JV
- 3rd place NTCA Contest @ South Grand Prairie HS
- 1st place NTCA Contest @ Little Elm HS
- 1st place NTCA Contest @ Emerson
- 3rd place @ JV NTCA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Ensembles
Membership
Membership in these ensembles is determined by the following various factors: auditions (Fall & Spring), *academic grades (as they pertain to UIL participation), overall work ethic and participation from the previous semester/year. Audition scores are based on scales, etudes, and sight-reading. Directors will determine the material for auditions and post at least two weeks before auditions occur.
Requirements per ensemble
Each director will set the requirements for their respective classes, depending on the ability level of the class and the objectives for the semester. ALL band students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances of the ensembles in which they are involved. Failure to attend a performance, without prior notice and/or approval, could result in the loss of performing with the group, a failing summative grade, and/or the possibility of being removed from the ensemble. Daily participation will count toward a formative grade each week, as do the required sectional/masterclass. The number of grades given per quarter will be determined by the director, following LEHS grading guidelines.
Marching Band
Little Elm ISD and Little Elm High School has enjoyed a high reputation for excellence in music performance, including marching band, for many years. The marching band is the most visible aspect of the band program. The marching band provides performance opportunities for band students while integrating the band program into school and community activities.
As an integral part of the band program, it is our philosophy that educationally,historically and musically, marching band is an essential ingredient in a well rounded music education program. We believe that music students need to develop the ability to participate and perform in different ensemble experiences,which, for band students, includes marching band. As a result, marching band is required for all high school students who elect to take an academic band performance course. Philosophy regarding all aspects of high school band stems from TEA/UIL guidelines which govern all Texas schools.
As an artistic endeavor, each rehearsal and performance by the marching band is mentally and physically demanding. For the full marching band performance,students are always on task and must bring to the experience their best performance skills. As a result, each student in the marching band is eligible to receive a physical education substitution credit (max 1 credit) in accordance with TEA guidelines.
The music and performance skills and techniques, along with the associated academic skills in the band program, are derived from implementation of the expectations found in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The curriculum specifically includes requirements such as demonstrating musical skills and artistry, performing in different musical mediums, and experiencing music through a wider range of music literature, which are addressed through the marching band. Each performance by the marching band provides students the opportunity to demonstrate musical artistry through the ensemble, individual music performance skills and techniques, marching performance skills and techniques, and critical thinking skills that include auditory, spatial and visual awareness.
The opportunity for weekly performance is a motivating factor for academic achievement for marching band students, since only by maintaining their eligibility can they continue to perform. As a result, the directors have documented the fact that the least number of ineligible students during the year occurs during the marching season.
Since marching band is a part of the academic band course and therefore, part of the graded curriculum, students in marching band are responsible for assimilating the academic aspects of the band elective as found in the TEKS. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory and will be integrated into the student’s grade for band in accordance with TEA/UIL guidelines.
Marching band practice times are regulated by TEA/UIL guidelines. Adherence to these guidelines is the responsibility of the Head Band Director at each high school. As per TEA and UIL rules, “The members of a marching band or any of its components may not begin the marching preparation for a UIL contest presentation prior to August 1. In addition, no more than fifteen (15) hours of director-supervised instructional time may be devoted to marching fundamentals between the end of the previous school term and August 1st. Music preparation isnot affected by this fifteen-hour rule. Between August 1 and the 1st day of school, practice schedules are determined by the Head Band Director. During the school year, no more than 8 hours of rehearsal per week, outside of the schoolday, is allowed and shall begin on the Tuesday immediately following Labor Day. Exceptions to the 8-hour rule include preparation immediately before games and competitions.” LEISD and LEHS observe all of these guidelines.
Wind Ensemble
Prerequisite: Audition by Director
The Wind Ensemble is the highest performing ensemble in the band program. The ensemble is made up of the most musically and technically advanced students. The band will perform upper-level high school and college band literature. Most of the fall semester is focused on marching band music and All-Region preparations. The spring semester centers on concert music.
- Performance of marching music by memory
- Participation in marching band
- Preparation of All-Region music during the fall
- Audition for All-Region Band
- Participation in both the LEISD Ensemble Contest (Feb) and Solo contest (May)
- Participation in private lessons is strongly encouraged
- Dedication of significant personal practice time to improve musical skills
- Attendance at all sectional rehearsals and/or full band rehearsals before or after school
- Participation in all performances, including UIL and approved travel
- Maintain academic eligibility
- Students may be moved to a lower concert band if they do not meet the requirements of this ensemble
Symphonic Winds
Prerequisite: Audition by Director
The Symphonic Winds is the second performing ensemble in the band program. This band is made up of students with above average musical and technical skills. Most of the fall semester is focused on marching band music and All-Region preparations. The spring semester centers on solos, ensembles and concert music. The spring semester centers on concert music.
- Performance of marching music by memory
- Participation in marching band
- Preparation of All-Region music during the fall
- Audition for All-Region Band
- Participation in both the LEISD Ensemble Contest (Feb) and Solo Contest (May)
- Participation in private lessons is strongly encouraged
- Participation in all performances, including UIL and approved travel
- Attendance at sectional rehearsals and/or full band rehearsals before or after school
- Maintain academic eligibility
- Students may be moved to a lower concert band if they do not meet the requirements of this ensemble
Symphonic Band
Prerequisite: Audition by Director
The Symphonic Band offers the opportunity for continued development at an intermediate level. The Symphonic Band will perform with members of the WindEnsemble and Symphonic Winds at football games, parades, and marching events.Performances will be given throughout the year at school and UIL events. Attendance at out-of-school rehearsals and performances is required.
- Performance of marching music by memory
- Participation in marching band
- Participation in LEISD Ensemble Contest (Feb)
- Participation in LEISD Solo Contest (May) is strongly encouraged
- Participation in private lessons is strongly encouraged
- Participation in all performances, including UIL and approved travel
- Maintain academic eligibility
Jazz Band
The jazz band is open to all current members of the LEHS Band only (with possible exception of bass, piano and guitar). Emphasis is strongly placed on developing proper ensemble balance and blend, individual musical responsibility and various jazz styles.Performances will be given throughout the year at school and local festivals/contests.Attendance at after school rehearsals and performances are required (Tuesday &Thursday’s after marching season).
- Participation in private lessons is strongly encouraged
- Participation in all performances, including approved travel
- Maintain academic eligibility
Color Guard
2025 Scholastic Open Results:
Varsity
- 1st place NTCA Contest South Grand Prairie
- WGI DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
- 1st place NTCA Contest @ Wylie East
- 1st place NTCA Contest @ Thomas Coliseum
- WGI SOUTHWEST POWER REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
- 2025 NTCA CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHOLASTIC OPEN CHAMPIONS
- 2025 WGI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHOLASTIC OPEN CHAMPIONS