O. Henry Middle School Band 2023-2024 

Beginning Band

Contact Information: sedric.pinkney@austinisd.org jennifer.boltz@austinisd.org

Band Hall Phone 512-414-3229 ext. 70606

Course Description: Beginning band is our group for students who are new to band in grades 6-8. No experience is needed; only the will and desire to learn to play an instrument. This class focuses on the fundamental skills needed to be successful in band. Subjects covered include proper posture, embouchure, instrument carriage and care, tone production, rhythm and note reading, musicianship, and individual/group performance techniques. The students present public performances in October, December, and May.

The TEKS for Grade 6 Music are as follows: 1) the student describes and analyzes musical sound and demonstrates musical artistry; 2) the student plays an instrument, individually and in groups, performing a varied repertoire of music; 3) the student reads and writes music notation; 4) the student creates and arranges music within guidelines; 5) the student relates music to history, society and to culture; and 6) the student responds to and evaluates music and musical performance

Course Materials: Essential Elements - Book 1, Instrument, Supplemental Exercises & Sheet Music (provided by teacher), Five Minute Theory Book, AISD Chromebook Instrument, Pencil, Black Binder, and Supplies as listed in the band handbook

Daily Practice at Home: Daily practice is the student’s homework in band and is absolutely necessary in order to make steady progress. Every student is expected to practice at home on a regular basis. We recommend a minimum of 15-20 minutes, five days a week of home practice. Some students may need more than that to achieve their musical goals. Students will have specific exercises and songs to practice, in addition to reviewing material presented in that day’s class. You can help by confirming that they are indeed practicing and not just “playing around” on the instrument. It’s not the amount of time that is practiced that makes the greatest difference; it’s the quality of the practice session.

Required Performances at 6:00 P.M.:

Friday, October 20: Performance at Austin HS Pre-Game
Tuesday, December 12: Winter Band Concert at OHMS 
Tuesday May 7: Spring Concert at OHMS 

Grading Policy: Grades will be averaged from the following during a nine-week period:

Playing assessments taken during class, sectionals, or submitted through BLEND (approximately one grade per week), class preparation, learning logs, daily performance, and concert performances. *These will vary from one grading period to the next.

Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble

Contact Information: sedric.pinkney@austinisd.org Band Hall Phone 512-414-3229 ext. 70606

Course Description: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble are performance-oriented ensembles for students with a minimum of one year of band experience. Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble students will perform at an O.Henry and Austin High football game in the fall, a Winter Concert in December, UIL Concerts in February/March, and a Spring Concert in May. Members of the Wind Ensemble will attend one section rehearsal per week. Sectionals will take place either before or after school.

The TEKS for Grade 7/8 Music are as follows: 1) the student describes and analyzes musical sound and demonstrates musical artistry; 2) the student plays an instrument, individually and in groups, performing a varied repertoire of music; 3) the student reads and writes music notation; 4) the student creates and arranges music within guidelines; 5) the student relates music to history, society and to culture; and 6) the student responds to and evaluates music and musical performance.

Course Materials: Instrument, Pencil, Black Binder, Supplemental Exercises & Sheet Music (provided by teacher), AISD Chromebook, and Supplies as listed in the band handbook 

Daily Practice at Home: Daily practice is the student’s homework in band and is absolutely necessary in order to make steady progress. Every student is expected to practice at home on a regular basis. We recommend a minimum of 15-20 minutes, five days a week of home practice. Some students may need more than that to achieve their musical goals. Students will have specific exercises and songs to practice, in addition to reviewing material presented in that day’s class. You can help by confirming that they are indeed practicing and not just “playing around” on the instrument. It’s not the amount of time that is practiced that makes the greatest difference; it’s the quality of the practice session.

Grading Policy: Grades will be averaged from the following during a nine-week period:

Playing assessments taken during class, sectionals, or submitted through BLEND (approximately one grade per week), class preparation, learning logs, daily performance, and concert performances. *These will vary from one grading period to the next.

Fall Semester Events:

Friday September 29: Mustang Round Up at OHMS 4 - 6 PM 
Thursday October 5: Austin HS vs. Buda Johnson at House Park - 6:30 PM
Tuesday October 10: OHMS vs. Kealing FB (A) Game at House Park - 6 PM
Saturday October 28: District Band Auditions (Select Students)
Saturday November 4: Region Band Auditions (Select Students)
Tuesday December 12 Winter Band Concert at OHMS - 6 PM

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