn are studious, inquisitive, and determined!

trombone

The trombone, easily recognized by its long slide, is one of the most powerful instruments in the band. The slide is not marked with positions so having a good ear is a must. Playing primarily in the lower range of the band, the trombone is used both as a melodic and a supporting instrument. Trombones are used in virtually every type of music, including jazz, blues, rock, and symphony orchestra.

Students who play the trombone are dependable, detail-oriented, and coordinated.

euphonium

The euphonium (you-PHONE-knee-yum), sometimes known as the baritone, is a member of the brass family and looks like a miniature tuba. Its sound is similar to that of a trombone, but it uses valves like a trumpet instead of a slide. Though originally designed as a harmony instrument, the euphonium has grown to become one of the most popular band instruments for solo playing in the most recent years due to its rich sound.

Students who play the euphonium are artistic and unique!

tuba

The tuba is the most important instrument in the band. It is the largest and lowest of the wind instruments. Despite its large size, even the smallest students can handle the tuba with proper instruction. Good tuba players are generally intelligent and assertive, with a passion for their instrument. Tuba players do not have to carry their instruments home every night. Instead, they will be issued an instrument to take home and leave home for practice.

Students who play the tuba are reliable and consistent!

percussion

Often referred to as “drums”, this name is actually a very incomplete description of what is involved in playing percussion. Percussionists learn to play a number of instruments, including mallet instruments like bells and xylophone, battery percussion like the snare and bass drums, and accessory percussion instruments like the tambourine and triangle. Enrollment for this course is limited and students wishing to play percussion will need to score in the top of the evaluation before being placed on this instrument.

Students who play percussion are reliable, committed, and hard-working!

FAQ

Q: Do I have to know anything about music to join Band?

A: Most students who start band have little or no prior musical training. We start from “scratch” in all phases. Those students with former training will find it an aid in their advancement.

Q: Who will be in Band?

A: Your friends and fellow classmates will join you in what will be some of the most exciting times of your school days. We are currently one of the largest spirit organizations with more than 150 band members at Stripling Middle School. Many of our band students are among the leaders in academic achievement, school spirit, and club activities.

Q: What are the advantages of being in Band?

A: The most obvious is learning to play an instrument for your own pleasure. Other advantages include: Concerts, Contests, Trips, Parties, and the opportunity to play in one of our Award Winning High School Bands!

Q: What instrument do I have to choose from and how do I choose?

A: If you have chosen Band as your elective, you will attend the SMS Band Instrument Drive. Your child will have the opportunity to try out many different instruments and we will select the one best suited for them.

In Middle School, Beginning Band Students are divided into classes, which include:

Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe & Bassoon, Clarinet, and Saxophone.

Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, and Euphonium & Tuba

Percussion: Mallet Keyboard, Timpani, Bass Drum & Cymbals, and Snare Drum

Q: What does the band director look for in helping me select an instrument?

A: We look for a good attitude, a desire to be in the band, and willingness to WORK HARD and have fun! We also look at teeth (braces are ok) and mouth formation, finger coordination and the band’s instrumentation needs.

Q: How do I get an instrument?

A: You may rent from a our school inventory, rent from a music company, or purchase an instrument. Most parents rent an instrument with an option to buy at a later date from music companies.

Q: Are used instruments acceptable in the Band?

A: Some are. If you wish to purchase or otherwise obtain a used instrument for your child, please let us help you evaluate it before you invest. An inferior quality instrument will only handicap your child and could possibly cost you more in repairs than the instrument is worth.

Q: Are there any school instruments available?

A: Absolutely. Instruments are first come first serve basis. So please attend the instrument tryouts! These instruments are owned by FWISD and are available for a maintenance fee paid to SMS.

Q: Can my child participate in sports, dance, and cheerleading while taking Band?

A: Absolutely! We encourage our band members to participate in athletics and other activities. Many of our band members are the star athletes and cheerleaders at Stripling MS as well as leaders in all academics!

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