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The Sallie B. Howard Band program offers students learning and performance opportunities to develop their basic skills in music theory (rhythms, counting, harmony), musical vocabulary, equipment maintenance, effective practice habits (scales, learning music), ear training, listening skills and tone development. The curriculum is based on the N.C. Essential Standards for Music. All grades are learning musical compositions and theory aligned with their grade level.
K-1
K-1 students take band classes once a week to learn the basics of music: rhythm, pitch, notes, etc. By the end of the year, K-1 students are able to clap rhythms using quarter notes and quarter rests as well as define different musical terms and determine how they are used.
2-3 MAJORS
These majors will take a test to see how well they can hear the difference and similarities in 2 pitches and if they can recognize whether a rhythm is the same or not. The only equipment required for this test is a pencil.
4-5 MAJORS
At this level, students will be tested to see if they know basic notes (whole note, half note, quarter note), if they can clap the rhythm of the notes and determine what letter each note may represent on a staff (A,B,C,D,E,F,G). The audition begins with a quick lesson about the basic notes and how to clap a basic rhythm.
6-8 MAJORS
Middle School majors are required to know the Bflat Major Scale. They will also sight read a grade level 1 music composition. These students will be tested to determine how strong their playing skills are.
Drumline
The SBH Drumline is an audition-based activity open to grades 4-8 only. The drumline is a section of percussion instruments usually played as part of a musical marching ensemble. Performance engagements include parades, marching competitions, band battles, community events and more. Drumline participants must display discipline, responsibility, and perseverance. Light strength conditioning is also a part of the program, since students will have to be able to hold heavy pieces of equipment while in motion. The audition is based on having rhythm, the ability to count and read notes, and proficiency in playing rhythms by ear. The positions on the drumline are 4 snares, 2 quads, 4 cymbals (4 pairs) and 6 Bass drums.
PEP BAND
The SBH Pep Band is an ensemble of instrumentalists who play at functions or events with the purpose of entertaining and “pepping” up a crowd. The Pep Band provides entertainment at basketball games, pep rallies, and many other events. They also compete in “Battle of the Bands” in Raleigh, NC. Pep band is open to all band majors or anyone who is part of a band ensemble Sallie B. Howard.
JAZZ BAND
The SBH Jazz Band is an ensemble of musicians who perform at various social and school events throughout the year. Jazz band students read classic jazz compositions and standards. Jazz music is based on improvisation and challenges players to think musically on their own.
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR BAND
*Each book should match the instrument the student will be playing.
** The “Standard of Excellence” books for 4th-8th grades are about $7.00. If your child is renting an instrument through the Music & Arts store, then the book is included in rental package. If you are not renting an instrument, you will need to purchase the book no later than by the end of August. After this day, your child’s grades could be affected by not having the adequate materials.
***If there is an issue with purchasing the necessary materials, please contact Mr. Atlas at patlas@sallieb.net.
RULES, PROCEDURES & EXPECTATIONS
CONSEQUENCES
EXPECTATIONS
Fees
2-3 Grade: will need to pay $7.00 for the MCR music book and recorder.
4-8 Grade: we encourage parents to rent instruments through Music & Arts (prices vary).
GRADES
Participation grades are given daily
NOTE: If a student does not earn a 70 or above, he/she will not be able to perform in Winter Recital or the Music Extravaganza.
SOLOS & AWARDS
Consideration for Solos and Awards are based on the following criteria:
INSTRUCTOR
Paul Atlas has returned to SBH as Band Director after 7 years. A 16+ year veteran in music education, Mr. Atlas is a 1986 graduate of North Carolina State University with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. After working for several years as an engineer, he returned to school and received a BS degree in Music/Math Education from St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, NC in 1997. He began teaching at Sallie B. Howard in 1997 as one of the inaugural members of the faculty. Initially he taught general music and chorus, but soon saw the need for an instrumental music program and established the band program in 1998. The band would eventually become one of the best middle school programs, not only in Wilson, but also in eastern North Carolina as evidenced in the numerous superior and excellent ratings received at the North Carolina Bandmaster’s Association Music Festivals. Mr. Atlas has also earned a Master’s of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School in Durham, NC, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC. He serves as the senior pastor of Amanah AME Zion Church in Knightdale, NC. Mr. Atlas is married to the lovely Shellena Atlas and they have two wonderful canines named Wolf and Pack! He is passionate about music and looks forward to sharing that passion with the students he teaches.
CONTACT:
Email: patlas@sallieb.net; Phone: 252-293-4150
Sallie B. Howard School of Arts and Science
