Signing up for Band at austin high
What Classes do I sign up for
All students sign up for a “Concert Band” class. Our three concert bands are divided by ability and appropriate instrumentation needs. Students audition for placement, not for acceptance. We accept EVERYONE who wants to be in band and will help you learn what you need to! Your audition will place you in of these classes:
Honor Band - this is our Varsity band, comprised of our most experienced musicians. Students in this band are typically enrolled in private lessons. Students in Honor Band will prepare the TMEA audition music to audition for the All State process. This band plays collegiate level literature.
Wind Ensemble - this is our Advanced Intermediate Band. Many students in this band take private lessons. Juniors and Seniors will prepare the TMEA audition music. Younger members may also prepare for the audition or they may choose to focus on assignments that will prepare them to play the audition music in future years. This band plays advanced high school level literature.
Symphonic Band - this is our Beginner Intermediate Band, comprised of our least experienced musicians.. Many students in this band take private lessons. Students in this band may, but are not expected to, prepare for the TMEA audition. This band plays beginner to intermediate level literature.
All you need to sign up for is Band 1 and after your audition, we will work with the counseling team to get you placed in the correct class for your ability and the band’s instrumentation needs. Concert band classes are a full year commitment.
double blocked band?
What is “double blocked band?” The high school block schedule allows you to take more classes than you need and we are fortunate to be able to offer the opportunity for students to take two blocks of band, so that we may rehearse everyday. Double blocking band allows students to retain more from day to day and it allows the band to remain competitive with other 6A bands. All students register for their corresponding Instrumental Ensemble course, level 1-4 in addition to Band 1-4. After your audition, we work with the counseling team to place you in the correct sections of Band and Instrumental Ensemble. Instrumental Ensemble is a full year commitment.
Color Guard
All students interested in starting color guard at Austin High register for Band 1 (Color Guard). Color guard class is a full year commitment with the Marching Band season being our big focus in the Fall and Winter Guard being our big focus in the Spring.
marching band
As part of our comprehensive band experience, all students in our Concert Bands and Color Guard also participate in Marching Band. Make sure to put Marching Band 1 on your schedule in your before/after school block. Marching Band is a Fall semester commitment only.
Jazz band
Austin High offers two courses in Jazz. Check out the audition page for information about audition requirements.
Jazz Ensemble is the “Varsity” jazz group, open by audition only. This band plays collegiate level literature. Jazz Ensemble is a full year commitment.
Stage Band is our intermediate level jazz group and is open to all. No experience is necessary, only a good attitude and willingness to learn! Stage Band is a full year commitment.