The bars have been set as School District 60’s band program continues to be highlight for both students and teachers, and with recruiting having recently started for Grade 5 students interested in developing their musical talents.
The bars have been set as School District 60’s band program continues to be highlight for both students and teachers, and with recruiting having recently started for Grade 5 students interested in developing their musical talents.
Carleen Andrews, director of instruction for SD60, says the long-running program has meant a lot to the community, with students bringing their creativity and passion into several different areas of music, including jazz and concert.
“It’s definitely about learning how to make music and being part of that musical education,” Andrews says. “And it’s definitely part of the social and emotional learning that we try to embed in the education of students.”
“To be a part of the band, you have to develop your own personal skills and persevere, and critical thinking that goes with that – but it’s also about being a piece of a bigger whole, it’s about being part of a collaborative whole, and the joy of making music.”
Andrews says COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge but that they were able to persist, with the program weathering through the two years without closing.
“Running a band program through a pandemic has not been for the faint of heart,” said Andrews. “I know that at the beginning of COVID, some districts put their band programs on hold, and understandably so.
“But our group of teachers were very committed, along with parents, to keep the program going.”
The district-wide program typically starts in Grade 6, offering students a chance to join the district’s beginner band, which builds their foundational skills.
From there, students in Grades 7, 8, and 9 can join the junior concert band, building their skills even further. A senior concert band is comprised of Grade 10, 11, and 12 students.
Ultimately, Andrews says the program is an opportunity for North Peace students to enjoy music careers throughout their entire education, with many keen to pursue music degrees in university.
“It’s really from the heart, we all know music and how it’s touched our lives, whether we’re patrons listening to it, or making it,” said Andrews. “We’re very proud of our band program, and the rigor and commitment that comes with it.”
Tom Summer, Alaska Highway News, Local Journalism Initiative. Email Tom at [email protected]
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