Band

Our band program is administered by the Garwood Whaley School of Music with Dr. Joseph Howell as our Band Director. Dr. Howell has his Doctorate of Musical Arts and is a Veteran of US Navy Fleet Bands, performing and deploying all over Asia with the Seventh Fleet Band. While abroad, he also performed as a solo artist and clinician in Japan, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and wrote audio review articles for the International Clarinet Association.  
 
Musicians and writers unanimously use the words “virtuosic” or “virtuoso” when describing Howell’s woodwind performances. He has performed as a leader and soloist in many venues all over the US, as well as in India, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong! All three of his CD releases have received excellent reviews in notable publications.

As a teacher, Joseph Howell has taught music for over twenty years. In addition to having taught beginning band classes at both public and private schools, he has taught classes, masterclasses, ensembles, and private lessons at all levels, including college. Dr. Howell focuses on strengthening musical fundamentals, and uses humor and kindness to keep lessons as fun as possible! He loves getting to know students and watching the development of their musical awareness and abilities.  We are very blessed to have him!

St. Andrew School Band operates within the curriculum of classes as a pull-out system. Each year Dr. Howell anticipates openings in both bands, which were developed with the concept of educating the well-rounded child with comprehensive music education. A student's spiritual, academic, and artistic development act together to form a complete modern day approach. Instruments are usually rented through a local store at the beginning of the school year.

Beginner Band
The St. Andrew Band draws student musicians from Grades 4 through 8. Grade 4 forms the major portion of the Beginner Band. However, beginners can come from any grade level and are highly encouraged to join. The Beginner Band meets for classes during the school day only.

The beginner program introduces six basic instruments for the first year student. They are as follows: flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone/baritone and drums. Beginners, because of age and size, are asked to stay with one of these instruments in the first year of band and will be allowed to consider other instruments after recommendation of the director.

Advanced Band
Advanced Band generally consists of students from 5th through 8th Grades with at least one year of experience. The beginner and the advanced programs take place on Tuesdays during the school year. Advanced Band members have classes during the school day and full band rehearsal after school. Our Advanced Band has all the standard instruments but tries to expand the instrumentation with larger instruments such as tuba, baritone, french horn, bass clarinet, trombone and tenor sax.

Concerts
Concerts at school are given by both groups in the winter and spring. Furthermore, Advanced Band members are able to participate in the Diocese of Arlington Band Festival.