AISD Band Program

Students continually develop musical artistry as individuals and as a group.Marching band season is the first semester, and concert season is the second semester. Performances include football game half-time shows, pep rallies, marching contests, concerts throughout the year, and competition both for the individual student and the band as a whole.  PE Substitution credit for participation in the Marching Band activity outside of the school day, which meets the graduation requirement for one credit of PE.

The Visual Ensemble is the visual unit of the band program. Students from the JV Dance Program and Color Guard Program participate with the Marching Band in the fall semester. The principles of dance and kinesthetic awareness are developed in tandem with the use of equipment, which includes flags, rifles, and sabers. Some proficiency in dance skills is preferred, although not required. Students enrolled in a Color Guard or Dance course during the fall semester of their freshman and sophomore years will receive PE Substitution credit for participation in the Marching Band activity outside of the school day, which meets the graduation requirement for one credit of PE.

The Winter Guard perform independently from the band in Winter Guard competitions from January through April. The principles of dance and kinesthetic awareness are developed in tandem with the use of equipment, which includes flags, rifles, and sabers. Some proficiency in dance skills is preferred, although not required. Students enrolled in a Color Guard during the fall semester of their freshman and sophomore years will receive PE Substitution credit for participation in the Marching Band activity outside of the school day, which meets the graduation requirement for one credit of PE.

Students explore the styles and rhythms utilized in American jazz through performance and improvisation. Performances include special functions, concerts throughout the year, and competition both for the individual students and the band as a whole. 

Students are trained to read and understand the language of music. Concepts taught in the course include music fundamentals, simple harmony, ear training, and elementary composition. 

Students will explore their musical creativity through the use of computers, electronic pianos, mixers, burners, scanners, cameras, and more.

Students learn important fundamental skills as they progress through the band program. Students will have the opportunity to play one of the following eleven instruments, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba and Percussion. Students that participate in the beginning band will have the skills to participate in one of the 7th & 8th grade performing bands the following year. 

Important musical concepts such as rhythmic notation, music note identification, instrumental fingerings, and tone production will be covered in this class. It is an engaging and fun-filled class where students with and without prior musical knowledge will be challenged while learning new and exciting skills.