Summer is here!

Here is some information about the band program and Summer Band Camp at Grace Lutheran School.

 

When do we start band?

Here is the exciting news:

Starting with the 2009-2010 school year, band will begin in 4^th & 5^th grade at GLS!

-       That means next year, both 4^th and 5^th grade students will be starting on band instruments at the same time.

-       Summer Band Camp in August is a great way for students to get a head start on their instrument.

o      Beginning students and those changing instruments are strongly encouraged to take these lessons

-       Students will also have the opportunity to begin in the fall when school starts, but will have a bit of “catching up” to do with those to attended Summer Band Camp.

 

What are the requirements to play instruments?

-       Most students have the ability to play a variety of instruments.  Their instrument choice will be directed by their natural ability on a mouthpiece and the availability of the instruments in the band.

o      I will introduce the instruments to them over the next few weeks and have them do some playing to find their ability.

o      Instrument recommendations (1^st & 2^nd choice) will be sent home with students before the end of the year.

 

-       Students with two years of piano experience will be given first choice at percussion.

 

Where do I get an instrument / how much does it cost?

-       Both Eckroth and Schmidt music in town have quite reasonable “rent to own” programs that cost around $25 a month.  These instruments can even be exchanged for another if a student needs to change instruments in the first year.

-       Borrow an instrument from a family member – this is the least expensive!

-       GLS also has a small handful of instruments for loan – talk to Mr. Jay for availability.

 

Summer Band Camp  (a sign up letter for camp will be mailed out in late July)

Summer Band Camp will consist of:

-       2 weeks (8 days – Monday thru Thursday) of lessons the weeks of August 10^th & 17^th

-       Available for students entering grades 4^th -8^th

-       45 minute group lessons in the early afternoon (2:00 to 4:30pm)

o      grouped by instrument and grade level

-       Cost:  $30 per week per students or $50 for two weeks (about $6.00 a lesson per student)

 

-       Lessons will be available on all beginning band instruments:  Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, & Percussion

o      Beginning students and those changing instruments are strongly encouraged to take these lessons

 

As always, feel free to contact me with questions you may have about band and watch for band announcements that come home with your child. 

 

Yours in Christ,

Mr. Jay Schaefer <><

Music at Grace Lutheran School:

(What happens when in 2009-2010)

 

Pre-K & Pre-School

-       Weekly Classroom Music

-       Opening songs for Christmas & Spring Musicals

 

Kindergarten

-       Weekly Classroom Music

-       Opening Songs for Christmas Musical

-       Spring Musical

 

1^st & 2^nd Grade

-       Weekly Classroom Music

-       Christmas Musical

-       More involvement in Spring Musical

-       Note reading with Boomwackers

 

3^rd Grade

-       Weekly Classroom Music (w/ Chimes & Introduction to Guitar)

-       Christmas Musical

-       Lead parts in Spring Musical

-       Recorder Karate Unit

 

4^th Grade

-       Weekly Classroom Music (w/ Chimes & Guitar Unit)

-       Christmas Musical

-       Beginning Band (& Summer Band Camp)

-       Ambassador Choir

-       Praise Band (need to also be in Choir or Band to be in this group)

-       Winter & Spring Concert

 

5^th Grade

-       Weekly Classroom Music (w/ Guitars & Chord progression unit)

-       “Blues band” recording project

-       More involvement in Christmas Musical

-       Intermediate Band (Beginning Band in 2009-2010)

-       Ambassador Choir

-       Praise Band (need to also be in Choir or Band to be in this group)

-       Winter & Spring Concert (Boomwacker feature selection)

 

 

6^th, 7^th, 8^th Grade

-       Lead parts in Christmas Musical

-       Advanced Band

-       Ambassador Choir

-       Praise Band (need to also be in Choir or Band to be in this group)

-       Recording Projects with Garage Band & You Tube

-       Winter & Spring Concert

World Premier of Anti-Bully Public Service Announcement!

Grace's 7th and 8th grade computer class has been hard at work animating, editing, and recording their voices.  See what we have been up to for the past few weeks.  Here is the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrahyNXIOhU

*As with anything on the web, we can only be responsible for the content of the videos we post.  Please supervise your child's internet time use discresion with any other videos recommended by You Tube.