Dear Prospective Band Family,

Thank you for taking a brief moment to review some important information that could have a lasting impact on the future of your child.  It is that time of year when we are getting ready to start new beginners in our band program.  This is an important decision ahead for you and your child.   Each year The Lake Geneva Schools offers the chance for every 5th grader to participate in beginning band.  We are very excited about our instrumental music program and eagerly look forward to this new crop of budding young artists who will join this year’s class of talented musicians.  

Contrary to what many parents think, it is quite easy and very cost-effective based on flexible instrument rental programs, class lessons, band rehearsals, and an atmosphere of cooperation designed to have every child enjoy this meaningful experience.  Those who do not own a suitable instrument usually choose the rental purchase plan available from a local music store.  The cost of a four-month rental would be about $45.00 to $110.00 depending upon the instrument that your child selects.  There are a limited supply of school owned instruments available, please do not let cost deter you from joining the band.  

Please review the important information below and then fill out the Google Form to enroll them in Band.

I will be scheduling an Instrument Display and Rental Night (by appointment only) on Monday, October 12th and Wednesday, October 14th where the students may try the instruments (mouthpieces only) and complete the rental process.  Breber Music will be available that evening to complete rental contracts.  To help you decide on an instrument I have included videos demonstrating the instruments.  

Additional Information:

•5th Grade Band students may participate in multiple musics.  They may be in both band and orchestra!

•5th Grade Band is going to begin on Monday, Oct 19th.  

The first FOUR weeks will have a special schedule.  The first two weeks will be without instruments.  We will work on procedures and music theory.  Weeks 3 and 4 we will add instruments.  The groups will be broken down into smaller sections to allow the beginner students more individualized attention.  

Schedule for Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9  (week 1&2 - no instruments, week 3&4 small groups)
Monday:  Trumpet and Horn
Tuesday:  Trombone and Baritone
Wednesday: Clarinet and Saxophone
Thursday:  Percussion, Flute, and Oboe
Friday:  Oct 23 and 30:  No one  Nov. 6 and 13:  Everyone


•After our 4 week intro session we will follow this schedule for the remainder of the year.
Schedule for Nov. 16 - school year:
Monday:  Brass (trumpet, trombone, baritone, horn)
Tuesday:  Full Band (everyone except percussion, students in both band and orchestra will go to orchestra)
Wednesday:  Woodwinds & Percussion (flute, oboe, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax)
Thursday:  Everyone (including percussion)
Friday:  Percussion

•5th Grade Band meets at LGMS from 7:25-8:15 am. Students can either get a ride or take the LGMS bus route to band. Then a shuttle bus will come to LGMS and pick them up, taking them to their school.