Jr. High & High school music v. athletic programs (Cedar Park: middle school, live)

[three_fish]

Can anyone comment on how the Jr. High and High school's in the River Place, Steiner Ranch school systems stack up with respect to: 1) music programs, and 2) athletic programs?

My child is WAAAAYYYY to young at this point to know for sure what sort of interests he'll want to pursue once he gets older, but one thing I am very thankful for in my childhood was that I lived in a school system that poured TONS of resources into both the music/drama AND athletic programs, giving students a great variety of extra-curricular activities from which to choose.

Further, does anyone have 1st-hand knowledge of whether students can legitimately be active in BOTH? It seems that you're occasionally forced to pick one or the other due to the fact that they are frequently scheduled to "practice" at the same time.

Anyway, I'd be interested to hear what the schools in this district have to offer in both arenas.

Thanks

[texastea]

Leander ISD does a great job with its extra-curricular activities.

Middle school choices are limited by schedule (you have to choose between band, choir, art or language). You can do any of those along with athletics because athletics or dance takes place during the child's PE class (with extra practices before or after school, depending on the campus) Middle school bands don't march or perform at sporting events so that won't cause a conflict.

Just some random info : the way band classes are organized produce amazing results (kids are in class by instrument and at least at LMS, had 3 or 4 band directors each specializing in different instruments teaching the classes). Several sports and activities are "no-cut" in middle school which means the child can sign up for that class and be on the team (football, dance team, cheerleading, cross country--I think). Some teams you have to try out for (girls and boys basketball, track--I think, girls volleyball)

I don't know about high school because my kids haven't been in sports or band after middle school.

[texastea]

Steiner & River Place kids go to Cedar Park High School for now, but a new one will open up in 2010.

add: You're right three_fish, its Leander ISD.

[say]

If you want both musical (Orchestra) and athletic programs then move to EANES. WestLake HS has high reputation for both, (and of course academically).

Not only having conflict schedule sometimes ( recital, game days, out of city trips for competition, ...), but also burden your child's shoulder with a lots of works and practices. Normally, orchestra program requires to practice from 45min to 1hr a day outside of class. Athletes practices normally for 1 or 2 hours either in the early morning (before school) or after school.

UT has very good musical programs for outside. You can introduce your kid early with String or Piano program at UT. Kids are taught by graduate students majored in Music.

[gigi927]

I'll ask my neighbor about the music programs at CPHS. Her son is in band there.

[AustinTexan]

Football is KING here......what else would you like to know about Texas?