Music at Austin ISD

Austin ISD Fine Arts believes in strong music education because it develops well-rounded students through active music-making that builds discipline, creativity, collaboration, and critical listening while supporting confidence, perseverance, and social-emotional growth. Music instruction connects academic learning to real-world skills such as teamwork, goal-setting, time management, and technical proficiency, while also fostering cultural understanding and civic engagement through performance and ensemble participation. By providing equitable access to music education, students with diverse learning styles are supported, school engagement and achievement are strengthened, and learners are prepared for college, careers, and active participation in society.

Important Notices

Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required and included in grades. In addition to the regular curriculum, students will be required to complete extra work for weighted credit. Within one music strand, students are encouraged to follow the sequence of courses to complete a Humanities and Fine Arts endorsement.

Prerequisite: Before a student can advance to the next-level theatre course, they must complete any previous-level theatre course.

Courses

BAND I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12

Recommended Prerequisite: Band, Middle School 1 (Beginning), Middle School 2 (Intermediate), and Middle School 3 (Advanced) and/or director's approval recommended for placement in all ensembles.
High school band classes are offered for a sequential, continuing study of band music. The four band levels are generally a continuation of the band curriculum from middle school skills. Band I-IV is performance-oriented and focuses on individual as well as ensemble skills. Students develop advanced wind/percussion techniques as they study the wide range of band literature.

Advanced musicianship i s developed through the study of instrumental techniques, sight-reading skills, and music listening. Students are expected to furnish their own instruments, although some instruments may be available for use from the campus. Rapidly progressing students may be transferred to a more advanced band level as approved by the director, and as scheduling permits. Out-of-school rehearsals and performances are required. The component of marching band is included in the total band spectrum in the fall from band levels I to IV. Marching band participants in the fall semester are eligible for PE substitution and fine arts credit concurrently.