Arts

Sam Houston is proud to offer many award-winning fine arts programs.

Art

Our middle school art program at SHMS is where creativity shines. Our students have won ribbons in:

Día de los Muertos Art Show,
Black History Month Art Show,
Garland ISD Art Show

They’ve also excelled in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), earning top scores of 4-Exemplary. Join us to explore your artistic talents and be part of our award-winning community!

Sam Houston Middle School Choir is devoted to helping each student grow into the best possible version of themselves through the study of vocal music. In choir class, students not only learn to use their voice to create something beautiful, but also learn the value of music in everyday life and the lives of others. The choir performs multiple concerts a year, go on fun field trips, and make an effort to become an important part of the overall school community. We invite every student who wishes to become part of our community of music creators and outstanding citizens. We can't wait to have you!

The Sam Houston Colt Choir has 4 performing choirs:

Acapella Choir,
Tenor/Bass Choir,
Treble Select
6^th 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 6^th Grade Choir also received “Superior” in the GISD 6^th Grade Festival. Over 70 students received 1^st Division awards at Solo & Ensemble Contest in 21-22 and the Colt Choir had 2 students selected for the All-Region Choir.

Advanced Theater

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.

X (formally 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

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.

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