Fifth grade band is starting this fall at Center School District, giving students the opportunity to explore instruments and build their skills, beginning in elementary school.
The class will be open to every 5th grader that signs up. Students can rent instruments from Best American Craftsman instruments, and the district will also have instruments available for students to use. Fifth grade classes will be taught by Kim Jackson at Red Bridge Elementary, Jonathan Pierson at Boone Elementary, Megan Berry at Center Elementary, and Zachary Hoar at Indian Creek Elementary.
Elementary music teachers will meet with all their 5th graders this fall to determine who wants to be in band. Parents will receive more information from their music teachers in August.
"Ultimately, playing an instrument is fun. What’s great about starting with 5th grade is that almost every student in America starts playing in 5th grade. Every kid is starting at the same point,” said Center High School Band Director David Fritz.
Fifth grade band is an expansion of the band classes and activities that are already offered at the secondary level. At Center Middle School, students can take Beginning Brass, Beginning Percussion or Beginning Woodwinds, Intermediate Band (with one year of band experience) or Advanced Band (by audition), taught by Sam Weaver and assisted by Mr. Fritz. Center High School offers Concert Band, Marching Band (first quarter only), and Jazz Band, taught by Mr. Fritz and assisted by Kimberly Jackson and Sam Weaver. This fall, Mr. Alex Karst will be joining the CHS Band Staff as Drumline Coach.
“I want students to realize how much fun it is to play music,” said Mr. Fritz. “It’s something they can do for the rest of their life.”
The Center School District band program receives support from the parent-led volunteer group, the Band Aides. Please reach out to Treasurer Joe Childers or Vice President Joe Jackson if you are willing to support the Band Aides as a parent assistant.
