Elkins Pointe Music Programs
March 2020
Connections Music Program
QUESTION?
Did you know that Elkins Pointe has three Superior rated music programs?
ANSWER!
Elkins Pointe offers Band, Chorus, and Orchestra to all incoming students!
THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME!!
Enroll your child in the music program of their choice, and allow our award-winning instructors to teach your child to sing harmony or play an orchestra or band instrument. Your child will be taught to read music, learn to use their voice to sing notes, and to play an instrument of their choosing.
Le't Hear it for the Band!
Mr. Todd Wilson graduated from The University of Georgia with a Bachelor's degree in music education in 2000 and a Master's degree in music education in 2002. Mr. Wilson completed his Education Specialist degree in Music from Auburn University in 2006. He is married to Mrs. Wendy Entrekin Wilson, Band Director at Autrey Mill Middle School, and has two wonderful children, by marriage, Morgan, and Kalen.
Mr. Wilson has also been nominated for Teacher of the Year three times and was nominated four times for the Atlanta Families Award. While attending The University of Georgia, Mr. Wilson performed with the UGA Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Symphonic Band, Men's Glee Club, UGA Steel Drum Band, UGA Drumline, and Indoor Drumline. Mr. Wilson conducted one of the collegiate concert bands as a graduate assistant. Mr. Wilson is very active in the State of Georgia in Music. His duties include District Honor Band Co-Coordinator, Percussion coordinator for District V Middle.
The EPMS Program currently has over 350 students, who are approximately 35% of the school. Our band has received superior ratings since the school’s opening in 2001 at the District Middle School Large Group Performance Evaluation. In 2004, the symphonic band received a Superior rating and placed first in the middle school division at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and in 2006 received a superior rating and placed third. The symphonic band received a Superior rating and placed first in the middle school division at the 2005 Nashville Music Festival. Following this achievement, the band was awarded the National Middle School Concert Band and Wind Ensemble Award, which is the top award of all 38 festivals sponsored by MUSIC FESTIVALS.
The EPMS Band has competed and placed first in all competitions from 2010 to the present. These events include The Smokey Mountain Music Festival, Southern Star, The Busch Garden Classic, and Orlando Fest Music Competitions. The 6th grade Band takes a trip to Six Flags. The 7th/8th grade Band takes an annual trip to Florida, alternating years to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure and Busch Gardens as Band Trips. The EPMS Symphonic Band placed 1st Place last year as Grand Champions of the Orlando Fest Competition where they beat out all middle and high school bands in attendance.
Chorus Puts Songs in our Heart ♡
Mr. Charles Baugh is a graduate of Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory and an Associate of Science in Commercial Music/Recording. He has been a featured tenor soloist (i.e., Choral Guild of Atlanta, Michael O’Neal Singers and Chamber Singers, Sessione Senese per Musica e L’Arte). Mr. Baugh has performed in Italy and London. His credits include the Atlanta Opera Chorus, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and Renaissance Festivals in multiple states. Mr. Baugh has been featured in Atlanta area productions such as Titanic: In Concert, A Christmas Carol, Hamlet, and the Night Visitors.
During the school year, performances will be a staged music drama, holiday concert, and cluster concerts with feeder schools and high schools, and a Spring Concert (last year's Spring Concert featured tunes from Disney). Students will have the opportunity to perform for each other in class on "Recital Days " (similar to the TV show "The Voice). On "Rock Out Fridays," students sing songs of their choice (i.e., "Don't Stop Believin') while they play instruments, i.e., guitar, keyboard, percussion, vocals, etc.
A Standing Ovation for Orchestra!
Meet Our Orchestra Teacher!
Mr. Seth Gamba graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance and Civics, where he studied with Larry Hurst – one of the best bass teachers in the world. He went on to earn his Master’s of Music Education from the University of Georgia. Mr. Gamba is a published author and composer. Mr. Gamba’s book on teaching rhythm and pieces he’s written for student Orchestras are used frequently by teachers around the world. You can check out some of his published works here.
