Blacksburg Middle School Bands
https://www.blacksburgband.com
7th and 8th Grade
Information / Syllabus
Brian Quakenbush Shane Mercy Darrell Pearman
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
540-951-5800 540-951-5800 540-951-5706
This program is a successful partnership between the Blacksburg Middle and Blacksburg High School band programs.
All materials listed below are available at: Star City Music (Salem), Bridge Kaldro (Christiansburg), and Hill City Music.
starcitymusic.com
bridgekaldro.com
hillcitymusic.com
Blacksburg 7th and 8th Grade Band Instrument Supply List
Flute
Oboe
Saxophone
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Tuba/Baritone
Percussion
Instruments need to be kept in working order. Students must maintain and properly store their instruments so that they will function properly during class rehearsals. If a repair is needed, there are options; please contact Mr. Quakenbush or Mr. Mercy for suggestions.
All students are expected to
c) to provide practice records that must be filled out weekly and signed by parents/guardians.
—----Please note that performances are required and one of the largest grades for that nine-week grading cycle—----
a) Rehearsal participation 50%
b) Practice records 10%
Sixth-grade band students are expected to practice a minimum of 60 minutes per week.
c) Playing test 40%
2) Concert Expectations
All performances are counted as playing test grades
The Blacksburg Middle School Bands are transitioning to black-on-black attire for our concert clothing.
Concert Attire Guidelines:
We still have some inventory here that can aid families in need to use our clothing. We DO NOT have black tops for men in stock and request families get those on their own.
Pants, shoes, and socks are the same as in the past performance years.
Other important information
Care of school-owned instruments
Students are responsible for providing any necessary items to play (reeds) or maintain (oils) the instrument. The student is expected to keep the instrument clean and in good playing condition. The student pays for lost or stolen instruments and repairs resulting from misuse, neglect, or carelessness. Damage must be reported to the director immediately. The instrument may be used only by the person to whom it is assigned. Instruments shall be returned to the Blacksburg Middle School in the same condition in which it was received.
Instrumental storage
The instrument storage area can be used for the storage of instruments during the school day. Absolutely no food, drinks or gum is to be brought into the band room and or stored in the instrument storage areas. Please keep our areas clean and neat.
Performances
The Concert Calendar is now online in an updated calendar
https://www.blacksburgband.com/calendar.html
Concerts include
Other performance opportunities
All District Band Tryouts: January 10th, 2026 Lord Botetourt HS, Daleville, Va.
Attention 7th and 8th Grade Band Families
We’re excited to share an incredible opportunity for our band students! Those in the 7th and 8th grade bands will have the chance to represent Blacksburg Middle School and Montgomery County Public Schools at a prestigious two-day event: the All-District Band.
Each year, band students from across our region audition for a place in the “All-Star” ensemble. Auditions will take place in January, and students who are selected will perform in the All-District Band Event on February 20–21, 2026, hosted at E. C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, VA.
Preparation is key, and it begins now. We will be offering after-school sessions dedicated to helping students prepare for this exciting opportunity.
Being chosen for this ensemble is a significant honor and a source of pride. BMS consistently has a strong presence at this event, and we’re proud of our tradition of excellence.
We encourage all eligible students to begin preparing and to take full advantage of this chance to shine!
VBODA Concert Assessment
March 10th or 11th at William Fleming HS in Roanoke, VA.
The 7th and 8th-grade Bands will participate in this annual Assessment in March. March is music in the schools month and a way bands celebrate is by performing selections for judges at the highest levels. (Weather permitting). This event is like the band’s SOLs test for music performance.
THIS EVENT IS REQUIRED FOR 7TH AND 8TH-GRADE BAND STUDENTS
Montgomery County All-County Band
Usually in October, at Auburn HS
If your child is in any band class here at BMS, they will have the opportunity to represent Blacksburg Middle in this one-day event. Band students from the four county middle schools come together to be a part of the “All-Star” group. Unlike All-District, each of the middle school directors will choose who will get to represent our school at this event.
King’s Dominion or Carowinds Concert Band Festival
This is a trip that ALL 7th and 8th-grade band students can earn by positive behavior and achievement throughout the school year. The students will perform their festival program in a competition for a panel of judges. We will be having fundraisers to offset the students’ costs for this trip. This trip will take place on the 1st or 2nd Saturday in May. More information is forthcoming.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. The fastest way to communicate with us is through our school email.
https://www.blacksburgband.com
7th and 8th Grade
Information / Syllabus
Brian Quakenbush Shane Mercy Darrell Pearman
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
540-951-5800 540-951-5800 540-951-5706
This program is a successful partnership between the Blacksburg Middle and Blacksburg High School band programs.
- The Intermediate and Symphonic (Advanced) bands are courses intended for students who have played a band instrument before and have achieved a high level of proficiency with their instrument. These ensembles are the cornerstones of the program. These classes utilize the Virginia Standards of learning for instrumental music to teach and improve student understanding and performance in music. Standards of Music Education for Virginia.
- These students are required to present winter and spring concerts as well as participate in the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association concert assessment performance.
