Welcome to the McDowell County Middle School Band Page

So you're thinking about joining the Band?

Watch this video first to help guide you on what to do if you want to be in band.

How to pick the right instrument for you

The shape and position of your jaw and lips play a major role in which instruments you may be most successful at. Watch this to see which instruments you could have the greatest chance at success with!

Frequently Asked Band Questions

Can you take Band and still be in sports? What if my family can't afford an instrument? What if I can't read music? All of these questions and more will be answered here!

Check it out!

Below, you'll find tons of videos on each instrument. When you're finished learning about which ones interest you, get a parent or guardian to help you fill out the appropriate registration form at the bottom. Make sure you fill out the correct form for the school you will be attending.

Flute

Want to see more about flute? Check this out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is68rlOzEio

Oboe and Bassoon

Below is a great oboe video, followed by a great bassoon video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnlKsPG-WX0


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R6MQblm-MY


Clarinet

See what else Clarinet has to offer below!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuEMqMc1Fh4

Saxophone

What you heard Mr. Ballard play was the Alto Saxophone, below is a video of a Tenor Saxophone, which is equally as cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBWyE1v8--I

Trumpet

An Adele cover with a great trumpet solo!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mOMmP_aKso

French Horn

A bunch of classic Disney songs on French Horn!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BK-akcT0mQ

Trombone

If a random kid can play trombone like in the video below, so can you. Wait for his solo!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9YUi3UhEPQ

Baritone/

Euphonium

Ever heard of the band Rush? Check our this Euphonium quartet play like absolute mad-men on one of their songs!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bz1Z_gbUAc

Tuba

This is a really silly video with a CRAZY good Tuba player in it. Worth the watch!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cf2x3nqKaM

Percussion

Percussion has a little bit of everything in it. Watch one person play it all in this cover song!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jNgbdfRgY8

Got Questions?

We've got answers! Get in touch with Mr. Ballard or Mr. Wilson and get the answers you need! Band is for everyone, including you! Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to play an instrument and make music every day at school!

West McDowell Middle students and Foothills Community School students can contact Mr. Ballard at:

john.ballard@mcdowell.k12.nc.us


East McDowell Middle School students can contact Mr. Wilson at:

chris.wilson@mcdowell.k12.nc.us

Ready to Join?

Fill out the form below for the school you plan on attending in the 2021-2022 school year.

West McDowell and FCS Band Registration Form

Fill this form out if you plan on attending West McDowell Middle School in the 2021-2022 school year and are interested in taking band. Also, don't forget to choose "Band" when you are asked to pick your electives!


East McDowell Band Registration Form

Fill this form out if you plan on attending East McDowell Middle School in the 2021-2022 school year and are interested in taking band. Also, don't forget to choose "Band" when you are asked to pick your electives!