South Forsyth Middle School

South Forsyth Middle School Band

Serves 369 students in grades 6-8 during 6 periods instruction. The program is led by Dr. Andrew Poor (30th Year in Education) and Mr. Nathaniel Hughes (3rd Year).

The South Forsyth Middle School Bands consistently earn Superior ratings at the GMEA District 9 Large Group Performance Evaluation and various festivals. With an active chamber music program, a large percentage of students successfully participate in the GMEA District 9 Solo and Ensemble Festival and provide a significant presence in the District 9 Middle School Honor Bands and GMEA All-State Bands.

Some notable performances by the Symphonic Band include the 16th and 20th Annual Southeastern United States Middle School Clinic at Troy University, 25th and 30th Annual University of Georgia Middle School Honor Band Festival, 2017 and 2022 Georgia Music Educators Association State In-Service Conference, University of Alabama Middle School Honor Band, National Band and Orchestra Festival-Carnegie Hall, and the Music for All Southeastern Concert Band Festival at Georgia State University. In 2020, the Symphonic Band performed at the National Band Association Southern Division Regional Conference in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and was a Music for All National Festival invited ensemble in Indianapolis, Indiana.

As advocates of a growth mindset, we strive for a rigorous and inclusive musical environment for all students. Our motto is "Just Get Better," where we strive for daily incremental growth with our students in all aspects of music-making and life. Students from the band program enjoy numerous musical opportunities, including Sixth-Grade Band, Sixth-Grade Advanced Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, multiple chamber ensembles, and Pep Band.

Link to some relevant pages with more information about our program: Information about the SFMS Band Program

Some recent programs from our concerts: Past Concert Programs

Visual Arts at SFMS

6th Grade

6th graders discover what makes art 'Art', by studying the elements of art: line, shape, form, color, value texture. They experiment with ways to combine these elements to compose images and solve visual problems. Students are introduced to a variety of art making methods, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, collage, and mixed media.

7th Grade

7th graders build their knowledge of the elements of art from 6th grade by studying the way the elements work together using the Principles of Design. Students dive deep into technical skills like color theory and composition, while also expanding their creative capacity, by including symbolism and narrative in their artworks, Students examine how the principles of design can be used in different professions.

8th Grade

8th graders focus on the culmination of all their knowledge and really put their technically skills to the test. From drawing strictly from observation, to creating fictional and fantastical works, students create a portfolio of artworks that demonstrate a wide range of ability and intention. Students start to view art not just as aesthetically pleasing, but as innovative and culturally significant.

Advanced

Advanced art students spend long periods of time on each piece, as they are developing their personal artistic voice and style. These students work independently to use their technical skills and creativity to create art that solves problems and is meaningful. Students study a wide variety of artistic media and styles, and curate a portfolio that reflects both their artistic growth and their conceptual creativity.

South Forsyth Middle School Chorus

Chorus is one of several year-long connections classes offered at SFMS. Founded in 2013, the Chorus program is one of the largest organizations at the school, with a typical enrollment of around 240 students.

The five different ensembles that make up the South Forsyth Middle School Chorus program consistently receive Superior ratings at GMEA’s Large Group Performance Evaluations and other music festivals around the state. A frequent visitor to Orlando, the Chorus program has earned several Best-in-Class and Gold Awards at Festival Disney. In 2020, the SFMS Chamber Choir was a featured performer at GMEA’s Annual In-Service Conference.

SFMS Chorus students have also enjoyed many individual successes; the program’s representation in Georgia’s All-State Chorus has been one of the state’s most prolific for the past five years. SFMS was the top-performing middle school in 2019, and an all-time high of 22 students were selected in 2022.

Mr. Marshall also hosts the school’s Glee Club, an extracurricular activity that gives students a chance to put on musical performances for their peers. Many use it as a creative outlet or a means to overcome stage fright in a supportive environment.

You can find more information about the SFMS Chorus Program here.

And follow us on Instagram @sfms.chorus!

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