The band experience is a significant and enriching element in the overall music curriculum at St. Matthew’s. The objective of the band curriculum is to bring students into contact with the highest quality music allowable at their skill level. Band is one of the three music options for upper grade (5-8) students. At St. Matthew’s, each student is required to select at least one music performance option in the upper grades (Band, Choir, or Chimes). Research tells us that participation in music help a child’s overall intellectual development (view this video!), and it corresponds to higher grades and better test scores. Music also teaches critical life skills that are important in today’s workforce: self-discipline, teamwork, problem solving skills, and self-expression.
St. Matthew’s students are placed in either Advanced Band or Beginner Band. Fifth grade students typically make up the Beginner Band, while students in grades 6-8 comprise the Advanced Band. Each student receives a weekly lesson as well as a large group rehearsal. Lesson times vary from 20 minutes for individuals to 30 minutes for groups of two or three of the same instrument family. Lessons are held during the school day. Large group rehearsals are approximately 45 minutes in length and are held once each week.
There are three regularly scheduled performances for band members: The Winter Band Concert, the Lakeside Lutheran High School Fine Arts Fair, and the Spring Band Concert.
The two concerts and the LLHS Fine Arts Fair are part of the curriculum and thus are part of the students’ semester grades. Attendance is mandatory. The Lakeside Lutheran High School Fine Arts Fair also provides an optional opportunity for students to perform in a solo and/or ensemble graded event. All students will be encouraged to prepare a solo or an ensemble for the Fair. Other performance events such as playing in church may be scheduled as opportunities present themselves.