If you need help or have questions or comments, please email Mr. Ballard at: John.Ballard@McDowell.K12.nc.us.
Instruments which may be used in Band generally include:
Woodwinds: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba
Percussion: Drums, Mallets, etc. are generally only open by audition to 6th Grade students after their holiday concert. All students start on a wind instrument to facilitate quick group success from the beginning. If they pass this audition, they will permanently move to Percussion.
Check out This Site for more information on particular instruments.
Common options for getting an instrument:
1) I have one and it works well: Mr. Ballard can check it out for you in case any routine maintenance or adjustment is needed.
2) I have one and it doesn't work well: Mr. Ballard can check it out and recommend maintenance.
3) I would like to rent-to-own from a music company: Many reputable companies provide a rent-to-own option with vital insurance. Music & Arts regularly visits West in case students require attention with instruments rented from them, but any decent company is welcome!
4) Rent a school instrument: School instruments are limited, generally older, and you cannot own them. They require a $60 maintenance fee with contract each year and must be turned in each year. Generally, Tubas and Baritones are rented from the school due to their high pricetag.
5) I found an internet/other listing for an instrument or I found one in a local store: Mr. Ballard will give advice on particular listings or go to local stores to check out prospective instruments.
Concert Dress - For the Holiday and Spring Concerts we have a "Professional" expectation for the students' attire.
--Button-up shirt, collared shirt, blouse, or dress.
--NO Jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, or shirts with graphics on them.
It is not expected that anyone spend much money to have a professional outfit. Many of my fellow music students in college attained professional concert outfits from thrift stores and sales at formalwear stores. We do this instead of having a standard uniform for concerts to encourage students to develop the ability to present themselves well should they need to in future professional pursuits. If you are unsure of whether a particular outfit is appropriate, please contact me via email.
Students are expected to:
ATTEND ALL CALENDAR PERFORMANCES. We train performers in a disciplined, focused environment in which all students are necessary to the success of group performances. A habit of responsibility and dependability is essential in society and employment.
Be ready for class - Have their instrument every day with everything needed to make sound. For Brass Instruments (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba), this means they need mouthpieces. For Woodwind Instruments (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon), this means having plenty of reeds (more than 5). They also need all of their sheet music as well as a pencil.
Play at home every day - Students are expected to practice outside of class time every day for at least 10 minutes.
Self-Assess - Students have different strengths and weaknesses and excel at different rates. If they have trouble with a class activity, they need to identify the area of need and either work on it themselves, or ask Mr. Ballard for help.
Program Structure:
There are six classes daily, two per grade level, divided between brass and woodwind instruments. Concerts are usually divided into two or three grade level bands. For example, the sixth grade brass and woodwind classes combine to perform together on the holiday concert each year.
East/West Football Game - The 7th and 8th Grade Bands perform pep tunes for the East vs. West Middle School Football game.
Veterans Day - The 8th (and sometimes 7th) Grade Band performs the marches for each of the branches of the armed forces as part of a larger ceremony.
Holiday Tour - The 8th (and sometimes 7th) Grade Band spends an entire school day visiting four McDowell County Elementary Schools, performing their Holiday Concert at each.
Holiday Concert - This concert features all students performing Holiday music in early December.
Pep Rallies - The 7th and 8th Grade Bands perform at several pep rallies throughout the school year. Later in the year, the 6th Grade Band will be added to these performances as they become ready.
East/West Hootenanny - This is a fun concert presented alongside East McDowell Middle School's bands.
Jazz Band Tour - In late April, the Spartan Blues Jazz Band will tour four McDowell County Elementary Schools, performing at each as well as facilitating instrument trials with Fifth Grade students in preparation for 6th Grade Band
Spring "Pops" Concert - All Grade level Bands and the Spartan Blues Jazz Band will perform a concert in late May or Early June.