Hello All!

My name is Tim Sale and I am the band director at Swain Middle School! While middle school may seem like it is a long way away, we are already in the process of planning for the next school year. In the next few weeks, students will begin learning about and signing up for electives. One of the options your student will have is joining the Swain Middle School Band. Before you think joining the band is too much of a commitment for you or your student let me clear up a few things. Being part of the sixth-grade band is just committing to being in band class. The only outside of class commitments are concerts. We have two concerts a year (and I get you those dates in August). If your student decides to be a part of the sixth-grade band there is no cost. We provide instruments, music, and supplies for your students. 

Maybe you are still a little weary, which I completely understand. The major thing you need to know is if a student does not start band at the beginning of sixth grade it is incredibly hard for them to get caught up. Every year we have students try it and then after Christmas realize it is not for them. That is 100% okay! If your student wants to try something else at that point we will get them in a new elective. However,  every year I have students who come to me before elective sign-ups and ask to join band in the 7th grade. At that point, it is really tough to catch up. Imagine starting to read a year late and then being thrown into a group of people who already know how to read. If your student has shown any interest in class please just go ahead and let them try! That is the only true way to see if it is for you.

 If you have any other questions please reach out to me at tsale@swainmail.org OR (828) 488-3480 ext.5338. The Swain Band program wants every student to have the opportunity to be a part of our organization. We regularly have students perform at the top of the district, region, and state level; and the best part is in a few years that will be your student.  I hope you are as excited as I am for this next year! We will see you soon!

Thank you!

Tim Sale