Band

The Naaman Forest Ranger Band is the only Instrumental Music Program at Naaman Forest HS. Students in band play wind and percussion instruments from Flute, Tuba, all the way to drums like the bass drum and drum set. The Naaman Forest Band Prides Itself on Offering Students Far More Than an Extensive Musical Education. Our Directors, Students, and Parents Work Together To Support the Academic, Social, and Emotional Success of All Students.

Meet the directors

Richard E. Falls Jr.

Nathaniel Collins

Assistant Band Director & Director of Percussion

✉ ncollins@garlandisd.net

Nathaniel Collins began teaching at Naaman Forest in 2021. Mr. Collins has taught percussion for over 10 years in Garland, Plano and Frisco. At Naaman Forest, Mr. Collins teaches all percussion courses and ensembles, including the drumline and percussion ensembles. Mr. Collins lives in Garland with his wife and daughter, who is a student at Spring Creek Elementary.

Brandon Choi

Assistant band director

✉ bchoi@garlandisd.net

Brandon Choi is in his first year of teaching. He attended Southern Methodist University for his undergraduate and masters. At Naaman Forest High School, Mr. Choi teaches the non-varsity band, beginner brass class, and beginner woodwinds class. Mr. Choi’s primary instrument is the saxophone, but his current favorite instrument is the banjo.

Madelein Richings

Courses offered

Beginner band

The non varsity band offers a fine arts credit required for graduation. Concert band is open to band students with some previous experience in band who desire to improve their abilities in technical, rhythmical, and musical aspects of playing their instruments. Preparations are made in the class for future auditions for more advanced bands as students are ready for these advancements.

Symphonic band

Varsity wind ensemble

Varsity band offers a fine arts credit required for graduation. The varsity band is designed for the advanced instrumental student who has proven through audition the ability to perform at an above average level in the areas of technical ability, sight reading, and audio perception. Students will continue to develop their technical ability and basic musicianship through the rehearsal and performance of the most demanding marching and concert band literature. Performances will include marching band performances, concerts, U.I.L. band contests, and U.I.L.. solo and ensemble contest.

Woodwind instrumental ensemble studies

Woodwinds offers a fine arts credit required for graduation. These chamber music groups are designed for the advanced instrumental student who has proven through audition the ability to perform above average on an instrument. Students must maintain membership in either the second band or the first band in order to be eligible for the instrumental ensemble class. The study and performance of various types of instrumental ensembles provide the main focus of this class. These ensembles may participate in U.I.L. contests as well as perform for school and community functions.

Brass instrumental ensemble studies

Brass offers a fine arts credit required for graduation. These chamber music groups are designed for the advanced instrumental student who has proven through audition the ability to perform above average on an instrument. Students must maintain membership in either the second band or the first band in order to be eligible for the instrumental ensemble class. The study and performance of various types of instrumental ensembles provide the main focus of this class. These ensembles may participate in U.I.L. contests as well as perform for school and community functions.

Percussion ensemble

All Percussionists participate in percussion ensemble classes that develop skills on all percussion instruments and prepares for performances with the marching band (Drumline), Concert Band ensembles (Symphonic and Wind Ensemble), percussion ensemble (music for percussion only), and solo festivals. Percussionists perform at all band performances and enjoy additional opportunities at drumline contests and percussion ensemble festivals held across the area.

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