Concert Bands

  • The instrumental ensemble students are placed by audition
  • Beginning students interested in joining the band program will participate in one of the Concert Bands
  • During the fall, marching band music is the main focus, and time is spent in sectionals and on individual progression
  • All students need to be enrolled in an Instrumental Ensemble full-year course (Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or one of our Concert Bands)
  • After marching season is over, the focus switches to concert music
  • All classes are offered in the traditional large ensemble setting
  • All instrumental ensembles are offered as a full-year fine arts or elective credit
  • All members will also be enrolled in marching band during the fall semester
  • General grading policies are in the Student Handbook
  • Please feel free to contact the band staff at Anderson High School any time with questions

Gold Concert Band & Blue Concert Band

These performing groups enter concert contests classified as UIL non-varsity (B). Students are admitted to this group either by audition or by director’s approval, which is based on the student’s ability and/or the need for a particular instrument to complete a balance of instrumentation. Students in this group have the following requirements:

a) Prepare the TMEA All-State audition music, with specific cuts and perform to the highest level attainable.
b) Prepare and perform Class I or II solo or an ensemble for UIL contest.
c) Understand that they will have demands on their time due to practice time (30 min. per day) and expected participation in band functions.
d) Concert Band students are strongly encouraged to be involved in private lessons.

Symphonic Band

This performing group enters concert contest classified as UIL non-varsity (A). Students are admitted to this group either by audition or by director’s approval, which is based on the student’s ability and/or the need for a particular instrument to complete a balance of instrumentation. Students in this group have the following requirements:

a) Prepare the TMEA All-State audition music, with specific cuts and perform to the highest level attainable.
b) Prepare and perform Class I or II solo or an ensemble for UIL contest.
c) Understand that they will have demands on their time due to practice time (30 min. per day) and expected participation in band functions.
d) Symphonic Band students are strongly encouraged to be involved in private lessons. 

Wind Ensemble

This performing group is our Varsity Ensemble and members are chosen by audition only. The size of the ensemble is determined by prescribed wind ensemble instrumentation with one player on a part on most instruments. Membership in this group has stringent requirements and considerable expectations. These students must:

a) Prepare the TMEA All-State audition music and perform to the highest level attainable and compete at the TMEA All District/Region Auditions.
b) A student may elect to perform a solo from memory to qualify for State Solo contest.
c) Prepare and perform a solo at UIL contest.
d) Understand that the demands on their time will be significantly higher due to increased individual practice time, difficulty of literature and expected participation in band functions. Most students can expect to practice at least 45 minutes per day outside of class or rehearsal time.
e) Step forward into the leadership roles for the band, including drum majors, section leaders, squad leaders and band officers.
f) Wind Ensemble students must be enrolled in private lessons.

Vertical Team

Please visit the Murchison Middle School band website for information about one of our middle school affiliates.