Band

The band program at Saint Mark Lutheran School is offered to students in grades 5 to 8 and consists of two bands – the Beginning Band and the Band. Instruments in the school band include the flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone. baritone saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion (drums and mallet instruments). Grade 5 students at Saint Mark may enroll in the Beginning Band. The Beginning Band is for students who want to learn to play a band instrument and who want to learn to read music. The students will learn basic playing techniques and how to read music. Students in grades 6 – 8 who have successfully completed Beginning Band or who can demonstrate their playing ability through a brief audition may enroll in the Band. The students enrolled in the Band learn new playing techniques and work to improve their playing techniques and music reading ability.

Most students will need to obtain an instrument since the school has only a few large instruments available – bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba. The students who play percussion instruments will use percussion kits that include a drum pad, bells, sticks, mallets and carrying case.

Rehearsals

Band rehearses before school from 7:25 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays.

Beginning Band are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays.

Beginning Band students use the Essential Elements 2000 method book. Band students use the Essential Technique method book and sheet music.

In the past, the bands have performed in the Christmas Concert, the Spring Concert and at the Eighth Grade Graduation Service. The Band has also performed in the Hawaii Lutheran Schools Music Festival Concert in a combined band consisting of students from the other Lutheran elementary school bands in Hawaii. The students perform a variety of music for band from classical and sacred works to popular and patriotic songs.

Saint Mark band students who study privately have participated in solo and ensemble contests and select bands sponsored by the Oahu Band Directors’ Association.

There is a $250.00 annual fee for each student enrolled in the band program.

At Saint Mark, we believe that there are many benefits that students receive as a result of their participation in a musical ensemble such as band. Most students develop greater self-discipline, a healthier self-image, better listening skills and good study habits. They learn to work in groups.

Recent studies have shown that students who study music generally perform better in their academic studies than those students who do not study music. Although only a few students at Saint Mark may ever seek careers as professional musicians, many will continue to enjoy music as they share their musical talent with their family, church and community. Finally, participation in music provides a wholesome activity that a person can enjoy throughout his or her life.