There are so many wonderful reasons to join the band in school.  Having the skill to perform on a musical instrument has been one of the most cherished accomplishments throughout history.  85% of adults who do not know how to play an instrument say they wish they did.  Students who learn to play an instrument can use this skill and knowledge for the rest of their lives.  There is nothing like the joy of performing music with friends.  Even if you don't go on to perform in your adult years, your musical experience and knowledge causes you to listen to music with deeper understanding and enjoyment.

Band is a group effort.  Musicians are required to shift from an "I/Me" reasoning to a "We/Us" concept. This means extending oneself beyond the normal considerations of much of our fast-paced, competitive day-to-day living.  Instead of the logic being, "what's in it for me?", it becomes, "what's in it for us?" The values of cooperation, communication, concentration, correlation and completion come into play during every rehearsal and performance.  These are great values for a future career!

Band builds positive self-worth.  Although we share many similarities with our athletic counterparts, everyone in the band plays a starting role.  People of all talent and experience levels find a place in the band.  Rarely is a person serving as an alternate or substitute.  There is no "bench" in the band!

Aside from the obvious benefits of playing a musical instrument, there are a number of surprising academic benefits to students who study music. Students who learn an instrument at a young age stimulate the brain in a valuable way. Studies have shown that learning to play an instrument enhances a student's academic performance in math, language arts, foreign language and other academic areas.  Even standardized test scores such as the SAT are higher among musicians.  In band class students use their brain power in a totally different, holistic way.  Whatever the reason, playing an instrument can bring joy and fulfillment like no other activity.

The most common remark from parents following a wonderful school concert is, "I wish my parents would have encouraged me to play an instrument and stick with it."

Because of the nature of band class, students often bond with the other band members and they become a close knit "family".   Band is a place where every individual is a valued member of the "team".  Differences are celebrated!  Imagine going to a new school and not knowing anything about where to go, or who to talk to.  The transition from school to school is easier for band students because they have many friends to help them through this process.  Once they get to high school, incoming band freshmen have immediate contact with upperclassmen, in a big brother/big sister kind of way.  

It's not too late to get involved in our amazing band program for this coming school year!  To learn more about the Beginning Band, go to http://www-raider2.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentzl/beginning

If you have any questions, contact Mrs. Zentz, our band director, at zentzl@stjohns.k12.fl.us.  She will be glad to assist you.

Schedules are being formulated now, so we need you to contact us right away if you are interested.  

PLEASE email Mrs. Kunze at Lisa.Kunze@stjohns.k12.fl.us to request a change in your non-core course to band. The deadline to request the change is Monday, July 21st.  Thank you!