Band (After School) - 2026-2027
Updated August 11, 2026 - Registration now open
About 2026-2027 After School Band
- New this year! After School Band is open to 7th-12th grade intermediate-level musicians. Please see Minimum Skills Requirements.
- Weekly 75-minute practices.
- One winter and one spring semester concert. (Saturday, December 12 & Saturday, May 15)
- Students can qualify and choose to try out for area competitions for an additional fee.
- Participants:
- 7th-12th grade students
- Minimum participants = 20 students
- Instruments: Participants should have and be able to play one or more of the following instruments:
- Brass instruments: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba
- Woodwind instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone
- Percussion instruments: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Timpani, Mallet Percussion, Auxiliary Percussion (Cymbals, Triangle, etc.)
- Instruments not included in the Meridian After School Band
- Piano
- Guitar
- Keyboard/Digital Instruments
- String instruments - Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp (For students who play a string instrument other than guitar, please visit our After School String Orchestra webpage.)
- Minimum Qualifications:
- Notation: Students must know how to read music. This is defined by a basic understanding of both the treble and bass clef staves, including being able to perform notes identified visually on their respective instrument.
- Scales: Students must be able to perform a one-octave Concert C and/or Concert F scale.
- Technique: Students must demonstrate a fundamental understanding of articulation and dynamic markings.
- For additional questions about qualifications, please direct inquiries to Jayden Taylor
- Students who play woodwind or brass instruments are expected to provide their own instrument and required additional supplies (reeds, mouthpieces, slide oil/grease, etc.). Percussion students will have instruments provided, but may be expected to provide their own implements (snare sticks, marimba mallets, etc.)
- Students will be asked to wear concert black for After School Band performances. Concert Black Specifications
Practice Schedule
Weekly on Thursday - 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
First practice =Thursday, August 27
Last practice = Thursday, May 13
No practices during school holidays.
Practice Location
Music Room
After School Band Director
Hey Meridian Lions! My name is Jayden Taylor, and I am the new Band and Choral director for the Secondary School at Meridian. I moved to Round Rock from Tuscaloosa, Alabama where I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. In my time at Alabama, I marched in the Million Dollar Band serving on leadership, as well as participated in many of the ensembles within the school of music.
After graduating college, I worked for the Walt Disney Company, including singing in the EPCOT Candlelight Processional choir during the Festival of the Holidays. I have an extensive background working and participating in the arts – I have done ballet, theatre, choir, and/or band since the time I was 4 years old! I believe in the power of the arts in all mediums, and I can’t wait to bring that joy to life in the Meridian music room!
When I’m not helping others to make music, in my spare time I enjoy lots of reading, hiking, travelling, trying new recipes, and making music of my own!
Fees
Fees: $52.30 Registration Fee + $325 Participation Fee ($339.95 if paying through MySchoolBucks).
- All fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable and are due in full even if the student withdraws from the program or the school.
- A $25 late fee will be added once a payment is more than 3 days late. The student will then lose financial eligibility until the late payment and the late fee are paid.
A payment plan for the participation fee is available. Please select “Payment Plan” on the registration form when registering. The payment plan is as follows:
25% due August 27 - ($81.25 by check or $84.98 by MySchoolBucks)
25% due November 1 - ($81.25 by check or $84.98 by MySchoolBucks)
25% due January 5 - ($81.25 by check or $84.98 by MySchoolBucks)
25% due March 1 - ($81.25 by check or $84.98 by MySchoolBucks)
Financial assistance is available to those who need it. To inquire, please email Financial Aid.
- Students must be academically eligible to perform in concerts and pep rallies. Students must be academically eligible to compete in Soundwaves and other competitions entered by the school.
- Students must be financially eligible to participate in practices, performances, and competitions.
- Students must maintain their Character in Good Standing eligibility, which requires that students adhere to the Meridian Student & Parent Handbook and the After School Music Terms for Participation.
Important Dates:
Tuesday, August 11 - Registration opens. ($52.30 registration fee)
Thursday, August 20 - Registration closes at 9 p.m. No late registrations accepted.
Friday, August 21 - Registration confirmation emails sent and participation fee invoices issued.
Thursdays, August 27 - Practices start
Thursday, August 27 - Participation fees due. (Or the first payment plan payment is due.)
Friday, November 1 - 2nd payment due for those on the payment plan
Saturday, December 12 - Winter Concert
Tuesday, January 5 - 3rd payment due for those on the payment plan.
Monday, March 1 - 4th and final payment due for those on a payment plan.
Thursday, May 13 - Last practice
Saturday, May 15 - Spring Concert
Registration - Now Open!
Registration is now open and ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 20.
No late registrations accepted.
Lettering Requirements:
Lettering in an extracurricular activity is reserved for high school students participating at the highest level. Lettering requirements for high school members of the After School Band will be available before Fall Break. In the meantime, feel free to check out Letter Jackets & Lettering for more information.
Questions:
- About After School Band: Please email Jayden Taylor.
- About After School Band registration, invoices or lettering: Please email Secondary Enrichment.
