Welcome to the Blocker "Sting Band" program!

Students who participate in the instrumental music program at Blocker will experience a unique opportunity for creative self-expression.  It is our goal to instill in our students an appreciation of music as an art form.  The study of instrumental music develops skills that transfer to success in the other disciplines as well as life in general.  Some such skills include: self-discipline, confidence, diligence, teamwork, a strong work ethic, etiquette, intelligent listening skills, and improved social interaction. 

Blocker Band students will participate in a wide variety of activities and performances.  During the Fall semester, we will be performing for our Blocker Football team, playing for school-wide pep rallies, participating in Region Band auditions, and presenting a Holiday Concert.  The Spring semester includes performances by our Jazz Band, UIL Concert and Sightreading competition for our Symphonic and Concert Band students, Solo & Ensemble contest, a Spring Performance Festival/Trip, and a Spring Concert.   

Each month students will be given a calendar that outlines our rehearsal and performance schedule.  Our calendar of events is listed below and will be updated regularly.

We are pleased to welcome you to our program!

12 Blocker Students selected for All-District/All-Region Band
On November 10th, 12 Blocker students were selected as All-District/All-Region band members.  They prepared several pieces of music and scales for a rigorous audition with over 1000 students from our region.  Congratulations to these students!

Kelvin Zhou, flute; Greta Silvertooth, flute: Kayla Ybarra, flute; Alyssa Plasek, clarinet; Thomas Armstrong, clarinet; Noah Martinez, alto saxophone; Daniel Buenrostro, alto saxophone; Isidoro Ramos, trumpet; Kaela Clark, trumpet; Zachery Goolsby, trombone; Gabriel Poarch, baritone; Judson Schaper, percussion

Texas City Bands Score UIL Sweepstakes Awards
The Blocker Middle School Symphonic Band competed on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the UIL Region 17 MS Band Concert and Sightreading Festival held at McAdams JH in Dickinson. They earned top ratings in both Concert and Sightreading Captions and received a UIL Sweepstakes award for getting Superior ratings from the judges. Although the band has received Superior ratings in the Concert portion of the event since 2010, it has not earned a Sweepstakes Award (Superior ratings in both Concert and Sightreading) in 10 years.

As a pre-cursor to this wonderful success, the Texas City HS Symphonic Band also received a UIL Sweepstakes award on April 10th. Texas City HS has also been receiving Superior ratings since 2010, but like Blocker MS it also has not received a Sweepstakes award in 10 years.

Congratulations to the students, parents, and directors for all of their hard work this past school year!


***District membership fee***
Don't forget...students who participate in UIL activities like Band and athletics need to pay the district membership fee.  The fee is $25.00 annually and covers student participation in all Blocker UIL activities.  Payment can be made at the TCISD athletic office at Stingaree Stadium or can be brought to Blocker.  Checks should be made payable to:  TCISD

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December 13th       Holiday Concert (Meet: 6:15 p.m.; Concert: 7:00 p.m.)
February 2nd          Solo & Ensemble Contest @ Levi Fry (Times to be announced)
                               Students must be academically eligible to participate.
March 21st               Evaluation Concert @ TCHS
April 8th                  Symphonic Band performs @ Doyle 5 p.m.
April 18th                 UIL Band contest - Symphonic Band
April 30th                 Band pictures during class
                                8th graders perform at TCHS Band Concert 6 - 8 p.m.
May 3rd                   Symphonic Band recording in Dickinson 1 - 4 p.m.
May 10th                  Band Spring Trip to San Antonio - all day
May 16th                  BAND SPRING CONCERT - all students 7 p.m.
May 17th                  Symphonic Band recording @ TCHS 1 - 3 p.m.
May 21st                   8th graders attend new member Band camp @ TCHS 4 - 7 p.m.
                                (parent meeting immediately after)
June 7th                   8th graders perform at TCHS graduation - times t.b.a.
June 10th/11th          TCHS band camp 9 - 3:30 p.m. (for incoming 9th graders)
June 17th-20th          Blocker band camp 1 - 4 p.m. (for incoming 7th and 8th graders)