Registration Information for the 2023-2024 School Year

Click here to register for Band at CLES!  

See below for Band Instrument Demonstration Videos/Resources:

Click here for individual instrument demonstration links

Click here for demonstrations from the US Army Field Band (all in one video)

Click here for the Be Part of the Band Website
This is an awesome website with a lot of detailed information about each band instrument, why music is important, and why you should join band!

Welcome!

My name is Mr. Henley, and I am excited to begin as the CLES Band Director for the 2023-2024 school year.  This website will be used for general information throughout the year such as suggested private instructors, summer practice suggestions, band demonstration videos for recruitment, band registration information, and important dates/events.  Once students are enrolled in the band program, all additional and instructional information will be posted and shared via Canvas.  Please reach out to Mr. Henley if you have any questions - brandon_henley@hcpss.org. 

CLES Music Boosters Website

Check out the amazing Music Boosters website to see how you can get involved and support our musical ensembles at CLES!  Your support is needed and greatly appreciated.

https://clesmusicboosters.weebly.com/ 

Summer Practice Suggestions for RETURNING students (5th grade)

I highly encourage practice throughout the summer.  Picking up your instrument a few times a week (or more) will make a huge difference when we return to school in August.  Check out the practice resources below.

Click this link to access fun songs for summer and potential concert music
The concert pieces are not guaranteed, but fun to explore over the summer!  You must be logged in to an HCPSS account to view/access potential concert music.

GT Audition Music from last year
Interested in audition for GT Band next year?  Check out the link above. The prepared pieces for this year will be different, but get a head start by practicing the required scales!  Scroll down to your instrument in the file.

Music Reading Worksheets and Practice Bingo

Other practice suggestions include:

• Pick-up from where you left off in your method book for band (Essential Elements, or your percussion books for snare and mallets)

• Visit a local music store and purchase a solo book of songs for your instrument that you are interested in learning (movie music, popular music, classical music, etc.)

• Any scales that you know/learned last year in band

Jazz Ensembles at CLES

The 5th Grade Jazz Ensemble will return this year!  Mr. Henley will communicate information about signing up to participate in this group later in September.

The Platypus Project will also continue this year!  The start date of this group is TBD at this time, but will be communicated once plans are solidified. 

Instrument Rental Information

If you are beginning a new instrument this year, you can use this link to access flyers to local music stores.  Please wait until Mr. Henley confirms your instrument selection before renting/purchasing an instrument. 

Private Instructors

Private lessons are a great way to keep students motivated and to improve their skills heading into next school year.  Please reach out to Mr. Henley if you would like recommendations for private teachers, or click this link for a list of private teachers compiled by the Howard County Parents for School Music advocacy group.

Meet Mr. Henley!

Mr. Henley is originally from Richmond, VA.  His musical career began with piano lessons in the second grade.  In the sixth grade, Mr. Henley began french horn at school and took private lessons.  He instantly fell in love with the sound of the horn, and has continued playing piano and horn throughout his college and adult life. 

After high school, Mr. Henley attended the Oberlin Conservatory of Music receiving an undergraduate degree in horn performance.  He remained in Oberlin for graduate school, receiving a Master's Degree in Music Teaching in 2012.  During his time in Oberlin, Mr. Henley had the opportunity to perform on tour with the Oberlin Symphony Orchestra at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, CA.

Mr. Henley has been teaching elementary band in Howard County for 11 years.  His career began at Hammond and Triadelphia Ridge ES, and most recently he was the instrumental music director at Worthington ES for the past 8 years.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Henley maintains a small private studio of piano students.  He is also the Director of Music and Liturgical Volunteers at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fulton, MD.  

Mr. Henley currently lives in Baltimore, MD.  He enjoys traveling to Disney World, going on cruises, and spending time with his 10 year old Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Mason!