Director of Bands - J. Michael Capps

J. Michael Capps is the Director of Bands at A.L. Stanback Middle School in Hillsborough, NC. A native of Princeton, NC, Mr. Capps attended Elon University and was a student of Dr. Thomas Erdmann, Don Eagle, and Jon Metzger. Mr. Capps earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and Music Performance in 1999.

In 2000, Mr. Capps accepted the position as Director of Bands at A.L. Stanback Middle School. During Mr. Capps' tenure at Stanback Middle School, the success of his work has brought more superiors than years of service. With the success of Jazz and Concert ensembles under his tutelage Mr. Capps has received only superior and excellent ratings at music festivals and competitions. Under Mr. Capps’ guidance, a continuous flow of A.L. Stanback band students qualify for All-District and All-State honor bands. In 2000, Mr. Capps was awarded First-Year Teacher of the Year by his peers at A.L. Stanback. In 2006, the A.L. Stanback Jazz Ensemble was privileged to perform at the North Carolina Music Educators’ Conference in Winston-Salem, NC.

When not at Stanback, Mr. Capps is active as an adjudicator, guest conductor, performer, and private brass instructor. Mr. Capps has performed cornet with the Triangle Brass Band, lead soprano and soloist for the Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, Alamance Jazz Band, Greensboro Philharmonia, Cathedral Brass, Principal Trumpet in the Elon University Community Orchestra, and currently co-principal trumpet of the Church Street Brass. Additionally, he is the brass technician for Jordan High School Marching Band. Currently Mr. Capps acts as the North Carolina Music Educators Association Jazz Chair Elect. His professional affiliations include Music Educators National Conference.

Mr. Capps resides in Mebane, NC with his wife Erin and daughter Rylee. The Capps family also has two dogs Max and Cece.

Awards

• 2005 Nomination for Who’s Who of Americas Teachers
• 2004 Nomination for Who’s Who of Americas Teachers
• 2004 Nominee for Teacher of the Year for A.L. Stanback Middle School
• 2004 Nominee for Director of the Year of Central District Band Association
• 2003 Awarded the Village Pride Award
• 2001 Awarded First Year Teacher of the year

Jazz II / Jazz III Conductor - Joseph Sisco

Joseph Sisco is an eighth grade teacher at teacher at A.L. Stanback Middle school in Hillsborough, NC.  Mr. Sisco began teaching in 1990 at the Whitaker School in Butner, NC.  Since then he has taught at various schools and institutions in the state of North Carolina.  Mr. Sisco attended college at the University of Hawaii, University of Arkansas, and East Carolina University.  He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1989.  In 1995, Mr. Sisco received his Masters of Education Degree from NC State University.  In 2002, he received his National Board Certification in Teaching.

Although Mr. Sisco studied music during his undergraduate studies, his primary teaching focus has not been music.  In 2005, Mr. Sisco began working with Mr. Capps and the A.L. Stanback Jazz program.  Since then he has directed the ALS Jazz II ensemble and assisted Mr. Capps with the 6^th grade Jazz Ensemble. 

When not at Stanback, Mr. Sisco is involved with coaching youth sports. He is also board member for the Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association (HYAA).  His wife, Teresa Sisco, is also a Teacher in the Orange County School system.  They have two children, Kianna and Christopher, who are also actively involved in music.   Mr. Sisco and his family currently reside in Timberlake, NC.

6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands

TBD

 

Jazz I, Jazz II and Jazz III Ensembles

The A. L. Stanback Jazz ensembles are directed by Joseph Sisco and Michael Capps. In our existence of jazz at Stanback we have grown to three full big bands. In 2007 we were honored to close the Elon Jazz Festival where Barry Harris was to perform. Last year we performed for the North Carolina Music Educators Conference. During the last couple of years we have had the opportunity to perform with Jon Metzger from Elon University, Todd Wright from Appalachian State University, Vaughn Nark from D.C., the former lead trumpeter from the Airmen of Note, and Mark Zauss from Future Corps. We are also scheduled to perform a State Jazz Festival, Cajun Jazz Festival, City of the Arts Jazz Festival, and Hillsborough’s Last Friday before we end our year.