We have a dream, that all students can learn to play a band instrument. The school band is an opportunity for students to excel and enjoy being a part of beautiful art in time. Playing an instrument requires a person to utilize all parts of the brain at once, building pathways to success.
At our school, there has been no structured music for four years.
This fall began our new general music program for grades K-5, and we are building a band program for grades 6-8. We are excited to offer band as a middle school elective. Our school district has some band instruments, but they are old and need constant repairs, There are not enough district instruments to support all of the schools. Many of our families need the school to provide a low or no-cost instrument for band. Part of building a band tradition is to create an inventory of instruments. I have seen the gleam of pride when a student opens a new instrument. It is shiny and beautiful, and easy to play. The student is allowed to learn to play without interruptions for repairs. Students who learn on these new instruments will love how pretty the instruments are, and how beautifully they can play them.
My Project
Students in band classes rehearse during elective periods. During rehearsals, I teach them how to read music, play the instruments and to take good care of them. Students take the instruments home daily for evening practicing.
Opportunities for performing happen throughout the school year. As soon as students are able to play a solo, they will be able to participate in our district solo and ensemble festival. We also plan to attend our middle school band festival and march in a parade. I'm certain that this spring some of our students will be chosen for our district middle school honor band.
In coming years, opportunities for all-state honor band participation will be available for our band students.
Students who learn on well-working instruments will be better prepared for further opportunities in high school, regional honor ensembles, and higher education. Band participation also teaches social and team skills that will benefit them forever.
It is important that students to be able to learn on a well-working instrument.
Imagine learning how to make a sound on a flute, and a key falls off in your hand. After the shock of "breaking" the instrument, repair takes a week. Meanwhile, you must catch up.
Imagine that you are preparing for a performance and must take a week off for a repair. Many times, an instrument part just wears out, although the student takes excellent care of it. New instruments impact maximized learning.
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