May 2003 Bradenton Christian School

A NOTE FROM THE 5TH AND 6TH GRADE BANDS

This month we have several events planned for band class. First, the 4th graders will be sitting in with band class on May 6 & 7th. Please help students remember to bring their instruments, especially on these important dates. Next, the Florida Brass Quintet will perform and talk with us in Wicher’s on May 15th during band class.

Our “end of the year” concert for the lower elementary school students will be in Wicher’s on Thursday, May 22 for 5th the grade band (for grades K-2), and Friday, May 23rd for the 6th grade band (for grades 3-4). Both concerts will be held at 2:30 pm and parents may attend if they wish. Band students may dress in their regular school cloths.

In closing, thank you for the chance to work with and get to know your children. I was pleased to see the guitar program take off so well with Levi Kennedy, he is a great inspiration to the after school music program. Jasper Miller was so wonderful with the percussion students and really stepped in when I needed a substitute. I loved coming back and hearing the “cool” rhythms he added to the music. I am amazed at how well both bands are sounding now.

Again, Thank you to Mrs. Magley, Mrs. Bell, Mr. Van Hoven, and Mr. Vander Kooy for their direction. I also cannot forget Dawn Lengel and Ann Peabody, who were so patient hearing our band class while they worked in their office in Wicher’s auditorium. Almost 50 beginning band students in Wicher’s can be amazingly loud! A special thank you to the 5th and 6th grade teacher’s who often walked the kids over and were so helpful with all of our events this year. Judy Barber and Debbie Owen were also very helpful with showing me how? and where? etc. and thank you to Mrs. DiPalma with the web site and Mrs. Ribbens with the xerox machine. So I don’t forget anyone.. thanks to everyone who helped with band!!

One last note… I know some kids might never want to pick up a clarinet or trumpet again, but I do encourage private lessons if your child is interested in continuing with their chosen instrument or perhaps trying a different instrument with lessons. I have a list of names if anyone is interested. You may also call Keyboards & More or Music Music, they both offer summer music programs.

Have a great summer!

Thank you

Mrs. Eriksen