Welcome to BV's Band and Orchestra!

Students will learn the foundations of instrument care, how to hold and play their instrument, develop their listening and musical literacy skills, while working independently and in collaborative groups.They will practice self reflection, set personal goals, and eventually be able to play music in multiple, interdependent parts!

During this process students may find that their chosen instrument at the beginning of the school year is not the instrument that is best suited for their beginning learning. With my guidance, students that experience this challenge may switch instruments during the school year to an instrument that is more accessible to their learning style. I will check out a new instrument for them, provide them a new instructional book, and get them in the correct class. 

Taking Home Instruments: After the enrollment form is complete, students who have chosen to check out a school instrument will receive an Instrument Condition Form to take home for parents to sign and return. Once the Instrumental Condition Form has been received and students have the skills to care and use their instrument, your child may take their instrument home for practice. Students may take their instrument home after their last practice of the week, and must bring their instrument to school every Monday for rehearsal.

Overcoming Learning Challenges: If you find your child is struggling to understand the content at home, show frustrations and/or avoidance, please reach out to me as soon as possible so that I may help support them through their challenges. Breaking instruction into parts and learning good practice strategies can help students overcome their challenges, I'm here to help. 

Performances: Students will have two performances during the year, a Winter Performance and a Spring Performance where we will share our work and progress with our friends and families. This is also a time for our students to practice performing Solos and Ensembles. Our awards ceremony will be held during our Springs Performance for those students who participated in Solo and Ensemble where they will receive their medals. Please email me in advance if there are any conflicts. 

Performance Attire: Dress your best. Nice top and bottoms. You may dress as "fancy" as you like or simple white top/black bottoms, or concert black. Traditional performance dress and uniforms will be required in Middle School and High School. Performance attire is not required during the school day performance, but is required during the evening performance. If you need support or have any questions, please let me know. 

Additional Performance Opportunities: (Not Required)

• Middle School Feeder Concerts: Students will have the opportunity during the school year to participate in our yearly feeder concerts with West Middle School and Holmes Middle School. Students will learn the music during class and then perform with other elementary students on the West Side with the Middle School Ensembles. This opportunity gives students the feel of a full band and orchestra and what they have to look forward to in middle school. These feeder concerts typically take place during the month of April.

• D11 Elementary Solo and Ensemble Contest: Students may choose to perform a solo or perform with a small group of students (ensemble) for a judge. This is an opportunity for students to play in front of another qualified instrumental instructor. Judges rate students on their strengths and give them strategies for growth. Students who receive a rating of a I or a II will receive a medal during their Spring Concert. 

Please refer to this page below to find additional information regarding:

• Band and Orchestra Schedule

• Rotating Monday and Friday Schedule throughout the school year

• Materials list students will need to have everyday for their learning

• Required fall and spring performances

• Performance attire

• Additional performance opportunities 

If you have any questions, please contact me at lashele.warren@d11.org. 

Welcome to the Band and Orchestra musical journey! Happy Music Making!

Ms. LaShele

Click here to access the Welcome Letter for BV's Band and Orchestra 2025-2026

Band and Orchestra meets M-F, 11:15am-12:05pm. "All class rehearsals" (Mondays and Fridays) will switch every quarter to prepare students for their performances: Winter Performance and Spring Performance (TBD) 

Please bring all lunch materials, jackets, water bottles, etc. to band and orchestra. Students will leave from class and go straight to lunch.

2hr Delays and Snow Days: On 2hr delay days, the school day is shortened. Students will continue to have Band, Orchestra, RAK, and STREAM, on these days for 30 minutes, 11:35-12:05pm. When school is cancelled, there will be no make-up day for students, the schedule will continue as above for the following day. 

Instrument Exploration Week: Monday, August 18th-21st, 2025

Band and Orchestra Classes begin: Monday, August 25th, 2025

Students will need to bring the following materials every day to class to participate in Band and Orchestra.

Required Performances: Winter Concert and Spring Concert (TBD), performed during school and in the evening. Please email me in advance if there are any conflicts. 

Performance Attire: Dress your best. Nice top and bottoms. You may dress as "fancy" as you like or simple white top/black bottoms, or concert black. Traditional performance dress and uniforms will be required in Middle School and High School. 

Additional Performance Opportunities: (Not Required) 

• Solo and Ensemble (April)

• 2 Feeder Concerts with West and Holmes Middle School (April)

Concert Dress: Refer Performance Attire above. Concert dress may change depending on the event. Additional information will be provided. 

Additional Resources: If your child is a returning orchestra student or entering middle school and is interested in more challenging ensemble opportunities, please check out the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony at https://www.csysa.com/

If you are knowledgeable with other opportunities in Colorado Springs for our instrumental students, please contact me so I may add more resources and opportunities for our families.

Please complete and submit the Instrumental Enrollment Form 2025-2026 to participate in Buena Vista’s Band and Orchestra and check out a school instrument!

After the Instrument Condition Form is received and students have the skills to care and use their instrument, your child may take their instrument home for practice. Students may take their instrument home after their last practice of the week, and must bring their instrument to school every Monday for rehearsal. 

If you have any questions or would like support, please contact me at lashele.warren@d11.org