Clark Middle School opened its doors in the Fall of 2000 with over 700 students in grades 6-8. Clark now features 4 bands with 300+ students. Starting in the 6th grade, the beginning band meets daily in “like” instrument classes to focus on playing fundamentals and develop musicians to be ready to perform at a high level by the second year. As 7th and 8th graders, students are placed by ability into the varsity band (Symphonic Band), the non-varsity band (Honor Band), or the sub non-varsity band (Concert Band).

Our performance schedule includes a Fall, Winter and Spring Concert, a December elementary tour, a chamber music concert, the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest, two or three pep rallies, as well as various Clark MS athletic events.  7th and 8th grade band students audition for membership in the All-Region Band and also perform at the FISD Solo and Ensemble Contest.  It is the focus of the Clark Band program to develop in the students a love of their instruments and a love for music.

For All 7th & 8th Grade Bands: Membership into one of the 7th & 8th grade bands is by Audition/Director’s approval. The bands are comprised of a mixture of both 7th and 8th grade students selected on the basis of ability and not seniority.  Character, self-discipline, and eligibility, are also determining factors.

The Clark Band believes that a well-rounded education is enhanced by one of the most basic of all studies—the study of music. Music develops self-confidence. Music teaches discipline. Music gives each student a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Playing in band teaches students the importance of working with others and helps them to develop the social skills necessary to be part of a performing organization. Instrumental music engages students in a group activity that allows them to use their free time constructively. Band helps to instill the values of responsibility, purpose, direction, devotion to duty, spirit of cooperation, and sensitivity to beauty. Not all band students become great musicians, but hopefully all become more mature, cooperative, self-disciplined, and hard working members of society with an appreciation of the arts. Music is a subject that affects all sides of a student’s personality. These include the intellectual, physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual and social aspects of a person.

Pride and commitment to excellence are important elements of a quality organization. External discipline creates internal discipline. This self-discipline is demonstrated by a student’s efforts. Pride is having a desire to succeed in what you do while respecting yourself and others around you. It is taking what you do seriously, while enjoying what you do. Pride is a state of mind. A person’s quality of life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence – whatever their field of endeavor.

The Clark Cougar Bands

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is the top performing group which is made up of the most advanced 7th and 8th grade students. The students in this band must be proficient on their instrument and must be willing to commit to regular rehearsal and practice time. Students in this band are expected to participate in all of the scheduled rehearsals, concerts, contests, pep rallies, and football games. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to check the band calendar and incorporate the scheduled events into your family calendar. In order to establish and maintain a high level of performance, Symphonic Band students will need to practice 30 to 60 minutes daily and are encouraged to study privately with a professional lesson’s teacher (Private Lessons).

Symphonic Band students will have at least, one 45 minute sectional rehearsal, per week (either 7:30-8:15am OR 3:45pm – 4:30pm) until their Objective Sheet has been completed, as well as some extra full band rehearsals throughout the year. For normal progress, all Symphonic Band students are required to practice at least 2.5 hours per week, which is to be documented on a practice sheet given to each student at the beginning of each semester. We strongly encourage equally distributed practice time in order to promote musical success. Parents will sign the student’s practice sheet each week to verify the amount of home practice. Practice sheets will be checked each Monday, and in the case of a holiday, teacher in-service day, etc., practice sheets will then be checked on the first teaching day of the week. Please sign your child’s practice sheet on Sunday, after your child has completed practicing for the week. For normal progress, all Symphonic Band students must take their instruments home everyday

Honor Band