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Dear 5th Grade Families,
We are excited that you are considering band as one of your child's electives for 6th grade! Signing up is easy! All you have to do is follow these simple steps:
- Fill out your schedule card with BAND as your #1 or #2 elective choice.
- A time and date will be set to place students on instrument as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Please be on the lookout for updated information on this Band Website or through School Messenger. Reminder: Please do not rent or purchase any instrument, new or used, until after your interview with a New Braunfels ISD Band Director. We look forward to meeting our new Unicorn Band Students!
Current student quotes
Current student quotes
Jefrey, 8th Grade says...
"I had always loved music, but band has been a whole new experience! I've never not wanted to go to band class because everyday I always learn something new there. I love playing in front of others, especially in concerts where I can show what I've learned from my."
Kaden, 6th grade says...
"Band is great! It makes you feel cool because you learn to read and play music. The best part is, the music you hear everyday you are actually playing it."
Caylee, 7th grade says...
"My band experience has been the best experience ever, it's so fun and I'm glad that I chose band. I look forward to going to band every day and I would never change my elective to anything other than band! My favorite band memory is morning band sectionals "
Isaiah, 6th grade says...
"Having band is one of the most fun classes I have ever had! Learning to play music is fun and cool. The band concert was my favorite memory! Getting to play in front of a crowd that big was so cool and thrilling!"
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can my child do band and athletics?
A: Yes! There are a large number of our students involved in Athletics, other extra curricular activities, and in school electives including: football, volleyball, track, Spanish etc. The important thing to know is that we as a band staff work closely with coaches, administration and other school staff in ensuring that there a minimal scheduling conflicts. If a student wants to do band there is a way to fit it into their schedule and we will make it happen!
Q: Does my child need to have prior musical experience to be in band?
A: Not at all! Anyone is welcome in the Oak Run Band Program! In 6th grade we teach you everything you need to know in order to be a successful musician in 7th & 8th grade band. If you do have some musical experience, great! But it is not required.
Instrument Selection Guide
Instrument Selection Guide
The Army Field Band: Demonstration of all instruments.
Instrument Overview
Instrument Overview
This is a video done by the US Army Field Band that talks in depth about each beginning band instrument. This video would be great to watch if you are still not sure about what you want to play in beginning band! Below you will find more individual videos that showcase full songs on each instrument.
FLUte
FLUte
The flute is the highest pitched instrument in the beginning band. It is made of silver and is played by blowing across an opening in one end while the fingers press keys to change notes. With it's clear, penetrating sound, the flute often plays the melody in the band.
A Whole New World: Gina Luciani
Gabriel's Oboe: Ennio Morricone
Oboe
Oboe
The oboe is similar in appearance to a clarinet, but it is played using a double reed instead of a single reed to produce its brilliant and distinct sound. Soloistic and melodious, the oboe is a special part of the band that only a select few students will be chosen to play.
Bassoon
Bassoon
The bassoon, like the oboe, is a double reed instrument. It is the lowest sounding member of the woodwind family with it's dignified and majestic sound. The bassoon is one of the most specialized instruments in the band, and like the oboe, only a few select students will be chosen for the bassoon.
Sorcerer's Apprentice: Breaking Winds Quartet
Rhapsody in Blue: Vienna Clarinet Connection
Clarinet
Clarinet
The clarinet is a popular choice for Beginning Band. The sound is a large, beautiful woody texture with an extensive range. The mouthpiece and single-reed produce the sound, unlike the double reed instruments above. Bass Clarinet may also be a viable option for some select students.
Saxophone
Saxophone
The saxophone is a woodwind instrument even though it is made of brass. Most people know the saxophone as they have heard it in jazz or rock music. This instrument is versatile and is also used in the concert band. Some saxophone players will also have the opportunity to play tenor or baritone saxophones after the beginning year.
Get Lucky: Sax Duet
Hummel Trumpet Concerto: Alison Balsom
Trumpet
Trumpet
The trumpet is the highest instrument of the brass family. It is recognized by its bright and clear sound. The trumpet is frequently used to play melody. Like some of the other instruments in the band, the trumpet is also used in jazz and pop music. Similar to most brass instruments, the trumpet has three valves and is played by vibrating one's lips on a mouthpiece.
French Horn
French Horn
The French horn is also a member of the brass family. Its sound is produced by buzzing into a small mouthpiece similar to a trumpet. Students with good musical ears tend to be the most successful on this instrument. Recognized by its distinct coil shape, the french horn is one of the most commonly heard instruments in movie sound tracks, as it has the widest rang of any brass instrument.
Jurassic Park Theme: Vienna Horns
Bohemian Rhapsody: Maniacal 4
Trombone
Trombone
The trombone, easily recognized by its long slide, is one of the most powerful instruments in the band. The slide is not marked with positions so having a good ear is a must. Playing primarily in the lower range of the band, the trombone is used both as a melodic and a supporting instrument. Trombones are used in virtually every type of music, including jazz, blues, rock, and symphony orchestra.
Euphonium
Euphonium
The euphonium, sometimes known as the baritone, is a member of the brass family and looks like a small version of a tuba. Its sound is similar to that of a trombone, but it uses valves like a trumpet instead of a slide. Though originally designed as a harmony instrument, the euphonium has grown to become one of the most popular band instruments for solo playing in the most recent years due to its rich sound.
Believe: US Army Field Band Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble
Jaws Theme: Scott Sutherland
Tuba
Tuba
The tuba is the largest and lowest of the wind instruments, and it produces the fundamental sound upon which all others are built. Despite its relatively large size, even the smallest students can easily handle the tuba with proper instruction. Tuba players do not have to carry their instruments home every night. Instead, they are allowed to come in to class early and practice!
Percussion
Percussion
The percussion section is one of the most misunderstood sections of the band. Often referred to as the “drums”, this name is actually a very incomplete description of what is involved in playing percussion. Percussionists learn to play a number of instruments, including mallet instruments like bells and xylophone, battery percussion like the snare and bass drums, and accessory percussion instruments like the tambourine and triangle. Enrollment for this course is limited, and students wishing to play percussion will be assessed on an individual basis at our 5th grade night.
Fandango 13: Eastman Percussion Ensemble
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