6th grade beginner band

The beginning band program at Utley Middle School is unique and serves as the foundation for the entire band program. Composed of beginning bands at Dobbs Elementary, Reinhardt Elementary, Jones Elementary, Shannon Elementary, and Stevenson Elementary, the beginning band program is structured to teach each student the fundamental music skills required to be successful on their instrument.
During the school year, the Utley Middle School Beginning Band has the following goals and objectives:
  • To learn and demonstrate the band content standards as outlined by the Texas State Board of Education
  • To learn and demonstrate the process of creating and perfecting music through various concerts and performance opportunities
  • To introduce and master fundamental instrumental technique and musical ability
  • To develop and grow music vocabulary and theory
  • To prepare for middle school band playing standards

Concert band

Director: Rob Hackett / Preston Beaty

Meeting: All-Year, 7th period

Prerequisites: Good academic and behavior standing with the RISD band department.  No prior band experience necessary

Green band emphasizes the development of individual and full-band performance skills in preparation for concerts. The band is a full ensemble which plays grade 0.5-1.5 literature. The students learn basic fundamentals, increase music ability and range, and prepare students for high school band or Concert Band.  Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through optional after-school sectionals. The concert band is a group that focuses on improving the individual student. Students playing wind instruments can audition for placement into the Symphonic and Concert bands before the winter break. All students will participate in all concerts.

symphonic band

Director:  Preston Beaty

Assistant Director:  Rob Hackett

Meeting: All-Year, 6th Period

Prerequisites: At least one year of band experience. Also in good academic and behavior standing with the RISD band department. Placement in this band is based on successful completion of an audition.

This intermediate-level band class emphasizes the development of full-band performance skills in preparation for concerts and UIL contest. The band is a full ensemble which plays grade 1-2 literature. The students continue to reinforce basic fundamentals, increase music ability and range, and prepare students for high school band or Honor Band.  Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through various performance opportunities. Students will attend one weekly co-curricular section practice, or “sectional,” which will last for 45 minutes either before or after school. These are scheduled the first week of school, will be the same day each week, and will continue into the month of May. Attendance at these are mandatory, graded, and are considered an extension of classroom instruction.

honors band

Director: Rob Hackett

Assistant Director:  Preston Beaty

Meeting: All-Year, 4th Period

Prerequisites: At least one year of band experience. Also in good academic and behavior standing with the RISD band department. Placement in this band is based on successful completion of an audition.
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This advanced-level band class emphasizes the development of full-band performance skills in preparation for concerts and UIL contest. The band is a full ensemble which plays grade 2-3 literature. The students continue developing solid fundamentals, increase music ability and range, and prepare students for high school band. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through various performance and competitive audition opportunities. Students will attend one weekly co-curricular section practice, or “sectional,” which will last for 45 minutes either before or after school. These are scheduled the first week of school, will be the same day each week, and will continue into the month of May. Attendance at these are mandatory, graded, and are considered an extension of classroom instruction.