Dear Parent/Guardian,

I am writing to you to invite your rising 4th/5th grade student to consider joining the Schuylerville Band Program. As a 4th/5th grade student your child will have the opportunity to study a musical instrument and to gain valuable skills and friendships that will last a lifetime. There is an instrument for everyone!

During the first year of band membership, students will learn the fundamentals of playing a musical instrument, as well as reading music notation and playing in a full ensemble. Students attend one group lesson per week during the school day; and, during the weeks leading up to a concert performance, students also attend a weekly before-school full ensemble rehearsal together. Through participation in band students can learn discipline, perseverance, and teamwork skills, all while making something beautiful and having fun!

This year, our recruitment process will look different than in previous years, but our goal is the same: to get to know prospective band students and pair them with the instrument with which they will be successful! Additionally, safety is our primary concern and we will be following all of the appropriate guidelines from the National Association for Music Education regarding student, parent/guardian, and teacher safety during the instrument fitting process and the school year. 

The following website has been put together to guide you through the instrument selection process.

Please take sufficient time to explore the whole site with your child so that they may be introduced to the various instruments offered in our instrumental music program. There are three “tests” on the home page that help to identify student strengths which may help to steer them toward their best-fit instrument. After completing these “tests,” there are two Google Forms which must be filled out by July 15 in order to move forward in the registration process. Click here for an overview of the recruitment calendar and process.

I can’t wait to meet our new youngest band musicians in the weeks ahead! In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy a wonderful start to the summer break, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Musically,
Kaitlyn Koch
Band Director
Schuylerville Elementary & Middle Schools
kochk@schuylerville.org