MS Band
Curtis Inge Middle School · Fine Arts
CIMS Band
Every Noble musician starts here. From a student's very first notes in 6th grade to the Noble High School band program, CIMS Band teaches the fundamentals, builds the habits, and grows the love of music that carries Bears through graduation and beyond.
6th — First Notes
7th & 8th — Building Skill
Noble HS Band
Meet the Directors
William Pipestem
Assistant Director of Bands · CIMS & NHS
William Pipestem, a graduate of Anadarko High School, earned his Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2021, where he studied trumpet under Dr. Karl Sievers. He taught at SFS Pathways Middle College in Oklahoma City for three years, where he directed the PMC Wind Ensemble, Pride of Pathways, and taught AP Computer Science. During his time there, he revitalized the band program, growing it in both size and quality. Mr. Pipestem is passionate about helping students build strong musical foundations and developing into well-rounded musicians. Outside the classroom, he regularly attends OU football home games and is a proud Sooner alumnus.
Damian Hernandez
Assistant Director of Bands · CIMS & NHS
Damian Hernandez, originally from Bakersfield, California, and a graduate of Guymon High School, earned his Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2025. While at OU, he studied percussion under Dr. Andrew Richardson, Dr. Benjamin Holmes, Dr. Emily Salgado, and Dr. Connor Stevens. Mr. Hernandez performed with the top ensembles at OU, including the OU Wind Symphony and Percussion Orchestra, and appeared at events such as OKPAS Day of Percussion, Great Plains International Marimba Competition, and the OKMEA Winter Conference. In the marching arts, he has performed with the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, and Resistance Indoor Percussion. He remains active as an educator year-round, teaching privately across Oklahoma and with summer programs such as the K101 Classic Bowl and the Texhoma Marching Arts & Leadership Academy. Mr. Hernandez also teaches on a world-class level with Genesis DBC and Resistance Indoor Percussion. He is proudly endorsed by Salyers Percussion.
Band Classes
Beginning Woodwind / Percussion
6th Grade
For students picking up a woodwind or percussion instrument for the first time. Choices are flute, clarinet, or percussion; students who want to play oboe, bassoon, or saxophone start on flute or clarinet. Directors talk with every interested student to find the instrument most likely to guarantee success.
Brass
6th Grade
For students beginning a brass instrument for the first time, starting on trumpet or trombone. Directors evaluate and talk with every interested student to help find the best fit.
Beginning Woodwind
7th & 8th Grade
It's never too late to start! For 7th and 8th graders beginning a woodwind instrument, starting on flute or clarinet — the path to oboe, bassoon, and saxophone begins here too.
Beginning Brass / Percussion
7th & 8th Grade
For 7th and 8th graders beginning a brass or percussion instrument, starting on trumpet, trombone, baritone, or bells — the path to tuba, French horn, and percussion begins on one of those four.
Woodwind
7th & 8th Grade — Advanced
For students who have completed Beginning Woodwind and are ready to build technique, tone, and ensemble skills.
Brass / Percussion
7th & 8th Grade — Advanced
For students who have completed Beginning Brass/Percussion and are ready for more challenging music and ensemble playing.
Good to Know
Getting an Instrument
Every band student maintains a working musical instrument. Information about how to acquire one is given to students and families at the start of the year — and if cost is a concern, talk to the directors before ruling band out.
Placement & Tryouts
Directors evaluate and speak with every interested student to help place them on the instrument where they're most likely to succeed. Placement in flute or percussion requires a test, given to interested students at the end of their 5th grade year.
Performances
Band students perform in concerts for the school and community throughout the year. Watch the CIMS calendar and ParentSquare for dates.
How to Enroll
Band is an elective class chosen during enrollment. See the full CIMS elective catalog, or ask the counselors about placement.
The Friday night marching band you hear at Bear Stadium? Every one of them started right here.
Noble HS Band CIMS Calendar