ABOUT US

BEGINNER BAND

Directed by Caleb Santacruz, Laurie Engelby, and Jacob Kline

The Beginner Band is where all musicians start their band journey! Typically comprised of 6th Graders, the Beginner Band meets in instrument-specific class periods throughout the school year. Beginner Band is dedicated towards learning the skills of their instruments before joining our competitive Honors and Symphonic Bands.

Beginner Band students have at least 2 performances a year: a Winter Concert in December and a Spring Concert in May. Select Beginner Band students will perform at the Birdville ISD Solo Contest and compete as a group at the North Texas Festival of Distinction. The Select Beginner Band is determined by in-class progress throughout the school year.

SYMPHONIC BAND

Directed by Laurie Engelby

2nd Period

The Symphonic Band is comprised by 7-8th Graders who have completed their Beginner Band year. The Symphonic Band is a fully-instrumented ensemble that competes at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in April. Symphonic Band students perform at the Winter Concert and Spring Concert. Symphonic Band students are highly encouraged to participate in the Birdville ISD Solo and Ensemble Contests in December and May.

Placement in this ensemble is determined by year-long audition. The Symphonic Band's purpose is to further develop the necessary individual and ensemble skills required for band beyond Watauga MS.

HONORS BAND

Directed by Caleb Santacruz

6th Period

The Honors Band is the premier wind band at Watauga MS comprised by 7-8th Graders who have completed their Beginner Band year. The Honors Band is a fully-instrumented ensemble that competes at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in April. Honors Band students perform at the Winter Concert and Spring Concert as well as events around the community. Honors Band students are expected to participate in the Birdville ISD Solo and Ensemble Contests in December and May. The Honors Band competes in the TMEA 2C Honor Band process.

Placement in this ensemble is determined by year-long audition. The Honor Band's purpose is to further master the necessary individual and ensemble skills required for band beyond Watauga MS.