Elementary Bands

The Clarence Elementary Band program consists of small group lessons for fourth and fifth grade students who choose to participate, and bands that rehearse twice per week after school. 

In fourth grade, students have the opportunity to play a band instrument for the first time in the school setting. An extensive recruitment program takes place in September, and students begin weekly lessons at the conclusion of that process. Small group lessons take place once a week for each student, and work on a rotating basis so students do not miss the same class time each week. Lessons continue throughout the year. In fifth grade, the lesson process functions in the same manner. 

At the start of the school year, the elementary school band consists of fifth grade students. Most fifth graders who played an instruments the previous year take part in the twice-weekly rehearsal after school, from approximately 2:35-3:45PM. (Please see individual school sites for specific schedules.) These rehearsals prepare the ensemble for the first concert of the year, which takes place in January.

After the first concert, some fourth grade instrumentalists are invited to join the band, based on their lesson achievement. These students then participate with their fifth grade counterparts in a spring concert in May or June. The bands then give their final performance of the year at the annual Clarence Band Spectrum Concert in June.