Parents and Students:
At South Charlotte Middle School, we take pride in offering a rewarding program to musicians of all experience levels. If you put forth the effort and strive to do your best, you will have a wonderful experience performing in our bands. The purpose of our program is not to produce professional musicians (although I hope some of you will be inspired to take this path), rather to teach you music fundamentals, self-discipline, reasoning, logic, critical thinking, responsibility and decision making. You must make many INSTANT decisions whenever you pick up your instrument to play: note name, correct fingering, exact note length, good intonation, dynamics, proper balance and blend, and appropriate phrasing and style. This is wonderful training for your mind and will give you the skills to enjoy and "know" music for the rest of your life. WELCOME TO BAND as you join us in a continuing tradition of excellence at South Charlotte Middle School.
Carl Ratliff
Director of Bands