Midlands Home School Band

P. O. Box 3251
Irmo, SC 29063
ph: (803) 798-9796

Mission & Philosophy

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Midlands Home School Band is to assist home school families by providing excellent group band instruction in a nurturing environment and by developing students’ skills and appreciation of music as a means to glorify God.

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

 Assist home school families

  • Our primary purpose is to serve home school families but we will not exclude students from other private institutions who desire to participate in the program

Providing excellent group band instruction

  •  Group instruction is primarily through the concert band, but may also include various instrumental ensembles
  • Private instruction may be available depending on instructor availability
  • The band is an educational organization, which should allow for variety in music and in types of groups.   An underlying goal is to develop student musicians who are prepared to study music at the collegiate level if they so desire, which requires breadth in exposure, experience and instruction.
  • The responsibility for fulfilling this instruction mandate lies with the Director of Bands and the Music Faculty.

Nurturing Environment

  • This refers to the character of the instructors and our expectation that they will serve as role models and mentors for the students.
  • It also applies to our standards in student and parent conduct, speech, dress, etc. while they are involved in MHSB programs or events.
  • And addresses our location, how we maintain our rehearsal environment and our consideration for our host church.

Developing students’ skills

  • Students and parents share responsibility for the musical progress of the student.  This would include meeting the academic requirements of the program, practice, rehearsal and performance attendance, preparation for auditions, care and maintenance of instruments and accessories.
  • Instructors are expected to challenge students and provide them with opportunities to develop their skills through instruction, performance opportunities and appropriate academic requirements.  This would include the study of various musical genres (classical, sacred, jazz, and other standard band literature) and of different musical elements (such as theory, listening skills, performance techniques, music appreciation etc.)

Appreciation of Music as a Means to Glorify God

  • This would include keeping before students I Corinthians 10:31 “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  The giving of glory to God is in the heart of the worshipper, for “he has shown you, O man what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8
  • Provide performance opportunities which minister to believers and opportunities that promote the cause of Christ.

PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION

In keeping with the mission statement of the Band, the curriculum is designed to enable students to better glorify God through the gift of music. Students will have the opportunity to grow through technical skills and appreciation for the aesthetic, cultural and historical aspects of music.

The students will be grouped by ability into three groups: Beginning Band, Clinic Band and Wind Ensemble.  Student should be at least 10 years of age to begin band.  Students under age 10 must meet with the Director of Bands for an interview before any exceptions are made.  Efforts will be made to make Band a successful experience for each player.  Clinic Band and Wind Ensemble together make up the Concert Band that performs at all concerts.  Beginning Band typically performs at the winter and spring concerts.

Beginning Band
Beginning Band is for those students with little or no music or group instrumental experience.  It covers the basics of music theory, introduction to their instrument and playing in a group.  Progress will be greatly enhanced by private lessons on their chosen instrument. The SmartMusic computer program will be required to assist in training.  Beginner Band will use the follow instructional Materials: Essentials Elements 2000 Plus DVD Book One and Master Theory Book One.


Clinic Band
Clinic Band is made up of experienced musicians who have some ensemble experience.  Progress and musical skill will be greatly enhanced by private lessons on their chosen instrument. The SmartMusic computer program will be required to assist in training. 


Concert Band
Concert Band is made up of Clinic Band and Wind Ensemble musicians.  These students are experienced musicians with ensemble experience.  Concert Band typically plays grade 2-3 music.  Concert Band musicians will need a black 1 inch, 3 ring binder and the Smart Music Software.

Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble for advanced musicians with extensive experience and who are accomplished on their instruments.  These students would be expected to have had private lessons and probably play on professional instruments.  Wind Ensemble is expected to play grade 4-6 music.  Students must participate in Concert Band in order to be eligible to audition for Wind Ensemble.

Chamber Ensembles
The chamber ensembles are an optional musical offering available to MHS Band members.  Chamber ensembles are small groups organized by instrument and skill.  Ensemble types vary according to participants but at any time can include intermediate and advanced brass, flute, saxophone, percussion and woodwind.  Students must participate in MHS Band in order to play in a Chamber Ensemble.  It is hoped that these ensembles will be more flexible and can function like ministry teams in the community.

Private Lessons
Private lessons will be available through the Music Faculty and through advanced students under the supervision of the Music Faculty.  

Psalm 66:1  "Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:"

P. O. Box 3251
Irmo, SC 29063
ph: (803) 798-9796