Strike up the band

Published 3:15 pm Thursday, October 22, 2015

Confidence, leadership skills and rhythm are fine tuned in the band room at Leeds Middle School. Under the direction of Adam Truesdale, the past six years have allowed the LMS Band to develop their big band sound.

From Beginning Band to Advanced Band, students are able to assess how far they’ve come and hear how their talent has progressed.

“Beginning Band is all about learning how to play an instrument. Most students begin band with little or no musical training. At LMS we learn to read music, play an instrument and about teamwork,” Truesdale said. “Advanced band is made up of second and third year performers. They are challenged to further their music ability. They also have more performance opportunities such as sporting events, special events and band contests.” 

Providing an opportunity to create a positive learning experience, the band affords students the chance to develop skills such as sharpening concentration and fostering self-expression. Truesdale says musical education is vital and appreciates the support he gets from not only the Leeds school system, but also the Leeds community.

“We are very fortunate in Leeds to have such great support from our school board, superintendent, principals, parents and community.  With all of their support we have been able to grow the band program by quantity and quality,” Truesdale said. “Student’s need to find something to be part of, especially in middle school. Band offers them a place to fit in, learn something new, and gain skills that will help them the rest of their life.”

LMS Band has garnered another honor this year with 114 students in the band. It’s the highest enrollment in over 20 years.

Knowing he only has a few years to help hone their skills, Truesdale says he wants his students to leave with a love and passion for music. “I also make sure students have a good foundation of fundamentals,” he said. “Students should be able to read and perform music at a high level and the transition to high school should band should be an easy one.”

Striving to showcase innovative work, Truesdale tasks his students to play beyond their abilities and leave a lasting expression with their audience. Over the years, music enthusiasts have been treated to a trash can drum line, black lights and paper music experience.

“My hope is that through the musical selections students are learning key musical skills, enjoy learning and performing it and are excited to share those songs with their friends and family at concerts,” Truesdale said.

Embarking on his own musical journey in middle school, Truesdale found himself signing up for band in the sixth grade. After contemplating foregoing marching band, he forged on and found himself considering music as his major in college. “I went on to attend Samford University with a band scholarship and graduated with a degree in music education.  I am thankful for the many mentors along the way who encouraged me to continue in music education.”

When asked three eighth graders how they see a difference in their playing. Trombonist Haley Turner said, “In beginning band I couldn’t play really high notes or really low notes. Now I can play both kind of well.” Margaret Davies, a clarinet player, said, “I sound better and I can play more complicated music.” And Marco Serrato, also a trombonist, said, “I can see that I’ve improved on everything such as the tuning and the sound.”

Their favorite thing about being a part of the LMS Band is, “Getting to go to different places and playing amazing music,” Turner said. Davies added, “My favorite thing is playing fun music.” While Serrato said, “My favorite thing about playing in the LMS Band is that I can rock on with my trombone while playing the stand tunes.”

Eager to spotlight their musical accomplishments, Turner, Davies and Serrato, alongside their band mates, look forward to performing at the Leeds Elementary School Monster Mash Dash Pep Rally, the LMS Veteran’s Day Assembly and their Christmas Concert.

Excited to continue instilling confidence in young musicians, Truesdale said his favorite thing about conducting the LMS Band is about empowering his students.  He said, “Music education is more than notes and rhythms, but a platform to teach students life skills through leadership, teamwork and hard work.”

For further information regarding LMS Band, visit leedsband.com.