ENSEMBLES
Conroe Tiger Band
Directors: Billy Skembos, Aaron Hernandez, Jake Rollins, Michael Henson
The Conroe Tiger Band is one of the largest organizations on the Conore High School Campus with over 200 students enrolled. The CTB is an ensemble comprising the entire band membership, including four concert bands, percussion ensemble, and color guard. The marching band rehearses one week during the first week of June and then picks up again at the end of July each summer. During the school year, the band rehearses 8 hours per week outside of the school day until the last football game or competition in November. Participation in the marching band is required for all members in the band program, and PE credit and/or fine arts credit is awarded to participants. There are required pre-season training camps that enable the group to put on public performance early in the school year. Each student is responsible for the annual band materials fee to help pay for expenses necessary to put on a quality and competitive program on the field and concert stage.
Wind Ensemble
Director: Billy Skembos
The Wind Ensemble at Conroe High School is the top performing concert band in the Conroe High School band program. The Wind Ensemble rehearses during 5th period each day and regularly meets for after-school section rehearsals, ensemble rehearsals, and clinics. This ensemble is comprised of mostly upperclassmen, this varsity level ensemble performs the finest wind literature available and focuses on the refinement of fundamental and advanced musical skills. Members of the Wind Ensemble perform frequently throughout the year and participate in the UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest. In addition, members in this ensemble are expected to participate in region band auditions/concerts and are encouraged to participate in the solo and ensemble contest and private lessons. Membership into this ensemble is by audition only. The Wind Ensemble was invited to the 2018 Music For All Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis and was selected as a Commended Winner of the 2022 Mark of Excellence Wind Band Project.
Symphonic Band
Director: Aaron Hernandez
The Symphonic Band at Conroe High School is the second of four concert bands in the Conroe band program. The Symphonic Band rehearses during 6th period each day and regularly meets for after-school section rehearsals, ensemble rehearsals, and clinics. Composed of all grade levels, this non-varsity ensemble performs high quality literature and focuses on refinement of fundamental and advanced musical skills. Members of the Symphonic Band perform frequently throughout the year and participate in the UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest. In addition, members in this ensemble are encouraged to participate in region band auditions/concerts, solo & ensemble contest, and lessons. Membership into this ensemble is by audition only.
Honor Band
Director: Billy Skembos & Aaron Hernandez
The Honor Band at Conroe High School is the third concert band in the Conroe band program. The Honor Band rehearses during 1st period each day and meets for after-school section rehearsals, ensemble rehearsals, and clinics. Composed of all grade levels, this sub non-varsity ensemble performs quality literature and focuses on refinement of fundamental musical skills. Members of the Honor Band perform frequently throughout the year and are encouraged to participate in region band auditions/concerts, solo and ensemble contests, and private lessons. Membership into this ensemble is by audition only.
Concert Band
Director: Billy Skembos & Aaron Hernandez
The Concert Band at Conroe High School is the entry level concert band in the Conroe band program. The Concert Band rehearses during 7th period each day and meets occasionally for after-school ensemble rehearsals, and clinics. Composed of primarily freshmen, this sub-non-varsity ensemble performs quality literature and focuses on the refinement of fundamental musical skills. Members of the Concert Band perform frequently throughout the year and are encouraged to participate in region band auditions/concerts, solo and ensemble contests, and private lessons. Membership into this ensemble is by audition only.
Jazz Band
Director: Aaron Hernandez
The Jazz Band at Conroe High School is an ensemble that meets during 2nd period each day and is made up of sophomores, juniors, and seniors that are also enrolled in a concurrent band class period. This ensemble explores various genres of jazz music and spends much of their time focusing on the development of improvisational skills. This ensemble performs at the winter concert, spring concert, and at various festivals and gigs around the Conroe and Houston area.
Percussion Ensemble
Director: Jake Rollins
Percussion Ensemble Is a class that meets as a drumline and front ensemble during the fall semester, and percussion ensembles based by band placements in the spring semester during 5th period. The percussion ensembles work together toward competitive festivals with the band and as separate ensembles as well. The percussion studio will compete in festivals, UIL Solo and Ensemble, and indoor circuits throughout the school year.
Color Guard
Director: Michael Henson
The Conroe color guard, under the direction of Michael Henson, provides additional visual aspects to the marching band performance. The color guard performs alongside the marching band at football games and competes in winter guard contests during the late winter and early spring. The color guard interprets the music that the marching band is playing via the synchronized spinning of flags, sabers, rifles, and through dance. The color guard uses different colors and styles of flags as well as costuming to enhance the visual effect of the marching band as a whole. The color guard may also use backdrops and scenery to provide color to enhance and expand the concept of the show. Although not a requirement, many color guard members have a background in dance.
