Wind Ensemble
This ensemble is the top performing concert group at the high school. Membership is based on a semester-by-semester audition, which will include prepared etudes, scales, counting, and sight-reading. Aside from playing ability, directors will consider attitude, participation, and instrumentation needs when determining a student’s ensemble placement. This group will be primarily composed of students in grades 9-12.
The Wind Ensemble prepares and performs college level literature and has many concerts throughout the year. Members of this ensemble are required to attend weekly sectionals outside of school time and are required to participate in the TMEA All-Region process. These students are highly motivated about improving their musical abilities and are expected to participate in the private lesson program.
Symphonic Winds
This ensemble is the second performing concert group at the high school. Membership is based on a semester-by-semester audition, which will include prepared etudes, scales, counting, and sight-reading. Aside from playing ability, directors will consider attitude, participation, and instrumentation needs when determining a student’s ensemble placement. This group will be primarily composed of students in grades 9-12.
The Symphonic Winds prepares and performs college and upper-level high school literature and has many concerts throughout the year. Members of this ensemble are required to attend weekly sectionals outside of school time and are required to participate in the TMEA All-Region process. Students in this ensemble are encouraged to participate in the private lesson program. For many students, Symphonic Winds serves as preparation for Wind Ensemble.
Concert Band
This ensemble is the third performing concert group at the high school. Membership is based on a semester-by-semester audition, which will include prepared etudes, scales, counting, and sight-reading. Aside from playing ability, directors will consider attitude, participation, and instrumentation needs when determining a student’s ensemble placement. This group will be primarily composed of students in grades 9-12.
The Concert Band prepares and performs high school level literature and has a handful of concerts throughout the year. Members of this ensemble have minimal sectionals outside of school time. Students in this ensemble are encouraged to particpate in the TMEA All-Region process as well as in the private lesson program. For many students, Concert Band serves as preparation for the upper-level ensembles.
Jazz Band
This ensemble is the only competitive jazz ensemble at the High School. Membership is based on an audition. Aside from playing ability, Mr. Eckert will consider attitude, participation, and instrumentation needs when determining membership in the group. This group will be primarily composed of students in grades 9-12.
The Jazz Ensemble meets during the school day as a scheduled class and performs at the holiday, winter, and spring band concerts. Ensemble members have the opportunity to participate in the TMEA All-Region Jazz process as well as performing at jazz and music festivals in the spring semester.
Marching Band
The New Braunfels Mighty Unicorn Marching Band has a long history of great traditions, pride, and excellence extending back to 1932. This tradition of excellence was continued in 2016 as the Unicorns earned USBands Regional Champion, Area D Finals, and Second-alternate to State Marching Contest. All band members are required to be a part of the marching band. This ensemble performs at all NBHS football games and pep rallies, UIL marching competition, and other marching competitions like Bands of America Super-Regionals, as well as other invitational events such as parades and community performances.