Band Buddy Program

Dear Beginning Band Families,

If you have an enthusiastic fifth grade band student who has been looking for more of a challenge, and/or who would just likes band and would like to do more outside of school, I would love to bring your attention to our Band Buddy mentor program. Our band buddy program is an optional and free after-school program designed to bring together our more experienced musicians and our newest members of the band community. It is important to note that this is NOT a tutoring program. It has instead been designed as a program to further enrich students who have already shown significant interest in band and who want to do more. We ask that you talk to your child about whether or not they would like to do this activity before registering them. By signing up for “Band Buddies”, students in fifth grade band will be paired with dedicated Hingham High School student musicians, giving them the opportunity to:

· Develop their musical skills in a fun and friendly atmosphere

· Attend high school band concerts as a “VIP” with backstage access

· Receive mentorship and practice help from a HHS student

· Work ahead of the pace of regular band class

We feel strongly that it is important for our youngest musicians to see that a world of musical possibility exists just around the corner from “Hot Cross Buns.” Connecting with and establishing a strong relationship with an older musician will help our younger students unlock their potential and accelerate their own musical growth.

Fifth grade students who choose to enroll will be paired with a high school student volunteer and introduced to their high school buddy at our annual Kick-Off Night in November. Here, students will meet their buddies, share ideas, and work together to complete fun musical challenges. Ms. Bellis will facilitate this evening so that kids can get comfortable working with each other for the first time. In December, students will be invited to attend our HHS band concert and go backstage to see high school warm-ups as “VIP” guests. Between December and the end of the year, Ms. Bellis will also host “band buddies practice nights” once a month where practices are held at the school so that kids can get an opportunity to spend time together socially, as well as practice with their high school mentor.

We have a limited number of high school volunteers, and thus, I cannot guarantee a spot for every child who is interested. We will accept students on a first come first serve basis until all of the spots are filled. You should your child be interested in joining the program, Ms. Bellis will be sending home registration information via email as we approach November. Feel free to contact me with any questions, and I am looking forward to working with any students who are excited to learn even more about playing their instruments than what I am able to offer during the school day!

Best,

Joann Bellis