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. Finch at jfinch1@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
A 2008 graduate of Sallie B. Howard School, Jay’Vin Finch is the SBH Band Director. Mr. Finch has been a musician since 6 years old, when he first began playing the piano. His father played multiple instruments and surrounded Finch by music every day.
During his time as an SBH student, Mr. Finch learned to read music and studied music theory under the instruction of award-winning musician Paul Atlas. Mr. Atlas led SBH to become one of the most notable school bands in eastern N.C., earning numerous trophies and awards between 2004 and 2008. Mr. Finch went on to North Carolina Central University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Industry & Business with a background in Classical and Jazz Studies.
“At Sallie B. Howard, I plan on taking everything I’ve learned and studied and invest it into my students, so that they’ll develop an ear and passion for music the same way as I did,” says Mr. Finch. “I want our students to not only become high-achieving musicians, but to exceed all expectations after leaving middle school.”
CONTACT:
REMIND APP (please download this app to stay informed with what’s going on in band and with your child)
2-3 Band majors: @ddd262h
4-5 Band majors: @45band
Middle School code: @2bd9c2
Email: Jfinch1@sallieb.net
