About Us.The Innovation Academy Band Program is comprised of over 140 members, and is the largest organization on campus.
Our philosophy in the Innovation Academy Band Program can be summed up best by a quote by Dr. Rick Rigsby,"You are what you repeatedly do. Therefore, excellence ought to be a habit, not an act." In the Innovation Academy Band Program, our mission is to create a learning environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. |
Who's in the band?
With more than 150 members, the Innovation Academy Band is the largest organization on campus. Band members include many people, including members of our football, wrestling, basketball, softball, soccer and baseball teams. Other members of the band are part of Cheerleading, Beta Club, Robotics Club, FCA, Choir, Drama Club, and so much more! Band members are consistently ranked among the highest achieving scholars at our school. From the classroom, to the field, to the stage - band kids are the best of the best in the building!
Do I have to know how to play an instrument to join?
The short answer - No! Most band members have never played and instrument before they join band. In 6th Grade Band, you learn ALL of the basics! After a series of exercises and activities, you’ll start playing on one of the following: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba or Percussion. Band Members are guided to choose which instrument they will be the most successful on using a variety of methods including aptitude tests, rhythmic games and activities, and instrument try-out activities.
Can I do band and be involved in sports?
Absolutely! More than 60% of our band members are involved in sports and all types of different clubs and organizations at school and in the community. Some of these include football, cheerleading, basketball, softball, baseball, track, soccer, dance, FCA, Beta Club, Robotics and more - Some people even participate in multiple sports and clubs!
Are there any financial obligations?
It is more than possible to be in the band with very few financial obligations. There is a one-time fee of $25 due at the beginning of each school year. This fee covers the cost of 2 band shirts for each scholar (1 band shirt and concert attire for high school band members), and helps provide additional funds for educational resources at the beginning of the year.
In addition, most of our members participate in a phenomenal instrument rent-to-own program with Amro Music, in which scholars are supplied with brand-new, never-before-played instruments. These instruments are chosen by the band director for their exceptional high quality and affordable price range. This rental program also includes repairs and a variety of other perks, including insurance, not offered with school instruments, or with any other rent-to-own program. For scholars in need of financial assistance who cannot afford the rent-to-own instruments, we do have a variety of school-owned instruments, available in very limited numbers, that can be checked out on loan to scholars during the school year. Band members playing Euphonium and Tuba generally use school instruments. Additional expenses incurred by the band program are funded through district funding and fundraising.
In addition, most of our members participate in a phenomenal instrument rent-to-own program with Amro Music, in which scholars are supplied with brand-new, never-before-played instruments. These instruments are chosen by the band director for their exceptional high quality and affordable price range. This rental program also includes repairs and a variety of other perks, including insurance, not offered with school instruments, or with any other rent-to-own program. For scholars in need of financial assistance who cannot afford the rent-to-own instruments, we do have a variety of school-owned instruments, available in very limited numbers, that can be checked out on loan to scholars during the school year. Band members playing Euphonium and Tuba generally use school instruments. Additional expenses incurred by the band program are funded through district funding and fundraising.
How do I register for band?
Click Here or scroll to the top of this page and select the button labeled "Join the Band!" Your decision to enroll your child in band will be one of the greatest decisions you make in your child's life. Children who participate in instrumental music consistently show increased language skills, coordination, memory, emotional development, discipline, and creativity, not to mention all of the great friends they will make as they join our band family at the Innovation Academy. We can't wait to see you!
What kind of time COMMITMENT can i expect?
Outside of Concert Days (only 2 or 3 per year for middle school, and 5 to 6 times a year for high school), the band does not have many after school commitments. On concert days, you can expect a maximum of 2 hours time commitment. Most other out-of-school activities are optional.
Other than concerts, band members are expected to practice daily. This can either take place at home after school, or in the band room before school between 7:30 until 8:20. Regular practice is strongly encouraged and will allow band members to progress much faster than they would if they only played in class. 10 or 15 minutes a day for middle school and 15 to 25 minutes a day for high school is recommended.
Other than concerts, band members are expected to practice daily. This can either take place at home after school, or in the band room before school between 7:30 until 8:20. Regular practice is strongly encouraged and will allow band members to progress much faster than they would if they only played in class. 10 or 15 minutes a day for middle school and 15 to 25 minutes a day for high school is recommended.
What will i learn in band?
In band we learn how to read music and play instruments. Even more than learning music, however, we learn how to have self-discipline, good work ethic, leadership skills, creative problem solving skills, team-building skills, attention to detail, and so much more. In band, music is used not only as an outlet of expression, but as a vehicle for learning life skills.
Concert EnsemblesThe iA Band Program has 3 performing bands including the 6th Grade Beginning Band, 7th and 8th Concert Band, and the High School Band.
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Chamber EnsemblesThe iA Band Program has several small ensembles including our Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Athletic Band. These are offered as extracurricular ensembles in the Fall and Spring Semesters.
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Athletic BandsThe iA Band has two athletic bands. First, we have a pep band which performs at select Middle School and High School Athletic events. Second, our high school band members have the opportunity to co-op with the Springfield High School Marching Band.
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Meet the Director |
Andrew E. Lawson is an American composer, arranger, orchestrator, and music educator. Since 2019, he has served as Director of Bands at the Innovation Academy of Robertson County in Springfield, TN. His responsibilities at Innovation Academy include directing the Beginning Band, Middle School Concert Band, and High School Band. In 2022, Lawson was honored as a Marquis Who's Who in America Biographee for his contributions to music education and music literature. In the Spring of 2023, Mr. Lawson was also named Distinguished Educator of the Year at Innovation Academy.
As a composer, Lawson has written for numerous ensembles across the United States. He is a three-time winner of the Dallas Wind Symphony's International Fanfare Composition Competition (2016, 2019, 2020). In 2022 joined the arranging staff at SouthCoast Music and Design. His music has been performed by middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional ensembles across the United States, including the Cherokee Middle School Band, Tullahoma High School Band, the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble, Texas Tech Wind Ensemble, and most notably, The Dallas Winds. His music has also been featured a state and national band conferences including the Virginia Music Education Association Conference and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL. His music is currently published with Lovebird Music, BrookWright Music, and Murphy Music Press. Andrew is a graduate of Tullahoma High School in Tullahoma, TN, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Tennessee Technological University. During his time at TTU, he was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, University Orchestra, Bryan Symphony Orchestra, Horn Choir, Clarion Wind Quintet, Aureus Wind Quintet, and the Golden Eagle Marching Band. Lawson has also performed as a guest artist with the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra. and serves as a counselor and instructor at the Summer Music Institute at Tennessee Tech University. During his undergraduate studies, Lawson studied under the instruction of Mr. Joseph Hermann, Dr. Eric Harris, Dr. Greg Danner, and Dr. Jeff Miller. Lawson’s professional affiliations include active memberships in the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (MTSBOA), Tennessee Music Educators Association (TMEA), Tennessee Bandmasters Association (TBA), High School Band Director's National Association (HSBDNA), National Band Association (NBA), American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). When away from teaching, composing, and performing, Andrew spends his time hiking, bike riding, kayaking, volunteering at his church, spending time with friends and family, and playing disc golf. |