STE. GENEVIEVE – Ste. Genevieve Middle School second- and third-year band students performed recently for the R-II school districts fifth grade students with the aim of encouraging their particpation in the band when they move up to the middle school.
The band students performed a few pieces for the students, including Go Big Green, where the fifth grade students could participate through the accompanying cheer.
SGMS Band teacher Lindsey Elders explained how the middle school band operates. She said
- Band is a year-long elective available to every 6th, 7th and eighth grader.
- Over half of our band students play school-owned instruments, which can be as affordable as $25 for the entire year. If that doesn’t work, many students participate in band for free.
- There are only two required concerts outside of the school day—a winter concert, and a spring concert—similar to music performances in elementary school.
- There are other optional field trips. Those costs are as low as $13 per student and are not required.
- The middle school band program does not conflict with any other after-school activity.
- Can’t commit to a year-long elective? Try Fundamentals of Music—it’s only a semester long.
