Calling All 5th Graders Interested in 6th Grade Band
by Nicole Rummel
April 10, 2008
With just a few weeks left in the school year, 5th grade music teacher Jane Richter is working hard to get the word out regarding 6th grade band for the 2008-2009 school year. Students in fifth grade will get the opportunity to learn about various instruments and test out a few during scheduled music times with help of Mrs. Richter and The Music Shoppe in Normal (April 21st at West, April 22nd at South, and April 23rd at North). Following this music survey day, the Olympia 6th Grade Middle School Band will visit each of the elementary schools to perform a concert. This will be a great opportunity for the 5th graders to observe the band in action before Band Night. Band Night is a time where 5th grade students can work one-on-one with a music instructor as they make the important decision to sign-up for band and select their instrument. Parents are asked to call their school office to set up an appointment for their school's Band Night.
Band Nights:
West April 28th 4-7 pm
North May 6th 4-7 pm
South May 5th 4-7 pm
Everyone is born with musical ability. It can either be nurtured or squandered. The Music Achievement Council and The National Association for Music Education have outlined the following advantages of music education:
- Music provides an avenue for creativity and self-expression.
- Participating in music adds richness to the quality of life.
- Students who learn to play an instrument learn discipline and how to cooperate with others.
- Students participating in music tend to earn higher grades in all subjects and score higher on SAT tests than those not involved in music.
- Students who play an instrument throughout high school are more apt to graduate and attend college.
