Faculty Advisor: Mr. Joel Childress
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Participation in the TMS ”Gator Band” is open to all 5th and 6th grade students. Membership in the “Gator Band” is divided into beginning and intermediary skill levels.

Beginning band is first and foremost for students who have had no previous musical training on wind or percussion instruments. Components for membership are Demonstration Day, Information Night, Student Interview, Instrument purchase/lease, and regular class attendance. Students attend one afternoon and one morning class per week. Students are expected to participate in the “Arts Showcase”, an extra-curricular concert held at the end of year in conjunction with the TMS Choirs and Intermediate Band.

Intermediate band is for students who have completed one year of instruction on a wind or percussion instrument. Students attend two afternoon classes and one morning class per week. The primary focus for the intermediate student is the advancement of fundamental skills through the study of rhythm, scales, technique exercises, and concert literature. Students are expected to participate in the “Winter Concert”, “Arts Showcase”, and the “St. Tammany Parish Elementary Band Festival”.

The “Gator Band” is directed by Joel M. Childress. Mr. Childress is in his 26th year of teaching, his 5th at Tchefuncte. Mr. Childress has been a clinician and judge for numerous local, state, and regional events. He is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, Louisiana Music Educators Conference, National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu, a National Honorary Band Fraternity.