Being a Band Student
Updated April 13, 2026
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Who can join band?
Who can join band?
Anyone who is currently in 4th grade in the (2025-2026) can join band during the Spring of 2026. Time to order your band supplies, and secure an instrument that is in good working condition for next school year.
Band can be a life-long activity and one that usually works well with family schedules. Band lessons are part of the school day and rehearsals are before school once a week. The time commitments for band are listed below.
New Morning Band Schedule for 2026-27 School Year
New Morning Band Schedule for 2026-27 School Year
Tuesday - Elsie Johnson and Roy DeShane students at Cloverdale Elementary
Wednesday - Cloverdale students at Cloverdale Elementary
Thursday - Carol Stream and Western Trails students at Heritage Lakes Elementary
Friday - Heritage Lakes students at Heritage Lakes Elementary
Practice expectations
Practice expectations
Parents are asked to facilitate and remind students to practice 3 to 4 days per week. The ideal practice routine for everyone is 20 minutes per practice day. We recommend short, but regular practice sessions.
Performances
Performances
We will hold 2 evening concerts in the 2026-27 school year.
Does band conflict with school clubs, orchestra, or after school activities?
Does band conflict with school clubs, orchestra, or after school activities?
No! Band is during and before the school day. We have little to no conflict with any other activities. No conflicts with orchestra.
Lessons during school
Lessons during school
Pull-out lessons are where students learn techniques that are specific to their instrument. Students will have one 30 minute lesson a week on their designated lesson day. These will take place during the school day, and they will be pulled out of class in small groups of similar instruments. The lesson schedule will rotate so that students are not missing the same part of class every week.
Morning band
Morning band
Starts in November. This is our chance to have everyone together. Morning band is held before school starting at 7:45 AM once a week. Parents/guardians will need to drop students off at 7:45 AM.
We highly recommend a Quinlan and Fabish music store rental instrument. Instruments are delivered to our school. Repairs and maintenance are free of charge. Please come and meet them and ask your questions at our rental night.
What: Instrument Rental Night
What: Instrument Rental Night
Where: Stratford Middle School, 251 Butterfield Dr, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Where: Stratford Middle School, 251 Butterfield Dr, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
When: Monday, May 18th between 4:30 to 7:00pm.
When: Monday, May 18th between 4:30 to 7:00pm.
Plan on a 30 minute commitment, attend anytime between 4:30 to 7:00 pm
Plan on a 30 minute commitment, attend anytime between 4:30 to 7:00 pm
Can’t attend rental night? If you cannot attend rental night, please email Mrs.Savino so she can put your child on the band roster for 5th grade. Then visit the Quinlan & Fabish music store website and place your order or place your order over the phone. Se habla español.
What if I cannot afford to rent an instrument? We have limited number of school-owned instruments available. Students who receive free meals through the National School Lunch Program will be eligible for a school-owned instrument. This is a lower cost option. Instruments are first-come first-served. Contact Mrs. Savino savinoc@ccsd93.com or at 630-588-5251 to request an school-owned instrument.
Required band supplies
Required band supplies
Music Stand. Stands are used for home practice and at school. Chrome stands work best. Please avoid ones with too many knobs, as this becomes a physical challenge to set up and breaks more easily.
All supplies can be purchased at Elementary Instrument Rental Night on May 19th.
Note about participating in multiple activities (of course you can!)
Note about participating in multiple activities (of course you can!)
One of the most common questions we get is: What if I’m in choir, orchestra, safety patrol, dance, football, or cheer too? Can I do band?? The answer is 100% yes! No problem!
Band will not interfere with sports one bit. Mrs. Savino, Mrs. Dandeles, and Mrs. Steinke all played sports or did theater growing up and never had any conflicts with band. We encourage students to be involved in other activities outside of band.
What if my child is already in Orchestra? Band is a unique and different group! We become a marching band in high school and provide unique musical experiences. Bands and Orchestras do not ever rehearse together or at the same time. This means you can be in both!
If you currently play this in orchestra...consider adding this in band...
Violin --> Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, or Percussion
Viola --> Anything (nothing matches you!)
Cello or Bass --> Trombone or Euphonium/Baritone
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