Frequently Asked Questions

Nothing! Students are welcome to join the Rice Raven Band regardless of their background and experience.  You do not need to know how to play an instrument or even how to read music before joining the band.  We will teach you everything you need to know in order to be successful and have fun creating music with friends.  

Ask your counselor to put band on your schedule! This will ensure that you are signed up for band. All students new to Rice will need to schedule a time to meet with a director.  If you are an incoming beginner with no experience, your meeting will be your opportunity to try the different instruments available with a director and to choose the instrument you will be learning in band. If you already play an instrument, your meeting will help place you in an ensemble. 

If you have been in band before at another school, or have learned an instrument through private lessons, we are very excited you will be joining our band family at Rice Middle School! If you already have experience, you will meet with a director to demonstrate your developmental level by performing something of your choice, such as scales, etudes, solos, band music, etc. This will allow us to place you in the correct intermediate or advanced ensemble.

Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba and Percussion are the instruments offered to our beginners. In our intermediate bands, we also have piccolo, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, and bass trombone. In special circumstances we also use the alto/bass flutes, english horn, contrabass clarinet, soprano saxophone, flugelhorn, bass guitar, electric guitar, piano and drum set. 

Private lessons are not required, but are highly recommended. They allow for one-on-one time with a professional, on your child's instrument. Sessions can occur during or after school and some lesson teachers also offer virtual lessons. Speak with your child's lesson teacher to check their availability.

In order to join one of our jazz bands, you need to be enrolled in a music class at Rice. This ensures you receive the information you need about rehearsals and performances. Auditions for jazz band take place in late-August to early-September, and place students into either the Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Collection. After auditions have concluded, students can join the Jazz Collection by contacting Ms. Hixson at annalee.hixson@pisd.edu.