PURPOSE: The Symphonic Band is an advanced performing group with preparation for Honor Winds and the high school band program as a primary objective. Students will perform at concerts and contests throughout the school year, including UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest, and major regional contest festivals in the area (Meyerson Symphony Center, Bass Hall, Majestic Theatre, etc.). Students will also have the opportunity to perform at the solo and ensembles contests as well as the All-Region and All-City Band tryout processes, provided they have met the eligibility requirements. Instrumentation is limited to those who show advanced performance abilities and superior attitudes. Members are selected by audition. Minimum skills to audition include:

1. Play 7 assigned scales with no mistakes in 4 of them;
2. Play a two octave chromatic scale;
3. Sightread with no mistakes in 70% of the measures an exercise that demonstrates eighth-notes and triplets;
4. Acceptable tone is required on all scales and exercises.

Symphonic Band members meet as an ensemble (all instrument sections together)