SCHIMELPFENIG MIDDLE SCOOL
Schimelpfenig Middle School is a Plano ISD campus of about 900 students. SMS opened in 1980 as the sixth middle school in Plano and has grown to represent a diverse population of students with very high expectations of academic performance and citizenship. Our students currently attend Clark High School for grades 9-10 and Plano Senior High School for 11-12.
Approximately 750 students participate in the school's music programs each year, of which 300 are enrolled in the band program.
The Schimelpfenig Middle School Band is the beginning of a potential seven-year musical journey, culminating with membership in the Plano Senior High School Band Program. The philosophy of the SMS Band Program is to open the musical doorway to self-discovery and self-discipline, with the goal of creating confident and respectful young individuals, who share a life-long understanding and appreciation of teamwork and a love for music.
We work each day to help every student develop a life-long appreciation of music and understanding of teamwork by nurturing success in the following areas:
Becoming an independent and proficient performer on one’s chosen instrument.
Building self-discipline and self-confidence through daily preparation and participation as team members.
Developing the ability to understand and evaluate musical performances as a critical listener.
Fostering a respect for our musical heritage, and also recognizing the importance of music in our culture.
Encouraging responsible citizenship traits through mutually respectful relationships with peers and adults.
BEGINNING BAND
Beginning Band classes meet in like-instrument groups focusing on fundamental music skills and performance techniques. Beginning instruments offered include:
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet
Saxophone
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion
Students in the beginning band perform three full concerts a year, perform at a contest in the Spring, and have the opportunity to perform at a solo contest in May.
ADVANCED BANDS
Students with a year or more of playing experience will be grouped into one of three fully instrumented bands:
Wind Ensemble is our varsity band
Symphonic Band is our nonvarsity band
Concert Band is our subnonvarsity band
Our bands participate in UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest and other music festivals each year. In addition, all students are eligible and encouraged to participate in All-Region Band, Solo Contest, and Ensemble Contest. There is also a Jazz Band that begins meeting in the spring semesters. The Schimelpfenig Band has earned a reputation as an outstanding middle school band program across the State of Texas and nationally. In 2013 and 2015, the SMS Wind Ensemble was named as a finalist in the Texas Honor Band Competition.