How Band Works
The band program in Northvale offers an opportunity for students to learn to play an instrument, read music, and experience being part of a band. The students will learn how to organize and prioritize their time as they become musicians on their instruments. Research, as well as common sense, shows that exposure to a high quality, well organized instrumental music program can enhance the development of a child's mind, body, and soul.
Band members attend two different types of classes: group lessons on each instrument during regular school hours, and full band rehearsals, which take place either before or after school. There are usually 4 - 10 students in each group lesson class. These classes meet once a week on a rotating cycle. For group
lessons, students are taken out of a different class each week, over a six week rotation. Therefore, they miss each class once every six weeks. They are expected to make up the class work that they miss. To succeed on their instruments, students are expected to practice at least 15-30 minutes a day, five days a week.
While Beginner Band group lessons on each instrument start in September, full Beginner Band practices won't start until February 25. These practices will take place after school on Thursday afternoons from 3:10 P.M. until 3:50 P.M. The Beginner Band's first performance as a group will be at the Spring Concert. We will rehearse each Thursday, for about eight weeks leading up to the concert.
From the second year on, band students continue with class lessons during the school day, and rehearse as a full band twice a week before or after school. The older bands perform at the Holiday Concert in December, and the Spring Concert in May. These bands also march in the Memorial Day Parade, and perform for school assemblies. If you have any other questions, please contact me at school.
Mr. Herndon