Incoming Student Information

One of the largest and most successful groups in Flower Mound! 
Come Join Us! On this team, Everyone Plays!

As we start getting into the month of January we officially begin the process of introducing new musicians in our band program.  This is an important decision for you and your child.  Not only a decision about joining band, but also a decision which will determine, in part, who your child’s friends and associates will be for the next several years. Band is much more than a class to play an instrument.  It is the development of a family of friends that lasts a lifetime and establishment of some rather profound physical and mental influences.  These influences will determine much of your child’s success in all aspects of education, not just music. 

It is a fact that music students represent the top of the academic scale in our schools.  We know they are averaging 89 points higher on SAT exams.  We also know that Fine  Art students are many of ones who enjoy a very successful high school career academically as well as in athletics and other activities.  For parents of college bound students, it is very important to consider the follows facts:   
  1. Majority of admission directors  consider class rank.  Band students tend to place very highly in  class ranking and have a high percentage of earning Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors.  Flower Mound High School's 2012 Valedictorian was a member of the FMHS Band all four years and was a Texas All-State Flutist!
  2. Admission standards are heavily based on SAT score.  Band students consistently score in the highest percentiles on the SAT exam.
  3. Admission directors consider the participation of the student in band and other fine art classes.  60% of all college freshman drop out after the first year.  In contrast, 96% of past band students graduate earn diplomas from higher level institutions, many graduating with university honors.  We reinforce the values of commitment and dedication daily.
It is very important to take advantage of band class during the 6th grade year.  If you wait until 7th, your child will be in a  class of students a year younger and will have a more difficult time catching up to their level.  We move very quickly here at Shadow Ridge, and you will be amazed at the level of musicianship at the end  of the 6th grade year.   
If you sign up for band, the band directors will contact you with more information regarding instrument selection!  If you have questions, please contact Mr. Patterson at PattersonR@lisd.net

Learn About the Instruments!
Why is music important - why now?  
Great insightful local article by 
The Dallas Morning News... 
"Music Education hits all the right notes."

"How Playing an Instrument Benefits your BRAIN!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to know anything about music to join band?
No Experience is Needed! Everything you need to know to play an instrument will be taught in your band class.  Any previous training in music is a plus but not necessary for success.

Can I still be in athletics, choir, orchestra & other school groups?
YES. We encourage our band students to participate in athletics & other school activities. Many of our band students are very successful athletes, terrific singers, as well as ACADEMIC leaders of our school!

Who will be in band?
Your friends and fellow classmates will join you in what will be some of the most exciting and fun times of your school experience.  The more friends, the most fun!  With over 260 band students at Shadow Ridge, and still growing,
the band is the largest single organization.  Many of our students are the school leaders and among the most successful students at The Ridge.
What fun things will we do in band?
The best reward is learning to play an  instrument and make music!  You will experience many parties, trips, concerts, contests & performances throughout the year!

Asthma?  Braces?  Is it possible?
ABSOLUTELY!  There are good instrument options for every student who wants to be in band.  We have many students that have braces and/or asthma.  Playing a wind instrument can actually be beneficial for those with asthma as it helps strengthen the lungs.
The Shadow Ridge Band is home to the best and brightest at Shadow Ridge:
  • Are you interested in having your child be a member of the National Junior Honor Society?  Great! Over 50% of NJHS members are in the Shadow Ridge Band!
  • Is your child interested in playing for a sports team at Shadow Ridge?  Awesome!  9 in 10 of our 7th & 8th graders actively play on our Shadow Ridge volleyball, football, basketball, soccer and other teams.  Band Directors work to create an environment which students have the freedom to partipate in mulitple activities.  This is important especially in middle school to develop and enrich your child's experience before they venture into high school. 
  • We have SMART kids in Band!  95% of our Honor Winds Band students take more than one PreAP class!  Of those students their grade average is 97/100!!!  Your child will develop the characteristics and habits of their closest five friends.  Having smart friends can definitely have advantages in life! 
  • Do you want the best for your child?  We do too - join the Shadow Ridge Band and let us make a positive impact on your child's exprience at SRMS.  Scientific evidence proves that music enrichment during adolescence years helps accelerate cognitive growth and provides children with a powerful emotional outlet.  Ask around and you'll quickly find out that we have one of the best programs in the state with many national recognitions.