Important News
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New deadlines to turn-in Mustang Moola are posted.
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Congratulations to Mr. Jim Smith, selected to represent Tennessee in this year's annual '50 Directors Who Make a Difference' feature in the December 2008 issue of "School Band & Orchestra Magazine!"
Images from the 2008 Band Camp!
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Commemorative Brick Sale Phase II see forms page
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ABOUT THE BAND
The award-winning Houston High School Band has over 270 members from grades 9 through 12 and is the largest single activity on campus. The Houston Band is widely regarded as one of the most competitive, meritorious bands in the mid-south. Led by Band Director Jim Smith and Assistant Band Director, Spencer Nesvick, the band attracts students from a variety of races and creeds who are highly involved in many other areas of campus life. In addition to band, our students excel academically, play sports, are class officers, are selected to homecoming courts, serve on the annual staff and compete in Knowledge Bowl. This exemplary music program inspires young musicians to master their art and work as a team to achieve the highest level of craft and character.
Marching Band
Recently the Houston Band has attended many notable competitions in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas and marched in the nationally televised Hollywood Christmas Parade in Hollywood, California. In 2008 the band marched in Disney World's renowned Main Street Parade in Orlando, Florida. With their innovative 2006 show, An American in Paris, the band won five of their six competitions, including the coveted Bandmaster's Championship held in the Liberty Bowl. As a result, they were declared the 2006 Midsouth Marching Grand Champions. Their dynamic 2007 show, Reflections of Earth, featured the music from the EPCOT nighttime laser light show. With this show the band won four Grand Championships, two Reserve Grand Championships, and won the Grand Champion Chancellor's Cup at the Vanderbilt Marching Invitational for the second year in a row. To learn more about these accolades, click here.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is made up of approximately 60 members and is established through auditions at the end of the marching season. The very best musicians in our band program become members of the Wind Ensemble. Many of its members are also members of the All-West Tennessee Band, the All-State Tennessee Band, the All-West and All-State Tennessee Orchestra, the Memphis Youth Symphony, and the Memphis Youth String Orchestra. Wind Ensemble plays and interprets the highest level of high school band literature. They present several concerts a year and take a trip each spring to compete nationally. The Wind Ensemble is under the direction of Jim Smith.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is made up of approximately 60 members and is established through auditions at the end of the marching season. This band serves as a feeder group for the Wind Ensemble. A high level of band literature is performed. The Symphonic Band presents several concerts each year and takes a trip each spring to participate in national competitions. The Symphonic Band is under the direction of Spencer Nesvick.
Concert Band
The Concert Band is comprised of approximately 70-80 members and is established through auditions at the end of marching season. This band serves as a feeder group for the Symphonic Band. Basic fundamentals are taught as well as appropriate band literature. The Concert Band is under the direction of Jim Smith and Spencer Nesvick.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is comprised of about 20 members and is a separate class from the other bands. Students must be involved in a regular band class to participate. The Jazz Band plays for school functions, at band concerts and travels with the band on the spring trip each year. The Jazz Band is under the direction of Jim Smith.
Ensembles
Flute Choir, Sting Ensemble, Horn Quartet, and Clarinet Choir are offered to members of the band program as interest demands. These groups meet after school once a week after the conclusion of the marching season. Lobby and pre-concert performances, as well as local school and community performances are scheduled.
Germantown, TN
Houston High School