Grade 6 & 7 Band Program at Coghlan, Fort Langley, North Otter, Peterson Road and Wix-Brown Elementary Schools

CLICK HERE FOR THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR ELEMENTARY BAND

Dear Grade 5 and 6 Parents,

I am very excited to let you know that next year’s grade 6 and 7 students in all of DW Poppy’s neighbouring elementary schools will have the opportunity to take either Band 6/7 or an arts elective to be determined by your school. Linked here is our ONLINE REGISTRATION for grade 5’s registering as beginning Band 6 students and for our current grade 6’s returning for Band 7.

Beyond experiencing the joy of making music, involvement in band builds connections with a group of friends that lasts a lifetime and establishes some rather profound environmental influences which will help determine many of your child’s successes in school well beyond music. We know that engaged band students represent the top of the academic scale in school, averaging higher scores on SAT tests, indicating stronger verbal and math skills. Membership in band also helps to nurture and develop self-discipline, social and communication skills, positive self-image, cooperation and creativity through their study of music. It is an investment in your child’s future as these life-skills will be an important foundation for the various responsibilities they take on later in life.

Under normal circumstances, I would be out with the DW Poppy senior ensembles playing for your kids, talking about what elementary band looks like, and helping them pick instruments. While things may not look quite the same as usual in September, I am working with music educators from across North America on how to adapt instrumental music for our full return to school.

Answers to a few commonly asked questions:

• Traditionally, rehearsals take place twice a week during the regular school day.
• There is no cost to join band. Students will need to purchase their music book ($10) and a music stand ($15) and rent an instrument through one of our local music merchants ($19 to $45 per month depending upon the instrument they choose), but we do have a limited ability to provide materials free of charge if finances are a concern.
• When we begin as a group, we start students on Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophones, Trumpet, Trombone or Euphonium. Students have a chance to switch to additional instruments once they have developed some basic technique and literacy we can apply to others. (If your child participated in band last year, I would encourage them to continue with their previous instrument, but if they would like to switch, please let me know so we can make the move that best supports them.)
• We encourage kids to be involved in sports and music. I also coach baseball and some of my strongest musicians are exceptional athletes in both school and league sports.

I’m excited to work with the kids again (one way or another) this fall so I encourage you to register your child for Band 6/7 using the linked form here. Please feel free to email me at mfollett@sd35.bc.ca with any questions or concerns or we can also organize a time to speak on the phone or video conference.