HONORS BAND

​The Honors Band is the varsity ensemble at CTMS and is comprised of the most advanced 7th and 8th grade students.  Students in this band must be proficient on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. Honors Band students will have one 60-minute sectional rehearsal per week, as well as some extra full band rehearsals throughout the year.  Students in this band are expected to participate in scheduled rehearsals, concerts, pep rallies, and contests.  

In addition, each student will be required to try out for the All-Region & All-District Bands and participate in the GCISD Solo Contest in March.  In order to maintain a high level of performance, Honors Band students will need to practice 30 to 60 minutes daily.  These members are also expected to study privately with a CTMS professional private lesson instructor.

SYMPHONIC BAND

The Symphonic Band is the non-varsity ensemble at CTMS and is made up of 7th and 8th grade students.  Students in this band will have one 60-minute sectional rehearsal per week, as well as some extra full band rehearsals throughout the year.  Students in this band are expected to participate in scheduled rehearsals, concerts, pep rallies, and contests.  It is highly recommended that the Symphonic Band students participate in the All-Region & All-District Band tryouts. Symphonic Band are required to participate in the GCISD Solo Contest in March.  In order to maintain a high level of performance, Symphonic Band students will need to practice 30 to 45 minutes daily. It is expected that these students participate in the private lesson program with a CTMS professional private lesson instructor. 

BEGINNER BAND CLASS

Beginner Band classes are designed for students to learn the fundamentals of playing their instrument.  Students will meet in like-instrument classes and will learn the necessary skills for instrumental performance.  The Beginner Band is intended as a training ground to prepare each student to participate in one of the 2 performing bands the following year.  

Students will learn many musical/instrumental concepts, perform scales, music, and band literature throughout the year.  Basic music concepts such as rhythm notation, music note identification, instrumental fingerings and tone production will be covered in this class. The Beginner Band will also perform at the winter concert, spring concert, and one spring full band contest.  Students are also expected to participate in the GCISD Beginner Solo Contest in April.  It is recommended that each student practices an average of 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week.  

Private lessons are available and are strongly recommended with a CTMS professional private lesson instructor. Some instruments are required to participate in the private lesson program.  Band Directors will communicate this with students and parents.