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SHERRARD MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

A TRADITION OF PRIDE & EXCELLENCE

Welcome to the Sherrard Middle School Music family.  The 2017-2018 school year gives us the opportunity to carry on the outstanding tradition of excellence this band has grown to achieve.  This year will be a new beginning to an old tradition, what I would call a mixture of old and new. 


This year band provides training in marching and music performance and teaches a holistic view on performance that encompasses a wide scope, while encouraging everyone to reach their highest possible level of excellence.  During the season, the Band will perform at a pep rally, parade, festivals, and seasonal concerts.


Hard-working students, a dedicated staff, involved and active parents, a supportive administration, and supportive community all combine to make it possible for the Sherrard Middle School Band to offer an outstanding array of performance opportunities.  Our students are expected to set and reach high goals for themselves and their program.  The rewards of meeting those expectations are immeasurable in the development of our students as well-rounded human beings.  Members of the Sherrard Middle School Band will develop musically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically during their time in this activity.

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We are excited to kickoff a wonderful year of music making!  If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Mr. Birch by clicking the "Contact" button below.  Here is to a great year Rams!

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MR. BIRCH'S STORY

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Mr. Jason B. Birch is currently the Director of Bands at Sherrard Middle School.  Mr. Birch studied music education at West Virginia University and West Liberty State College.  After graduating from West Liberty State College, Mr. Birch taught at Braxton County Schools in Flatwoods, West Virginia where he held the position of Director of Bands for Braxton County High School for a period of two years.  During his time at Braxton County High School, his bands received superior ratings at local festivals.  He also created the school’s first Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and African Ensemble.  Mr. Birch relocated to the Pittsburgh area in 2009 where Mr. Birch was Director of Bands at Plum Senior High School.  While at Plum, his ensembles received superior ratings at local and national adjudications, festivals, and parades. In 2010 his ensemble was awarded the legendary Gene Kelly award for Best Musical Pit Orchestra.  He also created the school’s first Indoor Percussion Ensemble.  In 2012, Mr. Birch took over the Director of Bands position at Wheeling Park High School.  He maintained the standard of excellence the school had come to know by receiving superior ratings at local and national adjudications and festivals.  After the 12-month position, Mr. Birch became the Director of Bands and Musical Studies at Triadelphia Middle School.  During his time at TMS, his band grew from 55 members to 110 and his ensemble received superior ratings at local and national festivals.  While teaching at Triadelphia, he also taught adjunct at Bethany College as Director of the Marching Stampede, Wind Ensemble, Conducting Class, and Percussion.

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Mr. Birch is also a freelance musician in the Wheeling and Pittsburgh area and has had the opportunity to teach and perform abroad in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Russia, and Slovakia.  He has performed throughout Eastern Europe and Russia and taught at the Krakow School of Jazz and Contemporary Music Academy.  He has studied percussion and drumset with Allison Miller, Dr. Glenn Schaft, Dave Throckmorton, and Al Wrublesky.  Mr. Birch has performed with various groups such as the Real Silk Band, Curtis Johnson Quartet, Phoenix Jazz Project, 1170 Band, Roger Hoard Jazz Quartet, Hoard & Jones, Tim Ullom Band, Steel Cassa, Johnny Tillotson, and The Crystals. 

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Mr. Birch resides in Wheeling, WV with his wife and three sons. 

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