Getting Started!
The beginning band program consists of a lesson program and concert band experience for 5th-grade students in their first year of playing a band instrument. Now is the best time for students to start learning an instrument as there is no beginning band program at CMS or EPHS. Students will get to select their instrument, learn basic music fundamentals, and perform at three concerts during the year. Oak Point Beginning Band is under the direction of Cammi Bienkowski.
Instruction is offered on the following instruments:
Flute - Oboe (Clarinet start) - Clarinet - Alto Saxophone - Trumpet - French Horn (Trumpet start) - Trombone (Baritone start) - Baritone - Tuba (Baritone start) - Percussion
Each student will receive a 22-minute small group lesson and a 45-minute large group rehearsal once per week during the school day. Students will rotate through a lesson schedule so they will not miss the same weekly class.
Each student’s family incurs a cost to obtain an instrument. This is explained in more detail in the Instrumental Music Handbook. Most importantly, no student will be denied the opportunity to participate in the Eden Prairie instrumental music program due to financial constraints. Scholarships are available.
Fifth graders will be attending a short instrument demonstration concert during the first week of school where they will get to see and hear all of the different instruments. Students will come home with an Instrumental Music Handbook describing the registration process. ALL students must return the registration form (the last page of the Instrumental Music Handbook) or fill out the digital copy. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. They will then be scheduled for a 10-minute instrument interview to try out their instruments.