McDonough Middle School Band
'The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness'
'The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness'
We’re excited to kick off another powerful year of music-making, growth, and purpose at McDonough Middle School. Our band program is built on discipline, creativity, and The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness — a mindset we bring to every rehearsal, performance, and moment of learning.
This site is your hub for everything Warhawk Band: from performance dates and attire info to practice resources and announcements. Whether you're a returning family or joining us for the first time, we’re glad you're here — and we can't wait to share the music with you.
Go Warhawks! 💛🖤🎶
🎒 New Student Checklist
Welcome to the Warhawk Band! Here’s everything you need to get started strong.
Please check off each item as you receive and complete it.
📂 Parent Folder - These documents ensure a strong partnership between home and band.
Parent Welcome Letter
Parent Agreement Form
Band Member Rules & Expectations
Attire Order Form
📂 Student Folder -
All-State Audition Materials (Optional but encouraged)
Instrument-Specific Fingering Charts
Clarinet Pop-Ups (for clarinetists)
Percussion Rudiments Sheet (for percussionists)
Band Vocabulary Terms
🎺 Instruments & Accessories
Obtain a personal instrument OR mouthpiece to use with a school-owned instrument. Label your instrument case and accessories with your name. Keep extra supplies on hand (reeds, valve oil, sticks/mallets, neck strap, cleaning cloth, etc.)
Instrument (Personal or School-Owned)
Mouthpieces & Accessories
Instrument Loan Agreement (if applicable)
Case Tag (required for all instruments)
📚 Tradition of Excellence - Method Books
Flute - https://a.co/d/dYW7uY5
Oboe - https://a.co/d/5IvlYYR
Bassoon - https://a.co/d/aS9HptQ
Clarinet - https://a.co/d/3Q3pm4v
Bass Clarinet - https://a.co/d/7C1l7XL
Alto Sax - https://a.co/d/iZs5BUR
Tenor Sax - https://a.co/d/7t613EL
Bari Sax - https://a.co/d/8LQ0ZJ2
Trumpet - https://a.co/d/9IltKu8
French Horn - https://a.co/d/815QNP3
Trombone - https://a.co/d/bly7QLg
Euphonium - https://a.co/d/5XW1cc2
Tuba - https://a.co/d/e6iD6Ii
Percussion - https://a.co/d/gX2pOBS
About Mr. Sharpe
Welcome to the McDonough Middle School Band! I’m Mr. Lewis Sharpe, and I’m honored to serve as your band director. I’m passionate about creating a program where students grow musically, personally, and as members of a high-performing team.
This is my second year at McDonough Middle School, and I’m proud of the strong foundation we’ve built together. In our first year, our band earned Superior ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluation, redefined our expectations, and began a cultural shift rooted in what we call “The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness.” I was also honored to be named Teacher of the Month in October 2024, a recognition I credit to the outstanding students and support from this community.
Before joining McDonough, I served as Director of Bands and Department Chair at Mundy’s Mill High School, where I led award-winning Concert, Jazz, and Marching Bands. I’ve also taught at Riverdale Middle School, giving me deep experience in both high school and middle school band development.
My philosophy goes far beyond music notes. I believe band should build discipline, leadership, empathy, and joy. Every rehearsal is a chance to build something bigger than ourselves — not just a performance, but a shared legacy of excellence and pride.
Outside the classroom, I’m the owner of Sharpe Media Group, where I work as a creative professional in photography, design, and digital media. This diverse experience enriches my teaching and brings a unique creative lens to the band program.
I hold a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Jackson State University, where I graduated with honors and participated in several of the university’s acclaimed music ensembles.
I’m excited to continue this journey with our incredible students and families as we push forward in The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness.