Band Classes

We offer a range of ensembles to meet student musicianship needs. Our Beginner Band classes are for first-year students to teach the fundamentals of their instrument. Advanced Bands are ensembles for 2nd-year band students and beyond. The bands are skill-based, determined by an annual audition. In addition to our band classes, we are pleased to offer additional music electives to our 8th grade advanced band students to be taken in tandem with their band class. 

Beginner Band 

Beginner band is designed for students to learn the fundamentals of their instrument. Our beginner band is divided into homogeneous classes, meaning most classes consist of one single instrument (i.e., Flute Class, Trumpet Class, etc). The Beginner Band combines into one band to perform in two concerts during the school year in December and May. Students also participate in the Solo Recital in the Spring. 

We offer the following instruments in Beginner Band:

• Flute

• Oboe

• Bassoon

• Clarinet

• Saxophone

• Trumpet

• French Horn

• Trombone

• Euphonium

• Tuba

• Percussion

Prospective beginner band students participate in an instrument fitting process to determine which instrument best suits them. Typically, this is done at Instrument Fitting Day in the Spring. Please visit our "Join the Band" page for more information.

Advanced Bands

Students who demonstrate a level of proficiency on their instrument after Beginner Band are placed into one of our Advanced Bands after the Beginner Band. Advanced Bands are skill-based, and placement for the following school year is determined by an audition in the Spring. 

All bands perform at the Fall, Winter, Pre-UIL, and Spring concerts, as well as compete in the UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. Advanced band students perform in the Spring Solo Recital. All advanced band students are invited to participate in our annual Spring Trip.

Symphonic Band 

The Symphonic Band is our 3rd advanced band. This band typically performs grade 1 music, which is a step higher in difficulty than beginner band. Students continue working on building fundamental skills on their instrument while being in a full band class setting. There are no regular outside of school commitments for this band. An occasional after-school rehearsal may be needed in preparation for performances.

Select Band 

The Select Band is our 2nd advanced band. This group typically performs grade 2-3 music. Select Band students are required to attend one sectional outside of school hours per week at a day/time designated by the director. All Region band auditions are encouraged for members of this band. This ensemble performs at Canyon Vista's annual Veterans Day ceremony. 

Honors Band

The Honors Band is our 1st advanced band. This group performs grade 3-4 music and is the premier band at Canyon Vista. Honors Band students are required to attend one sectional outside of school hours per week at a day/time designated by the director. Additional rehearsals outside of school hours may be required in preparation for performances. Auditioning for All Region band auditions is an expectation for members of this band. Honors Band occasionally performs at additional school events throughout the year, such as assemblies and community events. 

Additional Music Electives

Our 8th grade advanced band students have the opportunity to take additional electives in addition to their advanced band class. Students considering additional music electives must meet the following requirements:

• Concurrent enrollment in an advanced band

• Director Approval

Below are additional music electives offered for the 2026-2027 school year:

• Music Theory

• Advanced Musicianship: Woodwinds and Brass

• Advanced Musicianship: Percussion