The Roanoke Rapids Band Program which includes Chaloner Middle and the high schools  is aggressively recruiting members for next school year after a year off due to COVID-19.

“This is a big year for us. As Roanoke Rapids High School prepares for its 100th celebration this fall, we want our band to be the best it can be,” said Laura Manning, director of bands. “Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were not able to march or participate in the various competitions we normally do so we essentially lost a year of momentum. We’re really hoping we can get students excited about joining the band and all it has to offer.” 

In addition to learning to read music, members also learn fine motor skills, discipline, rigor, and persistence.  

Manning said, “Band is also a safe place where all students can develop discipline, teamwork, and the love for making music together.”  

Students currently enrolled in grades 5th-11th who are interested in joining are not required to have prior music experience or an instrument.  

The district has partnered with a national company called Music and Arts to allow families to rent-to-own an instrument for a low monthly fee.  

Students can choose from the following instruments: Flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion.  

An informational meeting is being planned via Zoom Thursday at 6 p.m. The meeting can be accessed by this link  

Students may have difficulty joining the meeting via their chromebooks, so using a phone or your personal device may be helpful.  

More information regarding the virtual meeting can be obtained by calling Manning at 252-519-7249 or emailing her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.