Band

Make Some Noise

The instrumental music department believes that music is an intrinsic and fundamental part of the human experience. It is an integral part of everyday life and a necessary component in the development of both humanness and spirituality. It is a language that begins where all other languages end. 

The mission of instrumental educators is twofold. First and foremost, their objective is to develop the performance, rehearsal, and personal practice habits of each student in order to give them a skill they can enjoy for their entire lives. This is done through the exploration of music literature from all genres and cultures, the development of technical facility, the gradual improvement of reading skills, and membership in quality performing ensembles of all sizes. It is the department’s hope that students leave Marist prepared for music-related careers in education, performance, music business and industry, and music law.

Courses

List of 7 items.

  • Beginning Band (FA117: Grades 7-9)

    This yearlong course offers students with little to no prior musical training the opportunity to learn to play a band instrument. While the first term focuses on music literacy and playing fundamentals on all wind and percussion instruments, the second and third terms focus on performance preparation culminating in concerts in front of audiences. Playing fundamentals are continually taught and reinforced throughout the school year. Course topics include music reading, tone production, hand and stick control, and articulation. Required after-school concerts include the Christmas concert, a concert at the end of second term, and a concert at the end of third term. Instruments available for study are brass (trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba), woodwinds (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone), and percussion (snare, marimba, timpani). All instruments are provided by the school.
  • Concert Band (FA131-133: Grades 7-9)

    This three-term course is designed to provide continued learning experiences at the intermediate level. It is intended for the incoming 7th grader who has previous band experience. Emphasis is on expanded repertoire at the Grade 2 level as specified by the Georgia Music Educators Association, technical fluency and tone production, and ensemble opportunities that include solos, duos, trios, and full band. One outside performance is required per term.
  • Marching Band (FA121: Grades 8-12)

    This one-term course is composed of a group of students known collectively as the Marist War Eagle Marching Band. The course requires extensive after-school rehearsals as well as performances at all football games and at several competitions and parades during the season. Wind instruments and percussion meet together for music preparation during class and are joined by color guard groups in the afternoons. Attendance at a one-week summer band camp is required (fee to be announced annually). Marching Band is a fall varsity letter sport.

    Course may be repeated for credit.
  • Symphonic Band (FA151-153: Grades 7-9)

    This three-term ensemble is designed to provide a musical outlet for the more advanced instrumental musician at the middle school level. Emphasis is on expanded repertoire at the Grade 3 level as specified by the Georgia Music Educators Association, technical fluency and tone production, and ensemble opportunities that include solos, duos, trios, and full band. The band performs music in a variety of compositional styles and participates in various contests and festivals throughout the year. At least one outside performance is required per term.
  • Wind Ensemble (FA162-163: Grades 9-12)

    This two-term ensemble, offered during the second and third terms each year, is the most advanced instrumental performance ensemble at Marist. The band performs both on and off campus at a variety of functions, contests, and festivals as well as in conjunction with the Marist Chorale. FA162 (Term 2) is an excellent outlet for serious musical performance in the classical, contemporary, and experimental music idioms. FA163 (Term 3) is an exploration of film score, pop music, and jazz. Outside performances are required.

    Course may be repeated for credit.
  • Commercial Music Ensemble (FA171: Grades 9-12)

    Commercial Music Ensemble focuses solely on student performance skills. This one-term course emphasizes skills including individual preparation, confidence, proficiency on the student's instrument of choice, and listening. Commercial Music Ensemble is open to intermediate and advanced players and singers, and beginners are encouraged to seek out instruction on their instrument of choice. Due to the fast-paced nature of this student-driven course, mismatches in skill levels are discouraged, but not prohibited. Students who feel less confident on their instruments are still invited to be in the class and will be expected to work with the instructor.

    Course may be repeated for credit.
  • Guitar I (FA185: Grades 9-12)

    This one-term course is a beginning guitar course offered for students 9-12 which teaches guitar fundamentals, traditional music notation, TAB, reading lead lines, as well as rhythm guitar. This course is for the true beginner interested in acoustic guitar.

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Aaron Schmitt

    Mr. Aaron Schmitt 

    Band Director
  • Photo of Benjamin Barber

    Mr. Benjamin Barber 

    Assistant Band Director/Fine Arts Teacher

Marist School

3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30319-1899
(770) 457-7201
An Independent Catholic School of the Marist Fathers and Brothers