Band at Haggard is based upon establishing a solid foundation of fundamentals as students move from level to level. The band teachers view the program as the initial exposure to a lifelong enjoyment of music. They prepare their students for the high school programs and even performance in college level ensembles. The fundamentals stressed are good tone production, solid rhythmic foundation, technical development, a good work ethic, and an understanding of responsibilities toward a group effort. Students use critical thinking skills as they make decisions as to how a rhythm is played or what is the appropriate style for a particular piece of music. Various musical styles are studied and performed, both in large group settings and in smaller chamber music or solo settings. Haggard Band has earned numerous UIL Sweepstakes Awards and has placed in the top five in the Texas State Honor Band Competition, winning in 1990. The Haggard Band program is the only band program in Plano ISD to have been awarded this honor. Haggard takes great pride in the number of students who have gone on to play in colleges and have chosen music teaching or performing as a career. A former Haggard band student was the only trombonist in the country accepted into the Julliard School of Music and is now performing professionally with the Jacksonville Florida Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra program at Haggard Middle School consists of students enrolled in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. The Plano program is set up for students to begin study of the violin, viola, cello, and string bass in 6th grade, although students with previous experience can audition for higher orchestras. Haggard has a Chamber Orchestra selected in the spring by audition. All orchestras perform in several concerts at the school each year. A cluster program is held in November at the Plano Senior High School gym to highlight the 6th through 12th grade orchestra program. The Haggard orchestra is always well represented in the Region Orchestra. Haggard orchestra students also participate in Solo and Ensemble contest and the Plano Spring Festivals. The Haggard orchestra, under the direction of Mrs. Sue Ewing, has received 28 consecutive sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert/Sight reading festival - truly "a tradition of excellence." The advanced orchestra also performs holiday concerts in December for the feeder elementary schools and area malls. The Chamber orchestra performs with the drama department for the fall play, for National Junior Honor Society induction, and for additional community projects. Fun days include a fall skating party, an evening at Main Event and a trip to Hawaiian Falls in the spring to celebrate all of the orchestras' outstanding work for the year. Of course the most "fun" activity is making music with an outstanding group of musicians.

Chris Czechowski, Sue Ewing, Ken Valliant, Tyson Jaquez, Evan Ramos