Band is an elective class beginning at grade 4. Most students start band in 4th grade, while some wait until 5th or even later to begin lessons on an instrument. No prior music instrument study is needed to learn how to play an instrument. A band fee is billed to each participant yearly.
RCLS offers:
1. Beginning Band (4th grade)
2. Varsity Band (5th-6th grade)
3. Concert Band (7th-8th grade)
Rehearsals:
Both the Beginning Band and the Varsity Band have rehearsals twice/week during the school day. Students who participate in Concert Band have rehearsal five times every two weeks. Students are expected to bring their instrument, music and pencil on band/lesson days. Band is an activity where most of the responsibility lies on the musician. This is a skill that we practice daily. Band members are expected to practice outside of school a certain number of minutes/week in order to maintain and grow on their instrument.
Instrumental Lesson Procedure:
Lessons are taught in small groups (5 is considered the maximum) for 20 minutes once per week during the school day. The teacher lets the family know what book (s) to buy for use in the lessons.
Performances:
Attendances at all performances are required and a schedule is distributed at the first rehearsal of the school year. In addition to performances described above, Varsity and Concert Band members will also play for the 8th- grade graduation ceremony, and Pep Band will play during RCLS basketball invitational tournament and various community events. The Concert Band (7th -8th grade) has its own Solo and Ensemble Festival--usually in the spring--for which every band member chooses to perform a solo or a small ensemble for a judge.