Pennell and Parkside Bands

General Info

• All 4th and 5th graders are eligible to participate in band. 

• Band is completely optional and students can stop participating at any time. 

• Please visit the "Instruments" tab at the top of the page to learn more about instrument options and how to get one.

• Students can participate in both chorus and band. They will not interfere with one another in any way. 

A and B Bands 

• We have two bands in each school. These are the A (Advanced) and B (Beginner) Bands. 

• The B (Beginner) Band is for first time band students. This is mostly 4th graders, but we always have a few 5th graders who want to join for the first time as well. 

• The A (Advanced) Band is for students who have already completed one year of band. 

Morning Band and Lessons

• Students who participate in band will have a group lesson once every 6 days. This lesson will always be on the same cycle day. Students will be grouped into lessons based on what instrument they play. 

• Students are pulled out of their daily classroom routine for band lessons. They are typically on a 6 week rotation so that students do not miss the same subject every week. Sometimes students have to miss recess or specials for their band lessons. BUT, this happens at most only once every 6-7 weeks. 

• Students who participate in band will also need to attend morning band rehearsals. These rehearsals are only once a week and you can find the schedule under the "schedule" tab at the top of the page.

• Morning Band Rehearsals are from 8:00 to 8:35AM. Students will need to walk or get a ride as there is no bus at this time. 

• Morning Band is a critical part of the educational process. This is the only time where we get to put the entire band together and play as a full group. It is important that student attend these rehearsals.

Concerts and Performances 

• A Band students will have a winter concert in December and a spring concert in May. These dates can be found on the district calendar and will also be provided by Mr. Stetson in the "Schedule" tab above. 

• B Band students will have a spring concert in May. They will not have a winter concert in December. December is far too soon for our beginner students to be on stage performing. It takes a long time to get the band together and get everyone instruments. We will need some time to learn the basics before starting concert repertoire. 

• A Band students will have the opportunity to perform the National Anthem before a Blue Rocks Baseball game in the spring. We do this every year, and it is a great night out at the ball park for families and friends. The National Anthem is too challenging for our B Band students to learn, and therefore we only take the A Band.

Band is important in elementary school because it helps children learn valuable skills while having fun with music. When kids play instruments together in a band, they learn to work as a team, listen carefully to each other, and follow a conductor's directions. This teaches them important social and communication skills.

Playing an instrument in a band also helps with brain development. It improves their memory, concentration, and coordination. They learn how to read music, which is like a special language that challenges their brain in a positive way.

Band is a creative outlet where kids can express themselves through music. It boosts their confidence and self-esteem as they see themselves improving over time. Plus, performing in front of an audience during concerts builds their courage and public speaking skills.

Overall, band in elementary school is not just about playing instruments together; it's about learning teamwork, enhancing brainpower, boosting self-confidence, and enjoying the music!