Class Information
Class Time - 8:20-9:00am
Google Classroom Code - 76uekl3o
Welcome to our Beginning Band Recruitment Page! Below you will find more information about our program, the instrument selection process and the materials needed for class. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Rackauskas (rackauskask@husd4.org).
Beginning Band Parent Meet - September 18, 2025 at 6:00pm in the Elementary School Cafeteria.
Hi! My name is Mrs. Rackauskas and I am the band and choir director for the Heyworth School District! This is my 16th year in the district and my 17th year teaching band and choir! I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors in Music Education (2008) and a Masters in Music Education (2020). While completing my undergraduate degree I played in the concert band, jazz band, and was the Drum Major of the Big Red Marching Machine for three years. I am a trumpet player and vocalist, however I do play all of the band instruments that we offer here at Heyworth.
Watching your beginning band students open their cases and try their instruments for the first time is one of my favorite moments of the year!
I look forward to starting this journey with you and your student. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions!
Click on the buttons in this section to learn more about the different instrument families and instruments that you can select from for beginning band. Listen to the videos of the different instruments that you might be interested in. It is important that you pick an instrument that you like the sound of. Remember, you won't sound like this at first (and that is okay!), but with practice you will begin to develop a sound like these players!
This form will take 10 minutes to complete, but will provide me with the information I need to help you and your student select an instrument that they will be successful on. Once this form is complete, I will be contacting you through email to discuss your options!!
A paper copy of this form was also sent home. If you wish to submit a paper copy instead, that is fine!
Please have forms submitted to Mrs. Rackauskas by Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Our Beginning Band Parent Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 6:00pm in the Elementary School Cafeteria. Please plan on attending this meeting if your student is interested in joining Fifth Grade Band. If you are unable to attend, please email Mrs. Rackauskas at rackauskask@husd4.org.
Please click below to start your rental process through The Music Shoppe. Also check the list below of required class materials. This list is always available to you by going to the fifth grade band page, then selecting the "Required Class Materials" button on the left-hand side of the page.