Our Bands
Honors Band
Director: Trevor Ousey
Meeting: All-Year, 6th Period
Prerequisites: One or more years of band. Also in good academic and behavioral standing with the Killian band department. Successful audition during the previous school year.
This advanced-level band class emphasizes the development of full-band performance skills in preparation for concerts and UIL contest. The band is a complete wind ensemble that plays grade 2-4 literature. The students continue to develop solid fundamentals, increase their music ability and range, and prepare them for high school band. Students explore the elements of more complex melody, harmony, and interpretation, and develop a higher level of technical playing proficiency through multiple performing opportunities. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through solo and ensemble performances, Pre-UIL Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, LISD All-District Honor Band auditions, TMEA Region Honor Band auditions, and various festivals and concerts. Students attend one weekly co-curricular section practice, also known as a “sectional,” which lasts 90 minutes and takes place either before or after school. Attendance at sectionals is mandatory, graded, and considered an extension of classroom instruction. Due to the rigor of Honors Band, private lessons are strongly encouraged.
Symphonic Band
Director: Matthew Davis
Meeting: All-Year, 4th period
Prerequisites: One or more years of band. Also in good academic and behavioral standing with the Killian band department. A successful audition from the previous school year.
This intermediate-level band class emphasizes the development of full-band performance skills in preparation for concerts and UIL contest. The band is a complete wind ensemble that plays grade 2-3 literature. The students continue to reinforce fundamentals, increase music ability and range, and prepare students for high school band or Honors Band. Students explore the elements of basic melody, harmony, and interpretation, and develop a higher level of technical playing proficiency through multiple performing opportunities. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through solo and ensemble performances, Pre-UIL Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, All-District Honor Band auditions, TMEA Region Honor Band auditions, and various festivals and concerts. Students attend one weekly co-curricular section practice, also known as a “sectional,” which lasts 60 minutes and takes place either before or after school. Attendance at sectionals is mandatory, graded, and considered an extension of classroom instruction. Due to the rigor of Symphonic Band, private lessons are strongly encouraged.
Concert Band
Director: Matthew Davis, Trevor Ousey
Meeting: All-Year, 7th period
Prerequisites: One or more years of band. Also in good academic and behavioral standing with the Killian band department.
This basic-level band class emphasizes the development of full-band performance skills in preparation for concerts and UIL contest. The band performs grade 1-2 literature. The students reinforce fundamentals, increase music ability and range, and prepare students for Symphonic or Honors bands. Students develop a higher level of technical playing proficiency through multiple performing opportunities. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through solo and ensemble performances, Pre-UIL Contest, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, and various festivals and concerts. There is no sectional requirement for Concert Band. Due to the accelerated pace of the ensemble, private lessons are strongly encouraged.
6th Grade Beginning Band
Director: Matthew Davis, Trevor Ousey, Ben Koch
Meeting: All-Year, Various Periods
Prerequisites: None! Anyone can join beginning band in 6th grade. There is no prior experience necessary.
The beginning band program at Killian Middle School is the foundation for the entire band program. Beginning band is structured to teach each student the fundamental music skills necessary for success on their instrument. Private lessons are strongly encouraged.
During the school year, the Killian 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
Beginning Band has multiple performances, including:
- Winter Concert
- Spring Concert
- Spring Festival Trip (including a fun activity)