08/09/2026
Dear HMS Band Parents,
We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for our first full week of school! I am excited to see our students and look forward to all that we will accomplish together this year.
As we navigate schedule adjustments and wait for Synergy updates, please rest assured that we are getting everything finalized for the week ahead. We are proud to offer one of the most exciting programs at Harpeth Middle School: the HMS Band! While some students may be a bit rusty after summer break, remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. We will take our time to ensure success and build the best middle school band in the county.
Important Updates for the Week
• HMS Band Parent Meeting: August 12th at HMS. This is an essential informational meeting for all students and parents to understand the direction, guidelines, and goals for the program. Bandwagon Music will be in attendance to discuss rental instrument options.
• 6th Grade Beginning Band Camp: This Saturday! This camp is vital for our 6th graders to learn more about their instruments, and we will be officially passing out instruments to students during this time.
• HMS Football Concessions: We need parent volunteers to help work concessions this Thursday for our first home football game (reminder: we have A/C!). https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4BA4A92AAAFD0-65042411-hmsband #/
• HMS Band Contract: I will be handing out physical copies of our band contract to students this week. You can also review it online here: [Link to Band Contract].
Frequently Asked Question: Can students drop band mid-year?
This is a great question, and I recommend discussing it with your child first.
We do not allow students to drop out of the band program in the middle of a semester. However, students will have the opportunity to exit the HMS Band Program by August 14th. After August 14th, students are required to remain in the band program until December 18th.
At the end of the fall semester, students will have another opportunity to leave the program if they choose. Otherwise, once the spring semester begins on December 18th, students are committed to staying in band through the end of the academic year. As an educator, I completely understand that some students want to try band, only to realize quickly that it is not the right fit—which is why we provide this built-in transition window at the end of the fall semester.
I truly hope your child enjoys the band experience and decides to stay all year! We have many exciting opportunities ahead, including fun field trips to Altitude Trampoline Park and Dave & Buster's.
Weekly Agenda (August 10th – August 14th)
6th Grade Band
• Monday: Introduction to the HMS Band Program; distribute band contracts; review end-of-day procedures and guidelines.
• Tuesday: Review procedures and guidelines; introduction to music theory (whole notes, half notes, quarter notes) and the music staff.
• Wednesday: Review procedures and guidelines; review music theory; finalize instrument selections for the year.
• Thursday: Review procedures and guidelines; introduction to reading fingerings and notes with a pencil; review basic music theory.
• Friday: Review procedures and guidelines; preparation for Saturday's Beginning Band Camp; quiz over basic music theory.
7th Grade Band
• Monday: Introduction to the HMS Band Program; distribute band contracts; review end-of-day procedures and guidelines.
• Tuesday: Review procedures and guidelines; distribute instruments; establish full band procedures; instrument play-test to ensure proper working order; play the first note of Concert F in full band.
• Wednesday: Review procedures and guidelines; distribute band music; review full band procedures; introduction to key signatures and the Concert F Major Scale.
• Thursday: Concert F full band; review key signatures and the Concert F Major Scale; introduction to marching percussion; learn "Go, Fight, Win."
• Friday: Concert F full band; review Concert F Major Scale; introduction to "War Chant" and "War Boogie" with marching percussion.
8th Grade Band
(Note: HHS Marching Band practice takes place after school on Tuesday and Thursday for participating HMS marching band members.)
• Monday: Introduction to the HMS Band Program; distribute band contracts; review end-of-day procedures and guidelines.
• Tuesday: Review procedures and guidelines; distribute instruments; establish full band procedures; instrument play-test to ensure proper working order; play the first note of Concert F in full band.
• Wednesday: Review procedures and guidelines; distribute band music; review full band procedures; introduction to key signatures and the Concert F Major Scale.
• Thursday: Concert F full band; review key signatures and the Concert F Major Scale; introduction to marching percussion; learn "Go, Fight, Win."
• Friday: Concert F full band; review Concert F Major Scale; introduction to "War Chant" and "War Boogie" with marching percussion.
Warmly,
Christopher Vaughn
Band Director & Media Teacher
Harpeth Middle School
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
