All students in 4th and 5th grade are given the opportunity to participate. Students wishing to play percussion instruments must begin a band instrument first. Then, in January of the 4th grade, a limited number of students will be selected by audition. The curriculum focuses on playing from a band method book, supplementary exercises and technique builders as well as learning to read band music. Children are motivated, challenged and enthusiastic with the selections chosen.
Students develop critical listening and begin to think creatively through musical expression.
There is a sense of pride, satisfaction, teamwork, cooperation and self-discipline in band rehearsals. The beginner band and advanced band meet for approximately 40 minutes per week, scheduled during the school day. They were the only elementary band to participate in this event. All students scored above excellent.