Fine Arts Department
Band
Middle School Band
Middle School Band instruction begins in the sixth grade in the Garland Independent School District. During the first year, students study tone production, fingerings, rhythm, instrument care, and basic musical terms. In most cases, students are divided in "like-instrument" classes. Performance skills on simple melodies are developed and students are given several opportunities to perform in concerts and band competitions.After the initial year, students are assigned to one of three performing bands (Honors, Symphonic and Concert) based on their mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. In addition to further development of their basic fundamental skills, these bands offer a variety of performance opportunities including concerts, pep rallies, football games and UIL contests. Students are also encouraged to participate in individual events such as Solo & Ensemble Contest and All-City Band tryouts.Interested in enrolling in middle school band? Simply select one of the band choices on the choice of subject form which will be available at the elementary schools in February. After the form has been turned in, the band director from the middle school which you have chosen will contact you and invite you to a beginning band information meeting where your child will be matched to the instrument that fits him/her the best. It is vital that all students go through this process and not just sign up for the class that they want. If you have not heard from the band director by April 1st, you can call them at their school for more information.
High School Band
Course in band studies at the high school level include Honors, Symphonic, Concert and Jazz Bands as well as Fundamental Band Studies and Instrumental Ensemble. Each student must complete an audition which demonstrates his/her mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and is then placed in the level-appropriate band. All bands combine to form the marching band which performs at athletic events as well as state-wide competitions.The performance opportunities for the various bands include concerts, community performances, football games, pep rallies and contests. Students are also encouraged to participate in individual activities such as UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest, All-City Band Tryouts, All-Region, Area, and State Tryouts.
Middle School All-City Band
Each year, middle school band students are given the opportunity to audition for a position in the GISD Middle School All-City Band. The tryouts consist of the performance of selected etudes as well as scales and sight-reading. From this audition, the judges select the very top students to perform with the Middle School All-City Band.