This Week's Newsletter

Hello everyone!

 My name is Stephen Moran. I am a musician and educator originally from Norwood, Massachusetts. I moved to Alabama while I was still in early elementary school, giving me plenty of time to learn to love and appreciate this amazing state. I ended up graduating from high school in Enterprise, Alabama. I was proudly a member of the Big Blue Marching band from all the way back to my first summer band camp. Music had such an impact on me that I decided to further study it at Troy University in Troy AL. I graduated in December 2021 with a Bachelors of Music Education. I moved to the Huntsville area in the summer of 2023 and have been happily living here with my wife Maddie ever since. 

As a saxophone player primarily, I have lots of experience in a variety of ensembles. A personal favorite genre of mine would have to be jazz! I have lots of experience both in the big band setting as well as with various smaller ensembles and combos over the years. I was lead tenor in Troy’s own Jazz Ensemble and principal saxophone with the Symphony Band. I also played sax and arranged tunes for a student jazz combo called Blue Root. Some of the other instruments I also play include the clarinet, flute, and Bass Guitar. Besides being an active musician, I also enjoy getting out to nature when I can. Kayaking, hiking, and traveling are some of the ways I personally prefer to R&R. 

I am a firm believer in the idea that I should strive to be the best I can in everything I do, and I hope that reflects on my students. I work hard as a musician and educator so that I can take what I have learned and pass it on to my students. I would like to leave every student of mine with not only a deeper understanding of music, but also how rewarding it can be to grow in a discipline, the same way I did with music. If I can offer every student a chance at that, then I think it’ll all have been worth it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach at HCMS. I am already a few days along and have been loving every minute! The students are wonderful and Mrs. Parker is phenomenal as their director; I really look forward to learning from and working alongside her. It’s easy to be optimistic about the band here at Hampton Cove. I really look forward to contributing what I can and introducing myself properly to everyone else who makes this community such a treasure. Go Bulls and Go Band!!

All the best,

Stephen Moran

Band Director and Music Teacher, 

Hampton Cove Middle School

Stephen.Moran@hsv-k12.org

Reminders for Daily Band Class Success:

• All Band Members: 

  • Ensure your name is on all band instruments, books and supplies. With so many coming in and out of the room each day, it really helps to be sure everyone keeps up with their things!

  • Add Flair to your instrument case to make it easier to find!

  • Don't forget your pencil and band folder.

  • Beginning Band: Be sure you have lined up an instrument AND the red Tradition of Excellence Book 1 for your instrument (Available at local Music Stores and on Amazon)

  • Symphonic Band (7th/8th Grade): bring your Blue Tradition of Excellence Book 2 daily (Available at local music stores and on Amazon)

• Clarinet / Sax Players: Have at least 3 good reeds (strength 2.5) with you

• Percussionists: Bring your drumsticks, yarn mallets, rubber mallets, bell (hard) mallets and stick bag

Contact Ms. Parker with questions!