Student Services
St. Joseph Catholic School Band
St. Joseph Catholic School Band is comprised of Middle School students (grades 6-8) . Middle School students have a choice of Band or Art as their elective.
Goal
The goal of the St. Joseph Catholic School Band is to teach the skills necessary to be successful at their respective instrument. The students learn not only individual skills but also the cooperative learning skills necessary to be a part of a musical ensemble, by learning to demonstrate good rehearsal techniques. The students are exposed to many styles of concert band literature. School and public performances are vital tools in featuring these skills.
Band Happenings
GMEA District Festival
On Friday, March 31st, the SJS Concert Band participated in the GMEA District Festival at Crews Middle School in Lawrenceville. Our Band had a wonderful performance, and received Superior and Excellent Ratings at the festival.
Southern Star Music Festival
On Saturday, April 8th, the SJS Concert Band performed at the Southern Star Music Festival, sponsored by Six Flags over Georgia. The band had an outstanding performance on Saturday morning. After the performance, the band spent the afternoon at Six Flags, and attended an awards ceremony Saturday evening. The band was awarded a Silver Medal trophy, coming within only mere points of a Gold Medal. We are very proud of them for this outstanding achievement. Many hours of after-school and at-home rehearsal go into preparing for the band's concerts and festivals. Congratulations on a superb job well done.
GMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival
On Saturday, April 22nd, several of our Middle School Band Students attended the GMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival at Westside Middle School in Winder. The students who attended represented our school in a big way. The students received all Superior & Excellent Ratings in their respective performances.
The following students received a Superior Rating for their performances:
Tiffany Eberhard, Ricardo Atiles, Philip Scherer, Luke Brackman, Annie Jenkins, Terry Sanzo, India Hawkins, Gabriela Mejias, Laura Hilado, Amanda Brattain, Elizabeth Vencill, Ben Cramer, David Glassman, Courtney Brown, Cole Whalen, T.J. Krunkosky, Max Siragusa, Andrew Teare-Ketter, & Glenn Reece
The following students received an Excellent Rating for their performances:
Katie Hoge, Killian Begnaud, Lauren Thurston, Sarah Casso, Laura Hilado, Mira Figueira, Alison Lautenschlager, Abby Suddreth, Sarah Brooks, Lannon Gustafson, Ben Cramer, T.J. Krunkosky, Wells Scott, Shelby Jarrett, Claire Dennis, Courtney Brown, Guy Scott, David Glassman, John Braucher, & Paul Mitchell.
We want to congratulate these students for a fine performance and job well done. You represented our school with the utmost dignity and class. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Requirements
Band students must always be prepared with the proper materials for each class. The required materials for band class are as follows:
- Instrument
- Music
- Essential Elements 2000 method book
- Pencil
The development of good musical skills is dependent on each student having his or her instrument and all necessary materials in class every day. In addition, the students are learning not only individual skills but also the cooperative learning skills necessary to be a part of a musical ensemble
Practicing is the student’s homework in band and is necessary for skills to be mastered. Every student is expected to take his/her instrument home every day and practice regularly. Students will keep a weekly practice record, to be signed by the student and parent. These practice records are due each week.
Discipline and Grading: Band class follows the disciplinary procedures outlined in the SJS Parent/Student Handbook.
Grades are given in band class as in other academic classes and grading is done by individual evaluation in the following areas:
- Performance and written tests as assigned on music and music theory
- Weekly practice reports
- Daily preparation and participation in class
Students are required to participate in all performances of the St. Joseph Band. Because performances are the culminating activity for the music curriculum, the equivalent of a unit or semester exam, and because of the importance of each member’s contribution to the ensemble performance, an unexcused absence will result in a major grade reduction.
In order to adequately prepare for concerts, after-school band and sectional rehearsals are a must. Each band student is required to attend each after-school rehearsal. Unexcused absences will result in a deduction of the performance grade.