Our Band Program
Wind Ensemble
T.J. Peterman, Director
The Wind Ensemble is the program's top performing concert band, and consists of the varsity wind and percussion musicians in the Cypress Woods High School Band. The group is usually composed of the top 10th-12th grade musicians in the fall, and adds the top 9th grade musicians in the spring pending the results of the fall audition. The Wind Ensemble meets in the fall and spring semesters and performs at the Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Contest, UIL Contest, and Spring Concert. This group participates in the TMEA Honor Band Competition every other year; most recently named an Honor Band Finalist and placing 7th in 2022-2023. The ensemble was also named a winner of the Mark of Excellence in 2021-2022 school year under the direction of Tom Harrington. The ensemble performs significant wind band literature, including new and standard works for wind band, as well as transcriptions. Membership into the Wind Ensemble is determined by audition in the fall and spring semesters through execution of region music, All-Region Band audition placement, excerpts, mastery of fundamental exercises, etc. All members of the Wind Ensemble are required to participate in the TMEA All-Region process, as well as perform at Solo and Ensemble.
Symphonic Winds
Gabrielle Crouch, Director
The Symphonic Winds is the program's second performing concert band, and consists of the non-varsity wind and percussion musicians in the Cypress Woods HS Band. The group is composed of students from all grade levels with great musical maturity and fundamental skill set. The Symphonic Winds meets in the fall and spring semesters and performs at the Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Contest, UIL Contest, and Spring Concert. The ensemble performs significant wind band literature, including new and standard works for wind band, as well as transcriptions. Membership into the Symphonic Winds is determined by audition in the fall and spring semesters through execution of region music, All-Region Band audition placement, excerpts, mastery of fundamental exercises, etc. All members of the Symphonic Winds are required to participate in the TMEA All-Region process, as well as perform at Solo and Ensemble. The Symphonic Winds was named a Citation of Excellence - National Winner in 2022 under the direction of T.J. Peterman.
Symphonic Band
Samuel Belcher, Director
The Symphonic Band is the program's third performing concert band, and consists of the sub non-varsity (A) wind and percussion musicians in the Cypress Woods HS Band. The group is composed of students from all grade levels. The Symphonic Band meets in the fall and spring semesters and performs at the Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Contest, UIL Contest, and Spring Concert. The ensemble performs new and standard works for wind band. Membership into the Symphonic Band is determined by audition in the fall and spring semesters through execution of region music, All-Region Band audition placement, excerpts, mastery of fundamental exercises, etc. All members of the Symphonic Band are required to participate in the Solo and Ensemble contest, and are encouraged to attend the TMEA All-Region Band tryout.
Concert Winds
T.J. Peterman, Director
The Concert Winds is the program's fourth performing concert band, and consists of the sub non-varsity (B) wind and percussion musicians in the Cypress Woods HS Band. The group is composed of students from all grade levels. The Concert Winds meets in the fall and spring semesters and performs at the Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Contest, UIL Contest, and Spring Concert. The ensemble performs new and standard works for wind band. Membership into the Concert Winds is determined by audition in the fall and spring semesters through execution of region music, excerpts, mastery of fundamental exercises, etc. All members of the Concert Winds are required to participate in the Solo and Ensemble contest, and are encouraged to attend the TMEA All-Region Band tryout.
Percussion Ensemble
Cinjin Casillas, Director
The Percussion Ensemble is composed of members from all grade levels, and meets in the fall and spring semesters. In the fall, the percussion ensemble is split between Front Ensemble and Drumline for the marching band portion of the year. In the spring, all percussion students collaborate on a Percussion Ensemble Concert in late February/early March. In addition to participating in the Cypress Woods Marching Band and spring Percussion Ensemble, all percussion members are required to prepare the TMEA All-Region etudes in the fall, as well as perform at Solo and Ensemble contest in the spring. The Percussion Ensemble performs original, contemporary, and traditional works for the medium.
NOVA Color Guard and Winter Guard
Khalil Sanders, Director
The NOVA Color Guard is composed of between 30-40 members and is an auxiliary organization at Cypress Woods High School that meets in the fall and spring semesters, but is directly connected with the Cypress Woods High School Marching Band. As a visual effect ensemble, NOVA is responsible for adding color, vibrancy, and elegance to the marching show. NOVA performs at all marching competitions, football half-time performances, and pep rallies in the fall. In the spring, members will audition for a select number of spots to perform in the Cypress Woods HS Varsity and JV Winter Guard programs at TCGC and WGI competitions.
Our Middle School Bands
At the heart of our program is a fantastic group of middle school band programs, directors and fellow teachers. We are forever grateful for their musicianship and care in the teaching of our future Cy Woods Band Students.
Goodson Middle School
Alexander Hinojosa
Daniel Hernandez
Hannah Hensdill
Salyards Middle School
Linda Mohney
Mario Prado
Alex Deller
Spillane Middle School
John Barton
Cole Smith
Rebecca Bailey