Snow Hill Middle School Bands

2008-2009

____________________ Jason Cumberledge, Director ____________________

Congratulations!

Claire Klingenberg, Zach Shenal, and Sara Welch were recently chosen to represent SHMS at the 12th Annual Virginia Tech Honor Band, held in Blacksburg, VA from January 22-25, 2009. These students represented our school very well.

Congratulations are also due to Alex Carey-bass clarinet, Brett Kennedy-Tenor Saxophone, and Zach Shenal-Bari Saxophone, for successfully auditioning for All-Shore Band. These 3 students will be attending an honor band festival held at Wicomico High School on April 17 and 18, 2009.

Last year's students participated in many events such as the Kennedy Center Field Trip, Virginia Tech Honor Band, All-Shore Band, and the Junior High Band Festival at Stephen Decatur High School. For a look at last school year's events, check out the Year in Review.

All band students at SHMS have been given an information packet concerning the band program's policies, procedures, and schedule. All parents are asked to review this packet with their household and return the Signature Form on the last page. This ensures that all families have received this information.

Performing Ensembles

There are 4 concert bands at SHMS (5,6,7,and 8th Grades). Band instruction begins in 5th grade. During the first 3 weeks of each school year, 5th grade students are invited to join beginning band. An information packet is sent home with each 5th grade student, usually within the 2nd week of school. Each prospective band member is then given an individual assessment to see what instrument he/she will play to achieve the greatest success. The students and their families are then invited to Beginning Band Rental Night, in the cafeteria. Band Rental Night this year is October 2, 2008, 6PM at SHMS. Weekly lessons begin soon after.

In addition to the 4 concert bands at SHMS, students also may have the opportunity to participate in the SHMS Jazz Band and the 8th Grade Saxophone Quartet. All students are also encouraged to prepare solos or small instrument ensemble selections for concert performances.

Honor Bands

SHMS Band students have the opportunity to audition for honor bands in the region. Students that are interested in auditioning for these band may sign up for after-school lessons. Additional information is available from Mr. Cumberledge.

All-State Band

Open to 7th and 8th Grade students .
Students must memorize scales and prepare a solo musical selection.
Students are selected to this band from across the state of Maryland.
All interested students must notify Mr. Cumberledge by September 30, 2008.
Audtions are held on November 15, 2008 at Reservoir High School in Fulton, MD.
Students selected to this band attend the All-State Band Festival at Morgan State University from February 26-28, 2009.

All-Shore Band

Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Students must memorize scales and prepare a solo musical selection.
Audtions are held on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at Stephen Decatur Middle School.
Students selected to this band attend the All-Shore Band Festival at Wicomico High School on April 17-18, 2009.

Virginia Tech Honor Band

Students are nominated by the band director for possible acceptance into this band.
VA Tech selects students (out of 1,000+ nominations) based on band director recommendations and instrumention needs.
Selected students travel to VA Tech to audtion for band placement and to participate in rehearsals, clinics, and performances, held from January 23-25, 2009.
SHMS traditionally combines with students from Stephen Decatur Middle School when making this trip.

Browse the Site

Please click on the links in the upper left corner to explore other pages. Among the items you can find is a detailed schedule of band activites for the year, as well as links to other music related sites. This site will continue to be updated throughout the year so check back for new information.

Thank you for visiting SHMS Bands' website!

Welcome!