NEISD band programs are among the top-rated in the State of Texas for a multitude of reasons including:

• Consistent Sweepstakes earnings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contests
• Top 10 finishes in State UIL and Band of America Grand National marching competitions
• All 7 NEISD High School Bands placed in the finals in UIL Area Marching Contest
• 64 students placed in the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Band over the past 3 years

The many successes within our music programs have created a strong sense of pride within our district and have resulted in NEISD being the most desirable community in which to work and live.  Due to our master directors and teachers, supportive community, and talented students, NEISD will certainly continue on the path of excellence in all of our Fine Arts programs.

Eligibility

Our NEISD high school band programs are some of the most well-respected and competitive in the nation. They include competitive marching bands, pep bands, jazz bands, chamber ensembles, solo competitions, color guard (flags), and much more. In high school, all students are part of the marching band for the first 11 weeks of the fall. Then, they perform in a traditional concert band or wind ensemble for the remainder of the school year.

At the end of 8th grade, the high school band directors will reach out to all 8th-grade band students with audition information for the high school band program. Students will perform a quick audition toward the end of the school year so they can be placed in the correct 9th-grade band class based on their musical ability. Everyone “makes the band!” Students simply need to select “Band” on their high school choice sheet.

NEISD band programs are among the top-rated in the state of Texas and across the country for a multitude of reasons including:

Consistent Sweepstakes earnings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contests

• Top 10 finishes in State UIL and Band of America Grand National marching competitions
• All 7 NEISD High School Bands advanced to UIL Area Marching Contest
• 64 students placed in the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Band over the past 3 years

Color Guard “Flags” is an offering of the NEISD High School Band programs. Color guard students need no prior music or dance experience. These students are taught by trained choreographers and consultants. The color G=guard travels, performs, and competes as a part of the marching band, and the color guard class gives students all of their required PE and Fine Arts credits for high school. 

Expectations

There is a Student Program Enrichment Fee which varies with each high school band and color guard program. The fee is payable in installments throughout the fall and can be completely covered through student fundraisers! Please reach out to the band director to discuss specific payment options.

Awards and Lettering Policy

Types of Awards

Jacket

• A student meeting all lettering requirements the first time earns a letter jacket.

• Only one jacket may be earned by a student during their career on your campus.

• The jacket will come with a letter attached.

Letter

• A student meeting the lettering requirements for the first time in your organization and has already earned a letter jacket through another organization.

Metal Bar Insert

• A student meeting the lettering requirements for the second, third, and fourth time earns a metal bar insert.

Criteria for Student Awards

1. Students must earn 20 points in order to letter for the first time. Points will rollover each year. Succeeding lettering requirement is the accumulation of 10 points within a year.

2. In addition to achieving required amount of points, the student must complete the year in good standing based on the director’s discretion.

Letter Design

The word “Band” is vertically displayed on the letter.