St. Mary’s School offers band instruction to interested students in grades 5-8.
Students choose their instruments in the final weeks of 4th grade and begin with two weeks of summer lessons. Then in the fall, the 5th grade band meets once a week for a 40-minute rehearsal. In addition, students have a 20 minute weekly sectional class. The 5th grade band performs two concerts each year.
In 6th through 8th grade, students receive a 15-minute lesson. The 6th grade band rehearses twice a week to allow students to participate in both band and choir.
The 7-8th graders are combined into one band which meets every other day for 50 minutes. In addition to expanding their knowledge about playing their instruments, students are introduced to music theory and history.
Junior high band students perform three concerts each year. They may also choose to participate in Master Classes, Honor Band, and a Solo/Ensemble Festival. Many students at St. Mary’s enjoy participating in Jazz Band and Liturgy Band as extracurricular activities.
For more information about the Band program at St. Mary’s, please contact Becky Berkley @ 507 446-2300 or e-mail her at bberkley@stmarys-owatonna.org