Elementary Instrumental Music
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In the fall of each school year all 5th grade students and 6th grade students that have not played an instrument are presented an assembly at their elementary school that explains about the band program, what instruments students can start on, and gives students an opportunity to try the different beginning band instruments.
Students will also learn at this assembly that if they choose to start on an instrument, that they will receive a half hour lesson once a week at their school sometime during the school day (there is no cost for the lesson). Students that participate will be in a class with like instruments.
After the recruitment assembly, there is a parent meeting that is held at the junior high school in which your child will be attending their 7th grade year. This meeting gives the parents an opportunity to meet the Lancaster City Schools instrumental music staff, an opportunity to learn about band, and to learn how to acquire an instrument.
Shortly after the parent meeting, instrumental music classes will begin in the elementary schools and continue until the end of the school year. There is a ten week trial period that ends around December. At this time a progress report will be sent home recommending that your child continue, continue and seek some additional help, or discontinue.
At the start of the second semester, beginning band students will be offered the opportunity to participate in a beginning band experience. Beginning students can participate in a beginning band at either Thomas Ewing Junior High School or General Sherman Junior High School (where your student will attend junior high school determines which band he will need to go to). This band meets from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (before the start of the elementary school day) and focuses specifically on skills required to be able to perform together as one large group. This band performs once at the end of the school year. Membership in this band is not required but is highly recommended. Membership is also not required to be able to continue classes in the elementary school.
At the end of the beginning year, students can elect to participate in the Lancaster Festival Community Youth Band. This is a great experience for students and keeps them playing a little over the summer. Information regarding this opportunity is distributed to students toward the end of the school year.
Students in their second year of study will have lessons at their elementary school once a week for 1/2 hour. They also have the opportunity to participate in 6th grade band at either Thomas Ewing Junior High School of General Sherman Junior High School (the school your student will attend in the 7th grade determines what band they will be in). These bands start shortly after the beginning of the school year and perform at least two times a year. They meet from 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. (before the start of the elementary school day). The Ewing Band meets on Monday's and Wednesday's and the Sherman Band on Tuesday's and Thursday's.
All students participating in the elementary band program will be expected to attend all classes and have the proper equipment for each class including book, instrument, and pencil. In addition, students must practice on a regular basis. Parents can help by setting an assigned time each day for your child to practice. Also encourage them to perform concerts at home for you and relatives.
The books for woodwinds and brass are: 21st Century Band Method for: (your instrument). Everyone starts with level 1 and then progresses to level two when level one has been completed. These books can be purchased at Sweetman Music in Lancaster, or at Stanton's Sheet Music in Columbus.
If you have questions about the information on this page or the elementary band program, you can contact one of the directors below.
Mr. David Bode, brass instructor - d_bode@lancaster.k12.oh.us 681-7523
Mr. Bruce Gerken, percussion instructor - b_gerken@lancaster.k12.oh.us 681-7523
Mr. James Merton, woodwind instructor - j_merton@lancaster.k12.oh.us
Mrs. Sue Ellen Simmons, woodwind and brass instructor - s_simmons@lancaster.k12.oh.us
Mr. Andy Seymour, brass instructor - a_seymour@lancaster.k12.oh.us
Mrs. Gert Young, woodwind and brass instructor - g_young@lancaster.k12.oh.us
Updated March 12th, 2008