Arts
Sam Houston is proud to offer many award-winning fine arts programs.
Art
The Art program at Sam Houston allows any student to build an understanding and appreciation for visual arts. This program focuses on building personal creativity and expression through the hands-on creation of art. The Accelerated Art 1 program is a high school level year-long, eighth grade art course at Sam Houston for which students earn high school credit. This class is specially designed for students who have shown an interest in art as well as have an exceptional talent in art. The Accelerated Art program helps students focus on a specific area of interest while building a student art portfolio and participating in competitions. This class prepares each student for IB and AP high school art.
Choir
The Sam Houston Colt Choir has 4 performing choirs: Acapella Choir, Tenor/Bass Choir, Treble Select and 6th Grade Choir. All choirs perform multiple concerts throughout the year and compete in competitions. Both Acapella and Tenor/Bass Choirs have received the highest possible result of “Superior” at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. The 6th Grade Choir also received “Superior” in the GISD 6th Grade Festival. Over 70 students received 1st Division awards at Solo & Ensemble Contest in 21-22 and the Colt Choir had 2 students selected for the All-Region Choir. Colt Choir has a place for every student of every skill level, we are very proud of our success and are looking forward to finding it again this year.
Advanced Theatre
Our Award Winning Theatre Program at Sam Houston is a fantastic way to make friends and perform. Advanced Theatre performs four shows a year, including a children's play to be performed for elementary students and 8th Grade Student Directs. Every other year Advanced Theatre joins together with choir and put on a musical. In November the students go to a competition at Garland High School and compete against other middle schools in the district. The theatre is proud of all of its accomplishments and looks forward to what the future will bring!
Band
The Sam Houston Middle School Band Department is dedicated to helping students become responsible adults through participation in musical ensembles. The cornerstone and legacy of the Sam Houston Band program is excellence through dedication, education, experience, and a team effort from students and staff. As a member of the SHMS Band, you are a part of one of the school's most important, respected, and consistent teams.
Twitter: @shmscoltband1
Instagram: shmscoltband
Beginning Band
Students will:
- Be able to understand and interpret musical symbols, note and rest values, and other musical terms.
- Be able to know the parts of the assigned instrument, and the proper care for it.
- Develop proper instrumental playing fundamentals
- Develop the ability to produce a good sound and proper intonation.
- Develop proper practice and rehearsal habits.
- Develop self-discipline skills from all of the above.
Beginner Band students will also participate in 2 concerts for the year, spring semester NRH2O Music Festival*, and may participate in the Young Excellence Solo & Ensemble contest in the spring.
Concert Band
The pre-intermediate performing ensemble at Sam Houston. Emphasis is on continuing to build on fundamental skills learned in Beginning Band, which will enable each student to perform at a higher level. During the year, it performs at two required formal concerts, as well as a spring festival that students must qualify for. Students are encouraged to take part in self-improvement activities, such attending the Symphonic Band section rehearsals, taking private lessons, and are expected to perform at the Solo & Ensemble Contest.
Symphonic Band
The intermediate performing ensemble at Sam Houston. Emphasis is on improving individual fundamentals and playing skills, which enables students to perform at an even higher level. Students are encouraged to take part in self-improvement activities such as trying out for All-District Band, and taking private lessons.
Wind Ensemble
The advanced band at Sam Houston. They perform at football games, pep rallies, and special concerts during the school year. Students are expected to prepare themselves for All-District and All-Region Band auditions, which will happen in November. They are encouraged to take private lessons.
Both Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band perform at formal concerts, and interscholastic contests (UIL Concert & Sight-reading evaluation, the NRH2O Music Festival, or other contests) each year. Time will be required outside the regular school day for these performances and trips. Attendance is required at all performances. One, weekly, 50 minute sectional (tutorial) will be held after school, at which tests will be taken, and emphasis on instrument specific topics will be covered. Students are also expected to take part in the Solo-Ensemble contest in February.
Jazz Band
An advanced extra-curricular band at Sam Houston. They perform at different events during the school year. Time will be required outside the regular school day for rehearsals, contests/evaluations, and other possible performances. Students can join this group after successful completion of Beginning Band (unless they have functional piano, guitar, or bass guitar experience), and by director's consent. Students learn to improvise on their own and play all styles of popular music.