Hickory Middle School is one of ten middle schools located in Chesapeake, Virginia. It has an enrollment of approximately 1200 students in grades six through eight. Once students complete eighth grade, they continue their education at either Hickory High School or Grassfield High School.
The Hickory Middle School bands are currently under the direction of Mr. K.J. Stafford and Mr. Barron Maskew. The band program has been extremely successful since the opening of Hickory Middle School in 1997. The 8th grade Symphonic Band has received the rating of “Superior” at the V.B.O.D.A. District IV concert band assessment each year since the opening of the school. In 2009, the 8th grade band was invited to perform at the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, in Hot Springs, Virginia. There are currently 325 students enrolled in the middle school band program.
At Hickory Middle School, band is an elective course, which meets for 45 minutes each day. The bands are divided by grade levels and offer: 6th grade Beginning band, 7th grade Intermediate Band, and the 8th grade Symphonic Band. Students also have the opportunity to participate several extra curricular ensembles including jazz band and woodwind choir, which rehearse before school two times each week.
