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Discover Excellence in Music
Elevate your musical journey with NEISD’s exceptional band programs, acclaimed statewide for their unparalleled achievements. Immerse yourself in a world of extraordinary music education, where consistent Sweepstakes wins at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contests set the stage for our remarkable reputation.
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Band
Our exceptional NEISD band programs, which are acclaimed statewide for their unparalleled achievements, can elevate any musical journey. Students are immersed in a world of extraordinary music education, with accolades of consistent Sweepstakes wins at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contests that set the stage for our remarkable reputation and bright program future.
NEISD bands have clinched top 10 finishes in both State UIL and Band of America Grand National marching competitions, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. Notably, every one of our 7 High School Bands advanced to the finals in the UIL Area Marching Contest, a testament to our collective pursuit of excellence.
Join our legacy of success as we celebrate 64 students who have secured coveted spots in the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Band within the past 3 years. Students can embark on a developing journey that transcends boundaries and resonates with the spirit of true musical brilliance.
Guided by our industry-leading educators and fueled by our brilliantly talented students, NEISD's commitment to excellence resonates through every note and performance. These accomplishments have not only created an atmosphere of immense pride within our district but have also positioned NEISD as the most sought-after in the band community.
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Middle School Eligibility & Expectations
Eligibility
NEISD middle school band programs offer students a variety of exciting musical opportunities! At the end of 5th grade, the middle school band directors will host an event at which students will have the opportunity to try out a variety of instruments. The directors will place a student on the instrument that they feel best fits them.
Expectations
In 6th grade, students join Beginner Band and learn to play brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. In 7th and 8th grades, band students play in a full concert band and have opportunities to join jazz band, compete in region auditions, perform at a high school football game, and take out-of-town trips.
There is a small Student Program Enrichment Fee which varies with each middle school band 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.
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High School Eligibility & Expectations
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.
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Orchestra
NEISD orchestra programs shine brightly among Texas’ finest. Our musical odyssey commences with the 5th Grade Strings program, creating a deep connection to music that develops into a profound love for the art. From novice to virtuoso, students are nurtured to become master musicians, igniting a lifelong passion for music.
Our orchestra’s resounding success is evident in the consistent sweepstakes triumphs at UIL Concert and Sightreading contests. With every performance, our orchestra students earn their right to the top. Their dedication and unwavering commitment yields remarkable achievements, including coveted spots in the TMEA Texas All-State Orchestra.
The spirit of achievement resonates throughout NEISD, transforming our district into a haven of pride and excellence. Guided by master directors, supported by a nurturing community, and fueled by the talents of our students, NEISD stands as a testament to the power of fine arts education. As our journey unfolds, the pursuit of excellence in all our Fine Arts programs remains our unwavering melody.
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Middle School Eligibility & Expectations
Eligibility
The orchestra programs in NEISD are among the best in Texas. Students can begin as early in 5th grade with our “5th Grade Strings” program at each of our 46 elementary campuses. At the end of 5th grade, students will receive information from the middle school orchestra director regarding 6th-grade courses for orchestra. Everyone “makes the orchestra”! Students will be placed into the correct middle school orchestra course based on their previous experience, but there is no experience necessary; our programs also offer 6th-grade beginner strings classes.
Middle school orchestra programs in NEISD consistently earn sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sight-reading evaluations. Many of our orchestra students earned chairs in the TMEA All-Region Orchestra through an audition process each November. Specific ensembles vary by campus, but our NEISD middle school orchestra students are exposed to beginner string instruction, chamber ensembles, mariachi opportunities, full symphony orchestras, and so much more.
Expectations
Some of our programs also have a small fee associated with a membership which helps to offset the cost of performances, guest clinicians, competitions, music arrangements, and much more. These fees can often be fully paid through fundraisers during the school year. Most campuses have a supply of school-owned instruments that can be rented for a small fee. Please reach out to each director for specific information!
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High School Eligibility & Expectations
Eligibility
The orchestra programs in NEISD are among the best in Texas. Beginning with our 5th Grade Strings program, our students receive world-class training and countless performance opportunities throughout their elementary, middle, and high school musical careers.
At the end of 8th grade, the high school orchestra directors will reach out to all 8th-grade orchestra students with information on how to join the high school orchestra program. Sometimes students will perform a quick evaluation toward the end of the school year so they can be placed in the correct 9th-grade orchestra class based on their ability. Students should select “Orchestra” on their high school choice sheet.
Orchestra programs in NEISD consistently earn sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sight-reading evaluations. Many of our orchestra students earned chairs in the TMEA Texas All-State Orchestra and enjoy success at the region, area, and state level as soloists and as members of award-winning ensembles. Our string students are exposed to chamber ensembles, mariachi opportunities, full symphony orchestras, musical pit orchestras, and so much more!
Expectations
Many of our programs also have a small fee associated with membership, which helps to offset the cost of performances, travel, uniforms, guest clinicians, competitions, music arrangements, and much more. These fees can often be fully paid through fundraisers during the school year.
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Choir
Discover the transformative world of choir music where skill and passion unite to create an extraordinary experience. Our commitment to student excellence shines through our choirs, which are guided by rigorous content standards for middle and high school levels, setting the stage for unmatched competition.
With offerings spanning 14 middle schools and 7 high schools, our growing choir community boasts a roster of 32 certified choral specialists. Over 2,000 high school students immerse themselves in our diverse choir programs, including men's and women's choirs, vocal ensembles, show choirs, vocal jazz ensembles, and madrigal choirs. Additionally, and when space is permitting, private voice lessons are also featured to enrich individual growth.