All materials listed below are available at: Star City Music (Salem), Bridge Kaldro (Christiansburg), and Hill City Music.
starcitymusic.com
bridgekaldro.com
hillcitymusic.com
Blacksburg 7th and 8th Grade Band Instrument Supply List
Flute
- Instrument
- Tuning/Cleaning Rod
- Cleaning Cloth - can be a handkerchief
- Name Tag for Instrument Case
- Pencil
- Foldable music stand for home practice
- 7th grade - Essential Elements Book 2
- 8th grade - SOUND Innovations
Oboe
- Instrument
- 3 Medium Soft Reeds - Marlin Lesher Oboe Reeds
- Oboe Reed Guard
- Soaker Cup and Clip
- Cleaning swab - preferably cloth or silk
- Cork Grease
- Name Tag for Instrument Case
- Pencil
- Foldable music stand for home practice
- 7th grade - Essential Elements Book 2
- 8th grade - SOUND Innovations
- Instrument Recommended Mouthpiece - Yamaha 4C or Vandoren B45
- Ligature
- Reeds - at least 5 reeds #3 Vandoren, Gonzalez, or Mitchell Lurie Clarinet Reeds
- Clarinet Reed Guard
- Cork Grease
- Cleaning swab - preferably cloth or silk
- Name Tag for Instrument Case
- Pencil
- Foldable music stand for home practice
- 7th grade - Essential Elements Book 2
- 8th grade - SOUND Innovations
Saxophone
- Instrument
- Recommended Mouthpiece - Yamaha 4C
- Ligature
- Reeds - at least 5 reeds #2.5 or #3 -Vandoren, Gonzalez, or Alto Saxophone Reeds
- Saxophone Reed Guard
- Cork Grease
- Cleaning swab - preferably cloth or silk
- Name Tag for Instrument Case
- Pencil
- Foldable music stand for home practice
- 7th grade - Essential Elements Book 2
- 8th grade - SOUND Innovations
Trumpet
- Instrument
- Valve Oil - Al Cass, Blue Juice, Yamaha, or Selmer valve oil
- Selmer or Yamaha slide grease
- Recommended Mouthpiece - Bach 5C or 3C
- Pencil
- Foldable music stand for home practice
- 7th grade - Essential Elements Book 2
- 8th grade - SOUND Innovations
French Horn
- Instrument
- Valve Oil - Al Cass, Blue Juice, Yamaha, or Selmer valve oil
- Selmer or Yamaha slide grease
- Mouthpiece - Holton MDC
- If using instruments from BMS, students will need to purchase their mouthpiece.
- It is recommended to purchase their mouthpiece, but we may have an extra to keep at home for practice. See us to work that out.
- Name Tag for Instrument Case
- Pencil
- Foldable music stand for home practice
- 7th grade - Essential Elements Book 2
- 8th grade - SOUND Innovations
Trombone
- Instrument
- Slide o Mix - for slide care
- Recommended Mouthpiece – Bach 6-1/2AL
- Name Tag for Instrument Case
- Pencil
- Foldable Music Stand for home practice
- 7th grade - Essential Elements Book 2
- 8th grade - SOUND Innovations
Tuba/Baritone
- Instrument
- Valve Oil - Al Cass, Blue Juice, Yamaha, or Selmer valve oil
- Recommended Tuba Mouthpiece - Conn - Hellenburg 120S
- Recommended Baritone Mouthpiece – Bach 6 ½ AL
- If using instruments from BMS, students will need to purchase their mouthpiece.
- It is recommended to purchase their mouthpiece, but we may have an extra to keep at home for practice. See us to work that out.
- Name Tag for Instrument Case
- Pencil
- Foldable music stand for home practice
- 7th grade - Essential Elements Book 2
- 8th grade - SOUND Innovations
Percussion
- Percussion Combo Kit
- Stick Bag
- Snare sticks - either Innovative Percussion Lalo Davila or Vic Firth SD1 General
- Marimba Mallets - either Mike Balter Basics Medium Marimba or Innovative Percussion Fundamental Medium Marimba Mallets
- Xylophone Mallets - either Mike Balter Basics Medium Xylophone or Innovative Percussion Fundamental Xylophone Mallets
- Name Tag for Stick Bag
- Pencil
- Foldable Music Stand for home practice
- 7th grade - Essential Elements Book 2
- 8th grade - SOUND Innovations
Instruments need to be kept in working order. Students must maintain and properly store their instruments so that they will function properly during class rehearsals. If a repair is needed, there are options; please contact Mr. Quakenbush or Mr. Mercy for suggestions.
- Class expectations
All students are expected to
- Be prepared for class daily with their instrument music and a pencil. In general, participation is the largest part of your child's grade.
c) to provide practice records that must be filled out weekly and signed by parents/guardians.
—----Please note that performances are required and one of the largest grades for that nine-week grading cycle—----
a) Rehearsal participation 50%
- Weekly preparation points are based on whether the student is prepared on time and working to their potential.
- Students being on time
- Having their instrument
- Pencil ready
- Folder/Music for class
- Demonstrating Effort
- Not distracting or damaging classroom decorum
- Being respectful to the teacher and other students.
b) Practice records 10%
- The practice chart will be located on the front cover of their band Book.
