Pearl “Pirate” Band | 500 Pirate Cove | Pearl, MS 39208 | 601-932-7939
Pearl “Pirate” Band
“Excellence Through Perseverance”
“We Believe”
Pearl High School Band
500 Pirate Cove
Pearl, MS 39208
Pearl Junior High School Band
PJHS Band Staff
Jason Harrell - Junior High Band Director
jharrell@pearlk12.com
Aimee Sudduth - Elementary (6th Grade) Band Director
asudduth@pearlk12.com
Matt Little - Percussion/Assistant Band Director
mlittle@pearlk12.com
Matt Rowan - Director of Bands, Pearl Schools
mrowan@pearlk12.com
NIcole Allen - Associate Director of Bands, Pearl Schools
jnallen@pearlk12.com
6
th
Grade Band
Sixth grade band begins in the first days of school with an introduction to music theory, including the staff, note names
in treble and bass clef, rhythms, and an introduction to the instruments in the band. At the end of the 5th Grade year,
students will be given an opportunity to test on each instrument offered in beginner band to see what his/her
strengths are as a musician. After testing, the band directors will work with students to determine what the best fit will
be for them in choosing an instrument. We will have a parent night in May to meet with parents to discuss
arrangements for obtaining an instrument. We will have Mississippi Music, Inc., present at this meeting to rent or sell
instruments. Parents are not required to use Mississippi Music, Inc., but they are a highly recommended music store
and offer full service of instruments. After students have obtained instruments, we will begin instruction on how to play
the instruments while applying the music concepts learned in the first weeks of school. Students will be tested each
week and to ensure they become proficient on their instrument. The sixth grade students will perform a Christmas
Concert in the second term and will perform a Spring Concert during fourth term. We look forward to seeing the
progress made by these students in their first year!
7
th
Grade Band
Seventh grade band begins with a review of the concepts learned in sixth grade to ensure the students have a firm
understanding of the concepts needed to be successful musicians. In seventh grade band, students will expand their
musical knowledge and technique on their instrument. They will be challenged to become more mature musicians. As
in sixth grade, the students will be tested weekly and will be required to show proficiency on their instrument. The
students will perform in the Pearl Christmas Parade as well as perform a Christmas Concert. In the second semester,
seventh grade band students will prepare for and attend a band festival where they will, for the first time, be scored on
their performance. Students will also present a Spring Concert during the fourth term. Seventh grade band is an
exciting time in the life of students.
8
th
Grade Band
The Pearl eighth grade band continues the students’ instrumental music education by preparing the students to
perform on a high school level. The students will have prescribed exercises to pass off on a weekly basis. The eighth
grade band offers more performance opportunities as well. The eighth grade band performs at pep rallies and at some
junior high football games. The band also performs a Christmas concert and in the Pearl Christmas Parade. In the
spring, the band attends a band festival and presents a spring concert. Students will also have the opportunity to go off
campus to participate in band clinics, which are great fun. Often throughout the year some other performance
opportunities arise and are an added bonus. The eighth grade band is a great experience for students and will prepare
them for even greater experiences to come.