Welcome to our Bands Page.
This ensemble is for students who:
Completed a Beginner Band Program Have played for 1or more years Are dedicated to high standards in performance Activities Performing at competitions and festivals Expand playing ability on instrument Improve range, tone, technique Continue refining ensemble skills Application of learned music history & music theory Play individually and with the group Study and perform quality music Perform at concerts and assemblies Audition for Honor Bands Perform at Football and Basketball games In addition, music students learn: Self-discipline Group cooperation Problem-solving Goal-setting Self-expression Memory skills Concentration Poise Enhanced physical coordination High self-esteem The importance of teamwork and self-discipline |
Welcome to the A Maceo Walker Middle School Band program!
We are hopeful that the first few days of the year are pleasant ones for you and your child. Soon you will be treated to some sounds in your home that you will be hard-pressed to describe. Trust us, it will get better, and quickly! Music is basic, and we consider it a privilege to share this wonderful experience with our beginning band students. As your directors, it is our desire to provide a quality instrumental music experience for every student. Additionally, it is our goal that our young musicians develop facility on their instruments, learn more about the “language” of music, and experience the thrill of performance. Beginner Band is an experiment. At first there is the BIG QUESTION – “Will I ever learn how to play my instrument?” Understand that it will take time for that question to be answered. However, meaningful progress will take shape if, 1) there is a three-way partnership comprised of the teacher, child, and parents 2) parents are INVOLVED in their child’s musical life 3) the parents help guide their child’s home practice habits. The student will need to understand that EVERYTHING will be new at first – like learning to walk, ride a bike, tie one’s shoes, etc. It cannot be learned instantly. Patience and persistence will be required by everyone involved. Students must also realize that band is a yearlong course and requires commitment to the class for the entire year. |
PRACTICE is a necessary element for success on any musical instrument. While it is true that the sounds will certainly be amusing at first, the student must learn to “hang in there” and try to address, solve, and master specific problems during each practice session. Repetition will be necessary to train the fingers, learn the valve combinations, sticking rudiments, improve music reading, etc. CONSISTENT DAILY PRACTICE will be the key to mastery and improvement.