Instrumental music instruction is available for your son or daughter at St. Thomas More School. Classes are offered during regular school hours from September - May,. The child who learns to play an instrument learns discipline, cooperation with others, and a new way to a fuller, richer life. Playing an instrument places him or her in worthwhile school activities; it gives him something interesting, pleasurable and worthwhile to do.
The Garwood Whaley Music Program is a local organization closely associated with the catholic schools which offers contract music instruction in your school. The fee for instruction includes, weekly half-hour lessons (during the school day) and scheduled on a rotational schedule in order to coordinate with the other subjects and including all concerts or other related functions. Membership in the premier school performing group (the advanced band) is based on reliability and instrument achievement during the first school year. There will likely be a virtual and in-person concerts (if at all possible) during the school year. The program organizes (again, if possible) diocese-wide events such as a Honor Band and a Band Festival usually held at Bishop Ireton High School.
Our program was selected as the official program of instrumental music instruction in the Diocese of Arlington Schools in 1979. The G.W. Music Program is staffed with qualified full-time and part-time instructors with degrees in music. The program is supervised and partially owned by Mr. Barry Ward who has taught for 45 years in schools throughout the diocese Mr. Ward is presently the band director at All Saints, St. Thomas More, St. Bernadette, and St. Leo School.
If you or your child are interested in learning more about the instrumental music program in your school, we urge you to attend a meeting to be held at your school in September 8th, 2022 at 6:45 P.M.. If the interest exists, give your child all possible support and assurance when starting. Take advantage of this opportunity. Enroll your child in the school Band Program.
Instruments that are offered to all students: generally, first obtained through a selected instrument rental program
Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, and Drums
Instrument that are also offered to older students: usually owned and maintained by the school band program
Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone / Euphonium and Tuba.
Thanks for reading the above information about our band. We are always looking for new students in the program starting with the 4th grade through the 8th grade. A great way to keep your student involved in a program associated with a school throughout their school career.
Barry Ward
Band Director