Information for 5th Graders

About the Rogers Middle School Band

With over 100 students, the Rogers Middle School Band is the largest student organization on campus. The band program is highly successful, having earned Best-In-Class at the 2019 Shadow Creek Showcase of Sound and earning consistent superior ratings at contests and festivals. More than 150 band students have earned a "First Division" at our annual beginner solo contest, while more than 30 students have earned an "Outstanding Soloist Award."

The Rogers Band Program is the sole feeder for the Berry Miller Junior High Band, which just recently placed 4th in the entire state of Texas! The Berry Miller Junior High Band was also a state finalist in 2018, earning 9th place. This past January, 35 Dawson High School Band members earned a spot in the TMEA Area Band. Twenty-five of these students are Rogers Band Alumni. Furthermore, all seven of the students from Dawson who made the 2020 All-State Band began band at Rogers Middle School.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Do I have to be able to read music to join band?"

No! Students are not required to have prior musical experience in order to join band. We will teach you everything you need to know!

"Do we have band practice before or after school?"

There are very few before or after school obligations in beginner band. We have a few rehearsals for our Winter and Spring Concerts and a beginner solo contest. Other than that, all students have to do is practice at home!

"Can I do band and still participate in sports and other activities?"

Yes! Most of our band students are involved in more than just band. We have students who participate in sports, theatre, art, National Junior Honor Society, and much more. We work closely with coaches and fellow teachers to make sure students can participate fully in all of their activities.

"I'm not sure about band yet, can I wait to join in 7th grade?"

Unfortunately, beginner band classes are only offered at the middle school level and students are required to have one year of beginner band in order to do band in 7th grade. If you want to do band in junior high and high school, NOW is the time to join!

"What instruments can I play in beginner band?"

We offer the following beginner band classes:

Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet
Saxophone
Trumpet
Horn
Euphonium
Trombone
Tuba
Percussion

See our section at the bottom of the page to learn more about the band instruments.

"Do I have to buy or rent my own instrument?"

Some instruments are available to rent from Pearland ISD for a yearly fee, while other instruments must be purchased or rented from an outside vendor. Our approved vendors have several affordable options and rent-to-own programs to help you find the right instrument.

"Does the band do anything besides concerts?"

Yes! We believe in working hard and having fun. Apart from our concerts and solo contest, we take a few fun field trips throughout the year!

"That sounds great! How do I sign up?"

Students should select band as their first-choice elective when signing up for courses. We also host a general information meeting during the spring semester where we explain the process of joining band for the following year.

Reasons to Join Band

By joining band, students are learning more than how to play a musical instrument. They are learning valuable life skills that they can take with them for the rest of their lives!

A few of these skills include:

critical thinking
divergent thinking
organization
accountability
responsibility
perseverance
collaboration
improvisation
innovation

Dan Pink, author of four New York Times bestselling books, argues that "arts education, especially music education, is not ornamental but is fundamental."