Mr. Gamba is deeply involved in the art of teaching music and is a frequent clinician helping to train others. He has run training sessions for music teachers in Fulton Co, Fayette Co, and Atlanta Public Schools. He has been contracted by the Woodruff Arts Center to run teacher training, and he has presented multiple training sessions at the annual GA Music Educations conference. Mr. Gamba has also run training at national conferences in San Antonio, Louisville, Nashville, and Chicago. In conjunction with his teacher training activities, he maintains an active YouTube channel with videos devoted to string instrument technique with an emphasis on Double Bass. (You can see some of those videos here.)
The EPMS Orchestra under Mr. Gamba is a multiple award-winning group. They have won first place in numerous competitions, including the Smokey Mountain Music Festival and Music In The Parks. They have also been a featured performing group at the GA Music Educators Association conference (check out this video!). Mr. Gamba has been recognized as EPMS Teacher Of The Year and is also an 11 Alive Class Act Award winner.
Mr. Gamba is an active musician in the Atlanta area, frequently performing as a professional musician. He also maintains a full private lesson studio in addition to teaching at EPMS. In addition to performing as a bass player, he is also in the rock band The Expats, where he switches off between electric violin and drums.
Music Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What exactly are Band, Chorus, and Orchestra at Elkins Pointe Middle School?
Answer:
- Band: Your child will learn how to play a band instrument (i.e., flute, French horn, clarinet, etc.) or a percussion instrument. Our Band, program consists of students from 6th through 8th grade. There are several different performing groups such as 6th-grade Band, 7th-grade Concert Band, 7th-grade Symphonic Band, 8th Grade Concert Band, 8th-Grade Symphonic Band. The 7th and 8th grade groups are auditioned groups based upon playing ability.
- Chorus: Your child will learn healthy vocal techniques and music reading, which are essential for all styles of singing. Our Chorus classes perform high-quality musical literature in a variety of styles appropriate for young voices.
- Orchestra: Your child learns how to play stringed instruments. Orchestra offers Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass.
Q: Does my child need to know how to sing, read music, or play an instrument already to join Band, Chorus, or Orchestra?
A: You do not need to know how to sing harmony, read music, or play an instrument already. The teachers start from the very beginning in the 6th-grade. If your child never played an instrument or sang a note before, this is not a problem! Our fabulous instructors will teach your child!
Q: Where and when will my child get their instrument?
A: It is best to wait until the information is provided by the music teacher before renting or committing to an instrument. Most parents rent their musical instruments from a local music store (approx. $25 per month). Students do NOT need an instrument right away. Please do not let cost keep you out of Orchestra or Band.
Q: What if my child has no idea which instrument to play?
A: That’s OK! The Band and Orchestra teachers will talk about the different instruments during the first weeks of class. Students will make instrument choices only after learning all about the various instruments. Band teacher, Mr. Wilson, will host a 6th Grade Band Clinic specifically designed for students to try-out different instruments. Orchestra teacher, Mr. Gamba, works with students to pair them with the perfect sting instrument.
Q: What if I am not sure about my child committing to the year-long music class?
A: Every student changes their Connections classes every nine weeks. Go ahead and sign up your child for music and have them try it out. If it turns out that music not for your child, you can change the class at the end of nine weeks. If your child does not start at the beginning, it is difficult to catch up. Ask your child to give it a try; there is nothing to lose and much to gain!
Q: Why do the Band, Chorus, and Orchestra dress so formally at their performances?
A: The attire reflects the formality of the performance event. Information about the attire will be given out by the instructor. The attire varies per Band, Orchestra, and Chorus. The music instructors will provide all the details.
What does "Connections" mean?
Connections classes are akin to "Specials" in elementary school. Each grade has two (2) periods of Connections each day. There are two Connections options, see below.