- They will be collected at the beginning of each week, starting Monday, August 25th.
- These must be completed and have the parents' full signature.
- No late minutes will be taken. However, students are encouraged to practice above the minimum for extra credit.
- Students AND parents must follow the BMS Honor Code that is in the BMS student handbook.
Sixth-grade band students are expected to practice a minimum of 60 minutes per week.
c) Playing test 40%
- Evaluative playing tests will be given throughout the grading period.
- There may be a short exercise from a method book, a major scale, or a written music theory assignment that will be completed during the class time.
- These tests are meant to help the student develop “Under Pressure” performance skills.
- They help evaluate the student's strengths and weaknesses so that I can give the student immediate feedback and instruction. Every student will have the opportunity to improve their score over the nine weeks.
2) Concert Expectations
All performances are counted as playing test grades
- All concerts are held in the Blacksburg High School auditorium (unless stated otherwise) and will start at 6:30 p.m. Students will need to be in the Blacksburg High School Band Room (use door # three) by 6:15 p.m.
- Participation is required and will be considered part of the student's test grade. Any conflicts or expectations should be communicated with a director as far in advance as possible - the day of the performance is not acceptable - exceptions being severe illness or family emergency.
- All students must have proper attire for every performance. Please plan for attire needs in advance. This is an essential part of their performance!!!
The Blacksburg Middle School Bands are transitioning to black-on-black attire for our concert clothing.
Concert Attire Guidelines:
- Tops: gentlemen - black long-sleeved dress shirt; or this; ladies - long or ¾ sleeves preferred, black dresses can also suffice and are traditional.
- Bottoms: Black dress pants or a long black skirt.
- Shoes: Black closed-toe dress shoes (no sneakers, please)
- Accessories: Minimal jewelry; above the ankle, black socks or hosiery
We still have some inventory here that can aid families in need to use our clothing. We DO NOT have black tops for men in stock and request families get those on their own.
Pants, shoes, and socks are the same as in the past performance years.
Other important information
Care of school-owned instruments
Students are responsible for providing any necessary items to play (reeds) or maintain (oils) the instrument. The student is expected to keep the instrument clean and in good playing condition. The student pays for lost or stolen instruments and repairs resulting from misuse, neglect, or carelessness. Damage must be reported to the director immediately. The instrument may be used only by the person to whom it is assigned. Instruments shall be returned to the Blacksburg Middle School in the same condition in which it was received.
Instrumental storage
The instrument storage area can be used for the storage of instruments during the school day. Absolutely no food, drinks or gum is to be brought into the band room and or stored in the instrument storage areas. Please keep our areas clean and neat.
Performances
The Concert Calendar is now online in an updated calendar
https://www.blacksburgband.com/calendar.html
Concerts include
- International Night (8th grade only) BMS November 18 TBA
- Winter concert for all grades BHS December 16th 6:30
- Pre-Assessment Concert BHS
- Concert Assessment Performance William Fleming HS
- Spring Concert for all grades BHS May 14th 6:30
- Spring Trip to either King’s Dominion or Carowinds
Other performance opportunities
All District Band Tryouts: January 10th, 2026 Lord Botetourt HS, Daleville, Va.
Attention 7th and 8th Grade Band Families
We’re excited to share an incredible opportunity for our band students! Those in the 7th and 8th grade bands will have the chance to represent Blacksburg Middle School and Montgomery County Public Schools at a prestigious two-day event: the All-District Band.
Each year, band students from across our region audition for a place in the “All-Star” ensemble. Auditions will take place in January, and students who are selected will perform in the All-District Band Event on February 20–21, 2026, hosted at E. C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, VA.
Preparation is key, and it begins now. We will be offering after-school sessions dedicated to helping students prepare for this exciting opportunity.
Being chosen for this ensemble is a significant honor and a source of pride. BMS consistently has a strong presence at this event, and we’re proud of our tradition of excellence.
We encourage all eligible students to begin preparing and to take full advantage of this chance to shine!
VBODA Concert Assessment
March 10th or 11th at William Fleming HS in Roanoke, VA.
The 7th and 8th-grade Bands will participate in this annual Assessment in March. March is music in the schools month and a way bands celebrate is by performing selections for judges at the highest levels. (Weather permitting). This event is like the band’s SOLs test for music performance.
THIS EVENT IS REQUIRED FOR 7TH AND 8TH-GRADE BAND STUDENTS
Montgomery County All-County Band
Usually in October, at Auburn HS
If your child is in any band class here at BMS, they will have the opportunity to represent Blacksburg Middle in this one-day event. Band students from the four county middle schools come together to be a part of the “All-Star” group. Unlike All-District, each of the middle school directors will choose who will get to represent our school at this event.
King’s Dominion or Carowinds Concert Band Festival
This is a trip that ALL 7th and 8th-grade band students can earn by positive behavior and achievement throughout the school year. The students will perform their festival program in a competition for a panel of judges. We will be having fundraisers to offset the students’ costs for this trip. This trip will take place on the 1st or 2nd Saturday in May. More information is forthcoming.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. The fastest way to communicate with us is through our school email.