BAND
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Students in grades four through eight have the opportunity to participate in band. At St. John the Evangelist, band is a combined program that includes students from St. Michael School (Schererville). Music education at the grade school level has several goals:
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To acquaint students with the language of music, including values of notes, key signatures, scales, and the general terminology of music.
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To learn the physical skills needed to play an instrument.
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To gain confidence by playing the instrument in front of various audiences, as a group or in solo.
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To gain exposure to all types of music; marches, classical, pop, rock, etc.
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To be part of a team effort; learning to behave responsibly with peers of varying age levels and to be a socially acceptable part of the group.
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To learn to love music through its performance.
These goals are accomplished by:
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Lessons - Half-hour lessons take place on Wednesdays during the school day. Students meet in sections on a rotating schedule, ensuring they do not miss the same subject each week. A schedule is posted in each classroom; it is the students' responsibility to check the schedule and be at their lesson at the appointed time.
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Rehearsals - Junior Band (fourth grade students) meets on Mondays from 3:30-4:30 pm at St. Michael School. Senior Band (5th-8th grade students) meets on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist School.
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Competition - Students are expected to participate in solo competition each February. They are assigned a piece of music to master and perform. Medals are awarded for "Perfect," first, second and third place scores.
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Concerts - Junior and Senior Band both perform two concerts each year. A winter concert is presented at St. John the Evangelist in December, and a spring concert at St. Michael School in May. Students are awarded their solo competition medals at the spring concert.
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David Little, the program's CYO band director, is supported by several parent volunteers. An annual band fee of $40.00 per family is collected at the beginning of the year. Tuition is $40.00 per month, per student thereafter. Summer lessons are also available; student participation is encouraged.