Ensembles at Smokey Road
Smokey Road Bands are comprised of the 6th Grade Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band. Each of these bands meet daily as part of the connections courses offered throughout the school day. Due to the large number of 6th grade students that register to be in band, the 6th Grade Band is split into two class periods. Students who register for band in the 6th grade should be able to commit to one full school year of band studies. It is in the 6th grade where fundamental skills are learned and therefore it is essential to complete the full year in order to transition with ease into the Concert Band or Symphonic Band.
Each of the 2 band classes has a mix of 7th and 8th graders, and they are ability-based. At the completion of 6th grade, students are placed in either the Concert Band or Symphonic Band based on skills mastered during the 6th grade band experience. Class placement is nothing to worry about! Regardless of ability or experience, everyone who commits to continue in band is placed in an ensemble that will continue to build on learned skills. NOBODY WILL BE CUT!
If there are any questions regarding Smokey Road Bands, please visit our CONTACT page
Each of the 2 band classes has a mix of 7th and 8th graders, and they are ability-based. At the completion of 6th grade, students are placed in either the Concert Band or Symphonic Band based on skills mastered during the 6th grade band experience. Class placement is nothing to worry about! Regardless of ability or experience, everyone who commits to continue in band is placed in an ensemble that will continue to build on learned skills. NOBODY WILL BE CUT!
If there are any questions regarding Smokey Road Bands, please visit our CONTACT page
The Director
Oscar Prado is the Director of Bands at Smokey Road Middle School. In this role, he oversees all aspects of the band program, including the direction of the 6th Grade Beginning Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble.
Mr. Prado earned his B.M. in Music Education from Georgia State University and his Masters in Music Education from the University of Georgia. While at GSU, he studied trumpet with Dr. Amanda Pepping and Mike Tiscone, and performed with a variety of ensembles, which included the University Jazz Band, University Orchestra, and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Before finishing his music studies at GSU, Oscar resided in Miami, FL and studied music while attending Florida International University and marching for FIU's Golden Panther Band.
Mr. Prado is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Educators. As a performer, he is a trumpet player for the Carrollton Jazz Orchestra. Mr. Prado currently resides in Newnan, GA and is happy to call Smokey Road a home away from home.
Mr. Prado earned his B.M. in Music Education from Georgia State University and his Masters in Music Education from the University of Georgia. While at GSU, he studied trumpet with Dr. Amanda Pepping and Mike Tiscone, and performed with a variety of ensembles, which included the University Jazz Band, University Orchestra, and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Before finishing his music studies at GSU, Oscar resided in Miami, FL and studied music while attending Florida International University and marching for FIU's Golden Panther Band.
Mr. Prado is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Educators. As a performer, he is a trumpet player for the Carrollton Jazz Orchestra. Mr. Prado currently resides in Newnan, GA and is happy to call Smokey Road a home away from home.