INFORMATION ON CONNECTIONS:
- OPTION A: General Connections - Classes last nine (9) weeks, i.e., Construction, Art, Family and Consumer Science, Business. General Connections are assigned randomly. It is not possible to make requests. P.E. and Health are Fulton County Requirements and must be taken once per year. Your child can only be assigned Health one time per year, if your child is placed in Health more than once, please have your child go to see the Curriculum Assistant Principal. See below for the full list of General Connections.
- OPTION B: Performing Music Connections - Band, Chorus, and Orchestra are year-long. If your child is interested in taking year-long music, it is recommended to start in 6th-grade. Only Chorus will allow students to join in 7th-grade and 8th-grade.
ALL ABOUT THE OPTIONS
OPTION B
OPTION B - PERFORMING MUSIC CONNECTIONS PROGRAM: This option is for those students who wish to take Band, Chorus, or Orchestra for the entire school year. Students selecting this option will take one period of Band, Chorus, or Orchestra and one period, which will consist of four General Connections.
With Option B, students will receive one Connections period of the music program, and one Connections period rotating through General Connections classes. With this option, the student will have a total of four General Connections classes: Two will be Mandatory (P.E./Health), and the other two will be randomly assigned.
* MANDATORY CONNECTIONS: All students will participate in Health and P.E. Each of these connections classes will be for nine (9) weeks.
OPTION A
GENERAL CONNECTIONS - REQUESTS NOT PERMITTED
The following General Connections classes currently offered:
- Art - Students follow the FCS Art Curriculum to learn and make art in multiple formats.
- Business - This academic connections class focuses on computer and business skills. Students learn how to make resumes, use software such as Excell, learn to dress professionally, make business proposals (i.e., Shark Tank). Teacher: Ms. Lindesay
- Constructions & Architecture - Students learn the types of tools, about the various professions in Construction, are introduced to plumbing, building, and electrical wiring. This class is both academic and hands-on. Teacher: Mr. Moffit
- Family and Consumer Science (FACS) - Students learn how to cook, shop, and run a household.
- General Music - This class covers music basics from guitar playing to keyboarding. Students learn about various types of music. Teacher: Mr. Baugh
- Health (mandatory)
- P.E. (mandatory)
* MANDATORY CONNECTIONS: All students will participate in Health and P.E. Each of these connections classes will be for nine (9) weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: The Connections options may change in the school year 2020-2021. An additional Connections class may be added specifically for 6th grade.
SPECIALIZED CONNECTIONS - APPLICATION REQUIRED
BY APPLICATION:
- AVID - AVID is an academic connections class. It is a year-long for 7th and 8th grades. The focus on AVID is to give students the skills to put them on track for college. Teacher: Mrs. Meredith Tongue. The AVID program offered to the 6th-grade second semester; AVID students must apply.
8TH GRADE ONLY:
- "Intro to Art" High School Class - This semester-long course is a high school course. It is open only to 8th-graders. Students must apply to part of this class. This class counts as 0.5 high school credit and fulfills the high school pre-requisite for art.
- Yearbook - Students put together the Elkins Pointe Yearbook. The students take photos, design the layout, and create the content. The Yearbook class is only open to 8th-grade. Students must complete an application in 7th-grade to apply to be a member of this class. Teacher: Ms. Lynnette Lindesay
- High School Health - This semester-long course is a high school class, available to 8th-grader only. Space is limited, and students must request this course. This class counts as 0.5 high school credit and fulfills a graduation requirement.
- Personal Fitness - This semester-long course is a high school class, available to 8th-grader only. Space is limited, and students must request this course. This class counts as 0.5 high school credit and fulfills a graduation requirement.
Elkins Pointe Middle School Informational Items
11290 Elkins Road, Roswell, Georgia 30076
Email: ohanlon@fultonschools.org
Website: http://school.fultonschools.org/ms/elkinspointe/Pages/default.aspx
Phone: 470-254-2892
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ElkinsPointeMSParents/
Twitter: @elkinspointe