Welcome!

Dear Prospective Band Parent/s,


Thank you for taking the time to consider your child’s membership in our band program. We are excited to welcome new students each year to the District 118 band program. Please take a moment to read the following information concerning beginning band.

We are very excited about our instrumental music program and eagerly look forward to this new crop of budding young artists who will join this year's class of talented musicians. Soon you will begin making decisions about the possibility of your child becoming a member of our 6th grade bands in District #118. We hope this letter and accompanying packet will answer some of the questions you may have regarding our band program.

First, band is made up of students just like yours. Students in beginning band learn to play the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, and percussion. Most students have never played a band instrument before. Many see band as a class on learning to play an instrument, but we know it is much more than that. It is the development of a family of friends that will last a lifetime. It is also the establishment of profound environmental influences which will determine much of your child's success in all aspects of education, not just band.

One of the most positive experiences you can offer your child is the chance to learn self-discipline at the highest level via participation in band. Their social skills, communication skills, self-concepts, cooperative talents and creative mind will all be nurtured through their study of music. These life-skills will serve as an important foundation as they take on various responsibilities in their future.

We are excited to be launching a new beginning band curriculum this coming school year. Students will begin the school year learning the ins and outs of reading music before moving to “noise-makers” and then finally graduating to their instruments. This approach will allow students to focus on one element of music at a time and then build upon each skill for a more thorough understanding.

There are always questions about the band program. If you still have questions or concerns please contact the band director of the school of which our child will be attending. We look forward to getting to know you and hope that you will encourage your child to become part of an outstanding organization of young musicians.


Musically Yours,



Wauconda MS – Mr. Hunter – ahunter@d118.org – 847-526-2122 x 2121

Wacuonda and Matthews MS - Ms. Andolfi - aandolfi@d118.org- 847-526-6210 x 2628 or 847-526-2122 x 2121