Driven by an unyielding sense of accomplishment in our choir history, NEISD stands as the epitome of community pride. Our master directors, dedicated educators, and gifted students continually elevate our choir legacy. With student participation in UIL contests, solo and ensemble events, and regional auditions, our choirs advance through rigorous competitive stages to achieve coveted places in the prestigious All-State Choir.
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Middle School Eligibility & Expectations
Eligibility
Choral music is offered as an elective at all 14 middle schools in North East ISD. The choral staff consists of fully-certified choral specialists as well as countless vocal coaches and private lesson teachers. Nearly 2,000 middle school students are enrolled in our district’s choir programs which is a testament to the outstanding teaching and wonderful opportunities available to our NEISD choir students.
When entering middle school, students simply need to select “Choir” on their choice sheet and the middle school choir director will place them in the correct class. Courses include Tenor Bass choirs, Treble choirs, and mixed voice choirs, and are sometimes split based on grade level. Choir students will learn a multitude of styles from Classical technique to pop choirs. Students will have many opportunities to perform throughout the year and a large number of our students achieve success throughout the TMEA All-Region middle school choir audition process. Private voice lessons are available on most middle school campuses where space allows.
Expectations
Many of our programs also have a small fee associated with membership, which helps to offset the cost of performances, guest clinicians, competitions, music arrangements, and much more. These fees can often be fully paid through fundraisers during the school year.
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High School Eligibility & Expectations
Eligibility
Choral music is offered as an elective at all 7 high schools in North East ISD. The choral staff consists of fully-certified choral specialists as well as countless vocal coaches and private lesson teachers. Over 1,500 high school students are enrolled in our district’s choir programs which is a testament to the outstanding teaching and wonderful opportunities available to our NEISD choir students.
At the end of 8th grade, the high school choir directors will reach out to all middle school choir students with information on how to join the high school choir program. Students may perform a quick evaluation toward the end of the school year so they can be placed in the correct 9th-grade choir class based on their ability and vocal range. Middle school director feedback is also used to determine class placement. Everyone “makes the choir!” Students simply need to select “Choir” on their high school choice sheet.
Courses include Tenor-Bass, Treble, mixed voice choirs, and vocal ensembles- including show choirs, contemporary acapella ensembles and much more. Choir students have many opportunities to perform throughout the year and a large number of our students achieve success throughout the TMEA All-Region and All-State Choir audition process. Private voice lessons are available on all high school campuses.
Expectations
Many of our programs also have a small fee associated with membership, which helps to offset the cost of uniforms, travel, performances, guest clinicians, competitions, music arrangements, and much more. These fees can often be fully paid through fundraisers during the school year.
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Elementary Music: A Melodic Journey of Learning and Creativity
Welcome to the beginning of musical discovery at NEISD with our elementary campuses! Here, students embrace the harmonious world of general music, becoming an integral part of every student’s education journey from Kindergarten to 5th grade. Our elementary music program offers a rich blend of experiences designed to ignite a lifelong love for music and foster creative growth; nurturing musical talent and expanding musical horizons by creating an awareness of passion for music. Due to this program, melodies become lifelong companions, creative expression thrives, and the joy of music resonates through every note.
Engaging Every Student:
The magic of music comes alive for all students, with every elementary campus offering the gift of general music instruction. Students in grades K - 5 engage into a captivating curriculum encompassing singing, movement, instrumental exploration, music literacy, and a rich tapestry of melodies from diverse cultures and periods. The journey is dynamic, encouraging students to express themselves, read music, partake in musical performances, appreciate musical masters, and create freely.
Exploring Beyond the Classroom:
Beyond regular music room instruction, NEISD elementary students have the chance to further their musical passion through special choirs, recorder clubs, and choir chime clubs available at select campuses. These ensembles amplify the joy of music-making, allowing students to refine their skills and share their talent with the community. During festive seasons, our elementary choirs and special groups spread joy through community service performances at the River Walk, San Antonio International Airport, nursing homes, hotels, and more.
After School Strings: A Path to Orchestra Excellence:
For 5th graders seeking to further their musical journey, the After School Strings program offers a gateway to orchestral opportunities. Students can seek out the violin, viola, cello, or double bass as they are guided by passionate music teachers who ignite their enthusiasm for music. With participation, students are able to get a glimpse of their future with the ability to enroll in a school’s orchestra.
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After School Strings Eligibility & Expectations
Eligibility
If you are interested in joining your school's orchestra and learning to play a stringed instrument, fill out the form below and return to your child's music teacher as soon as possible. Your orchestra teacher will then be in contact with you.
Expectations
For the fall of 2020, classes will meet virtually and students will be able to learn a new instrument through a blend of live Zoom classes, video recording, and virtual feedback from NEISD Orchestra Directors. Classes are free of charge. Local music stores are helpful and cooperative with our students in their effort to find the instrument of their choice. There are easy-to-manage rental plans for every budget. The orchestra teacher at your school will help you find an instrument.
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Private Lessons
TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS LIABILITY INSURANCE:
TMEA Liability Insurance Policy Summary
TMEA Liability Insurance Information Brochure
Purchase TMEA Liability Insurance
ORIENTATION INFORMATION:
Contact Information
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Phil Flynn
Director of Music Programs
Office: (210) 407-0357
Email: pflynn@neisd.net
