Band

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands."
Psalm 100

Available to students in grades 4 to 8

Band Program Director: Mr. Greg Stickeler

The band at The Basilica School of St. Mary operates within the curriculum of classes as a pull-out system and was developed with the concept of educating the well-rounded child with comprehensive music education. A student's spiritual, academic and artistic development act together to form a complete modern day approach.

The Basilica School Band draws student musicians from grades 4- 8. Grade 4, the youngest, forms the major portion of the beginner band. However, beginners can come from any grade level and are highly encouraged to join. Our advanced band generally consists of students from 5th– 8th grade with at least one year of experience. The beginner and advanced programs take place on Thursdays during the school year. Advanced band members have classes during the school day and full band rehearsal after school, both once per week. The beginner band meets for classes only during the school day once per week. Concerts at school are given by both groups in the winter and spring. Furthermore, advanced band members are able to participate in the Diocese of Arlington Band Festival and the Music in the Parks Spring Trip.

Each year Mr. Stickeler anticipates openings in both bands. The beginner program introduces 6 basic instruments for the first year student. They are as follows:

• flute
• clarinet
• alto sax
• trumpet
• trombone/baritone
• drums

Our advanced band has all the standard instruments but tries to expand the instrumentation with larger instruments such as

• tuba
• baritone
• french horn
• bass clarinet
• trombone
• tenor sax

These instruments are usually rented through a local store at the beginning of the school year. Beginners, because of age and size, are asked to stay with one of these instruments in the first year of band and will be allowed to consider other instruments after recommendation from the director.

There is a separate fee charged for this program.

For more information please email: band@smsva.org

A student may participate in band OR strings. Not both during the same school year.