The purpose of the St. John Band program is to train students in God’s gift of music, which gives a language of worship and a means of creativity and self-expression.

Band members learn basic principles of music through instruction, participation, experience, and leadership in an environment of encouragement and creativity. Students build upon these life-long skills in many ways, including:
• understanding music in a variety of contexts
• serving with their instruments in worship services
• continued study of their instruments in high school and beyond
• using their creative and analytical skills in many vocations

is available for students in 4th grade. Each student learns the fundamentals of his/her instrument and music reading.

Beginning Band rehearses as an ensemble for 45 minutes per week before school, and each member receives a small group lesson once per week.

is for students who have completed at least one year of Beginning Band. Students build on the foundations of music reading and instrumental technique they developed in Beginning Band.

Intermediate Band rehearses as an ensemble for 45 minutes per week before school, and each member receives a small group lesson once per week.

is for students who are in 6th-8th grade who have completed p. 11 of Essential Elements 2000 Book 2. The Advanced Band has performance opportunities beyond the three annual band concerts, and many of its members play regularly for worship services.

Advanced Band rehearses for 45 minutes twice a week as part of the middle school fine arts period. Each member also receives a weekly sectional.

This is my 5th year as the band director at St. John. I hold a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Valparaiso University, and I am working toward a Master of Music in Music Education Degree at Northwestern University.