About the McGavock Band

Statistics

Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school.

Lewis Thomas, Case for Music in the Schools

Nine out of ten adults and teenagers who play intruments agree that music making brings the family closer together

Music Making and Our Schools, American Music Conference, 2000

Students who participate in school band or orchestra have the lowest levels of curretn and lifelong use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among any group in our society.

H. Con. Res. 266, United States Senate, June 13, 2000

Students of lower socioeconomic status who took music lessons in grades 8-12 increased their math scores significantly as compared to non-music students. But just as important, reading, history, geography and even social skills soared by 40%.

Gardiner, Fox, Jeffrey and Knowles, Nature, May 23, 1996

Middle and high school students who participated in instrumental music performances scored significantly higher than their non-band peers in standardized tests

University of Sarasota Study, Jeffrey Lynn Kluball; East Texas State University Study, Daryl Erick Trent

With music in schools, students connect to each other better - greater camaraderie, fewer fights, less racism and reduced use of hurtful sarcasm.

With the efforts of hard-working students, concerned parents, and a supportive community, the McGavock Band Program offers the best in secondary school music education. Expectations of McGavock Band students are quite high, and the rewards of meeting those standards are endless. Our students grow musically, aesthetically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.The McGavock Band program encompasses many opportunites for musical growth. Below is a description of each opportunity. The directors of the McGavock High School band share the responsibility of music instruction.

Marching Band

The McGavock Marching Band has a long and rich tradition of excellence. The marching band consists of students from grades 9-12 and rehearses in the summer and fall months after school and in the evening. The band performs at all football games and usually 6-7 contests around the region and country and hosts the annual Music City Invitational which awards the prestigious Mayors Cup Trophy. McGavock is a 24- time TN state marching champion, a 12 time Grand Champion at the prestigious Contest of Champions , a 5 time Bands of America Grand National Finalist, and a 3 time Bands of America Regional Champion in Atlanta and Hattiesburg, MS.

Marching Band will count for your required P.E. credit.

Ninth-Grade Band

The McGavock Ninth Grade Concert Band rehearses during 5th and 6th periods during the school day. Woodwinds meet 5th period while Brass and Percussion meet 6th. Performing Grade IV literature, the group consistently receives Superior Ratings at the MTSBOA Concert and Sight Reading Festival. The band performs 3 public concerts during the school year.

Wind Ensemble

The McGavock Wind Ensemble is the premier concert ensemble at the school and requires audition. Auditions occur in the spring. The Wind Ensemble consists of the top players in Grades 10-12 and rehearses during 3rd period. Performing Grade VI literature, the group consistently receives Superior ratings at the MTSBOA Concert and Sight Reading Festival and performs 3 public concerts throughout the year. This year the group makes its debut at the State Concert Festival at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. This group is by audition only and the students are required to prepare their music outside of class. The Wind Ensemble is often invited to perform at regional and national corporate outings and conventions in the Nashville area throughout the year and is ranked among the finest groups in the state of Tennessee.

Symphonic Band

The McGavock Symphonic Band consists of students from Grade 10-12 and rehearses during 4th period. Performing Grade IV literature, the group consistently achieves Superior ratings at the MTSBOA Concert and Sight Reading Festival. The band performs 3 public concerts during the school year.

Jazz Band

The McGavock Jazz Band consists of students from Grades 9-12 and rehearses after school. The group has a long tradition as being one of the top Jazz Ensembles in the region. The band performs 2 public concerts during the school year and is annually one of the top draws at the Cumberland Jazz Festival in Lebabon, TN. The band has performed aboard Carnival Cruise Lines Fantasy Ship, the Metro Jazz Day at Trevecca University, the Mayor's Address in the Gaylord Entertainment Center, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, and has been featured on the PBS television program "Front Row Center". Building upon a rich tradition the band performs music form various styles including swing, blues, funk, latin and bebop.

Colorguard/Winterguard

Guard involves flags, rifles, and dancers. Membership is obtained through audition only. The fall guard participates with the marching band. The winterguard performs at concert in the spring.