The Summit Parkway Middle School Band Program offers sixth grade beginning band, seventh grade band, eight grade band, jazz ensemble, seventh grade honor band and eighth grade honor band.  Over the past eleven years, with the help of parents, guidance and administration, the band program has grown to an enrollment of more than 30% of the school’s population. 

WELCOME NEW 6th GRADE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES!!!

Each year we open enrollment to all 6th graders that sign up for band. This allows each student the opportunity to work hard and stay in the band program. Some students are not focused enough, or simply signed up for band as a social event. These few students learn quickly that band requires several skills that must be worked on daily! For the first nine weeks of band we work out of the Master Theory book by Charles S. Peters and Paul Yoder. This book gives each student a strong foundation of notes and rhythms that will lead to quicker success once we start working on instruments. During this nine weeks we will do mouthpiece testing to determine the most successful instrument choices for your child. Please do not get an instrument until a letter comes home with this information. At the end of the first nine weeks the students will be tested on the Master Theory book. Students must pass this test with an 85% or higher to continue in band. The test is an excellent gauge on who has worked daily, and would continue to work daily once an expensive instrument investment is made. This also helps bring the class size down to a focused group that is ready to move fast in a performance based, and competitive band program. Please help your child by purchasing the book quickly and working with them in the book each evening. Master Theory Book is available at Star Music on Two Notch Rd or on Assembly Street, Music and Arts Center on the corner of O'Neal Court and Parklane (near Columbia Mall), Pecknel Music in Five Points and Musician Supply in Irmo. Please have this book by our required deadline so that your child does not fall behind in class!

We will begin teaching from the book very early in the school year. Thank you! We look forward to meeting you at open house. Please feel free to contact us at school with any questions you my have.