Arts

Instrumental Music

Teaching students how to play and make music is the driving force for the Briarcrest Christian School Instrumental Music Department. Our goal is to inspire, teach, and develop students to excel in music and to prepare them for future success in college and beyond. Developing the musicianship of the individual student is the foundation of our curriculum. The lessons and qualities derived from that work—the self-discipline needed for excellence, the empathy required of music making and the openness and inquisitiveness essential to creativity—are critical to achievement in any pursuit, musical or otherwise, and that music is a powerful catalyst for personal growth, which is central to any educational experience.
“Music can change the world because it can change people.” - Bono

Objectives

Briarcrest Instrumental Music Program Overview

Mission

The Mission of the Briarcrest Instrumental Music Program is to inspire, train, and develop students to excel in music and to prepare them for future success in college and in any career. Developing the musicianship of students is the foundation of our curriculum. We believe that the lessons and qualities derived from that work—the self-discipline needed for excellence, the empathy required of music making and the openness and inquisitiveness essential to creativity—are critical to achievement in any pursuit, musical or otherwise; and that music is a powerful catalyst for personal growth, which is central to any educational experience.
 
Vision
 
With a goal of meeting and exceeding the national standards for music education, our comprehensive curriculum strives to be distinctly contemporary in its approach and embraces the principal musical movements of our culture. Through a course of practical and musical experiences, our curriculum will cover the variety of influential styles, relevant technologies, and college opportunities open to today's high school and middle school student.
 
Objectives
  • To define and refine the individual talents of every student by providing a broad array of musical opportunities through various ensemble settings, private lessons, competitions such as “All-West” and “Solo and Ensemble” as well as Marching and Concert Band Festivals.

  • The foundation for this program will be cultivated on the individual level. Each student has a unique educational and social need. Our aim is meet those needs without exception. Through creative and innovative approaches to music education, our curriculum with address and meet the needs of all students from beginning band to graduation.  

  • Application of what is learned on the individual level will be achieved in ensemble settings. These ensembles/ bands will meet regularly throughout the week during school to rehearse.

  • Performance outlets would include athletic games, seasonal concerts, national  and international concert tours and festivals, individual and small group recitals, and school functions such as pep rallies.

Contact

List of 3 members.

  • Michael Parsons 

    Teacher/Band Director
    901-765-4638
    Bio

  • Andrew Earle 

    Middle School Band Director

  • Tamatha Holt 

    Elementary Music Teacher
    901-765-6400
    Bio

Instrumental Music Ensembles

Briarcrest Christian School has a variety of Instrumental Music ensembles.  Whether it is the wave of a giant flag on the Colorguard squad, the exciting beat and rhythm of the Indoor Drumline or Percussion ensemble to the uplifting sounds of our Middle School and High School Praise Bands, Briarcrest has something for everyone interested in Instrumental Music ensembles.

Leonard Bernstein

“Music can name the unnamable and communicate the unknowable.”

List of 9 items.

  • 76 South

    76-South is Briarcrest’s intermediate commercial music and jazz ensemble. This group teaches its students various styles of popular and contemporary music including Pop, Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Alternative and Country. 
     
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  • Ovation

    In our Intermediate/ Advanced bands, 7th and 8th grade students sharpen their listening skills and musical expression, while continuing to become more proficient with sight reading and technical abilities. 
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  • SoundScape

    SoundScape is Briarcrest’s highly selective commercial music and jazz ensemble consisting of guitaris, keyboards, drums/ percussion, vocalists, a full horn section, and folks instruments such as fiddle and banjo. 
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  • The Mighty Sound of the Saints Marching Band and Color Guard

    “The Mighty Sound of the Saints” Marching Band, one of the largest private school marching bands in the State of Tennessee, is a high-energy ensemble that performs for athletic events as well as in regional competitions.
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  • Symphonic Band

    With a goal of being one of the finest high school ensembles in the Mid-South, the Briarcrest Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble is comprised of 9th – 12th grade wind and percussion students. 
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  • Middle School Band

    The Briarcrest Middle School Bands teach students the art of playing and making music. Our aim is to enable every student to fluently speak the language of music using traditional wind band instrumentation. 
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  • Beginning Band

    In beginning band, students learn the fundamental techniques required to play an instrument of their choice. This includes learning basics in tone production, rhythms, and music theory (learning how to read and play music in various keys).
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  • High School Praise Band

    The High School Praise Band is responsible for leading worship through music during Chapel.  The ensemble consists of singers, drummers, guitarists, pianists, bass players, and other instrumentalists.
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  • Middle School Praise Band

    The Middle School Praise Band allows students to utilize their many talents in a contemporary music setting while also training them to be dynamic Christian leaders. 
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Sponsors

Briarcrest High School and Middle School Bands would like to thank our corporate sponsors for their support.