An Important Message to YOU from your Band Directors

It is that time of year when we are getting ready to start new musicians in our band program. This is an important decision  for you and your child. This is not a decision just about band, but rather a decision which will determine, in part, who your child’s friends and associates will be.

Although many see band as a class for learning to play an instrument, it is much more than that. It is the development of a family of friends that lasts a lifetime. It is also the establishment of some rather profound environmental influences that will determine much of your child’s success in all aspects of education, not just band.

We know that Band students represent the top of the academic scale in our schools. We know they are averaging 62 points higher on SAT tests, which would indicate they are stronger in verbal and math scores than most other members of the student body. We also know BAND students are some of the ones who enjoy a successful high school career and go on to college.  For parents wishing their children to attend college it would be important to consider the following facts.  The first two factors that the majority of admission directors consider are class rank and SAT/ACT scores.  The third consideration is whether or not the student has been active in a fine arts electives through their secondary years.  60% of all college freshmen drop out after their first year as a collegiate.  In contrast, 96% of students who have had 4 years of band as high school students earn diplomas from universities.

Another important consideration is that next year students will be required to take P.E. or athletics.  Because band can count as a P.E. credit, band students are allowed more electives instead of just one.  This is a great opportunity for students to also take advantage of the high school credit classes that are offered at San Jacinto and have a fun elective.  Students can also decide to take P.E. or athletics  and band.  The combinations are endless.

One of the most positive impressions you can offer your child is the gift of music and a chance to learn self-discipline at the highest  level via participation in band. Their social skills, communication skills, self-concepts, cooperative talents and creative mind will be nurtured through the study of music. These life skills will serve as an important foundation as they take on various responsibilities in their future.

We will be inviting you to bring your child for an instrument fair. At this time, we will recommend the instrument best suited for their physical characteristics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 432-689-1375. We will be more than happy to visit with you about the band program at San Jacinto Junior High School.  We look forward to welcoming you as a BAND PARENT!!!!

Sincerely,

Angelica Monclova and Kristy Taylor

Your San Jacinto Band Directors

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Check out these VIDEOS!!!

For Students:

Music Brings People Together
Middle schooler Emma shares how music is like a language—you can tell a story with it. And while it teaches skills like focus and hard work, music also brings people together like a family.

Music Connects Us
High school senior Joyce explains that the best part of music is being a part of something bigger than yourself. Joyce plans to go to medical school, and she knows music will always be part of her life.

Music Makes Me the Best Version of Me
Once Jamsel got into a middle school music class, he finally found the place where he belonged and felt welcomed. Now Jamsel wants to be a band director so he can share his passion with others.

For Parents:

Music Makes Me Happy
Elementary music teachers and students remind us of the most basic reasons we study music. While it does help us develop language skills and aids in our overall cognitive development, making music makes these kids happy.

Music Class: A Safe Place to Grow
Just after one day, new music students are already developing skills, and over time, music class becomes their home away from home, offering them a safe place to take risks and grow.

Music Helps Us Believe in Ourselves
Nicholas would have been lost had it not been for his music class and his choir directors. While as a young child he struggled with dyslexia, being in choir helped his language skills and his overall academic success.

For Administrators:

Music Prepares Us for Success
Amazon Web Services Director of Engineering David Borland shares how—even more than his degree in engineering—his music education set a solid foundation for his future.

Music Class: A Safe Place to Grow
Just after one day, new music students are already developing skills, and over time, music class becomes their home away from home, offering them a safe place to take risks and grow.

Music Connects Us
Joyce explains that the best part of music is being a part of something bigger than yourself. Joyce plans to go to medical school, and she knows music will always be part of her life.