BAND

Overview of Program

• Instrumental music programs are open to all 6th-12th grade for band and 4th-12th grade for orchestra.
• Instrumental music includes ensembles like: Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Full Orchestra, Mariachi, Chamber Ensemble and Pit Orchestra. 

Vision:  

The vision for Dallas ISD Instrumental music is to provide exemplary superior experiences to all students.  Exemplary experiences include UIL, TMEA, TAME and other external competitions.

Community Partnerships

• Dallas Winds
• Dallas Symphony Orchestra
• Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra
• Orchestra of New Spain
• Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra
• Southern Methodist University
• Dallas Veterans Day Parade

Recognitions/Honors

• 5 bands UIL Area Marching Contest
• An average of 16 TMEA all state musicians every year
• Countless UIL superior ratings
• Increases in the number of Sweepstakes awards

• The Booker T. Washington HSPVA Wind Ensemble, directed by Larry Schnitzer, has been named a 2020 national winner in the Mark of Excellence Recording Project sponsored by the Foundation for Music Education. 

  “The Mark of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievement in performance by high school and middle school bands, choirs and orchestras. The project gathers entries from throughout the United States and provides valuable feedback for all entrants. A unique competitive environment is created which allows ensembles to compare their performance quality to other outstanding groups from across the country. The top 25% of entrants are recognized as National Winners, with the second 25% named as Commended Winners.”

  The band submitted performances from their March 7th concert at Booker T. Washington HSPVA and March 9th concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Selections entered were: Patriots on Parade Through Boston Common (wearing red socks) by Jacob Schnitzer and Downtown Divertimento by Johan de Meij. 

  This is the second selection of this award by the Booker T. Washington HSPVA Wind Ensemble (2016). 

  * Carnegie Hall, New York City

  

CONGRATULATIONS! 

Every year in early December, thousands of band students from across the State of Texas complete a journey of study and hard work that culminates in the All-Region band audition. Dallas ISD students are in the North Texas region 20 which includes students from Richardson ISD all the way to Waxahachie ISD. This year because of the pandemic, the audition was delayed and held virtually.

On December 12th, 82 Dallas ISD students were judged in the annual TMEA All-Region audition. Even with the lack of regular face to face time with their band directors and access to their band halls, these students pressed on with their dedication to music. We are so proud of the effort from them and their teachers. 34 of these students earned a spot in the All-Region band.

10 students from Dallas ISD have advanced to the Area round of auditions for a chance at being a TMEA All-State musician. Earning a spot in the TMEA All-State band would be immensely important to the future of these students regardless of their chosen path of college study. Being an All-State musician opens up doors to a flood of scholarships and the potential to study music.  We wish these 10 students all the best as they prepare for the Area round.

Here are the results:

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