The Kelvin Band Program is composed of approximately 160 musicians participating in one or more of the following credit courses:

-          Senior Concert Band

-          S1 Concert Band

-          Senior Jazz

-          Junior Jazz

   Currently, the senior bands meet outside of the timetable. Both junior bands occur within the timetable, but that may change depending on room availability and student timetables.

At a Clippers game in 2005

   It is an expectation that any student enrolled in the band program make themselves available for performances. The dress is typically all black.

   Participation in the jazz bands requires prior consent of the music program and may require an audition. This is due to the instrumentation of a typical jazz band rather than some ivory tower, elitist attitude. The auditions are done blind, so as not to incur any accusations of bias.

   Any questions may be directed to me at jmartens@wsd1.org .

 John Martens

Upcoming Events:

April 13^th – Concerts Bands at Kelvin Gymnasium. Admission by donation of internal organ (no spleens please!)

April 19-23^rd – Sr. Band trip to Minneapolis. Remember to pack a toothbrush.

June 30^th, 2027 – my retirement date.

January 20^th, 2105 – my daughters 100^th birthday.

General Philosophy

   It is not the goal of the band program to populate the world with professional musicians. That would be an unrealistic expectation. I would like to see my students develop an eclectic taste in music. I would like them to appreciate the social aspects of being in a band, including the communal elements that contribute to making a piece of music work. If a student winds-up playing in a community band or studying music in university, that would be great.  Most importantly, however is that everyone has fun in a positive, safe musical environment.

Assessment

   In the large band setting, it is difficult to differentiate between the sounds of different students. To remedy this situation, the student will perform 3-6 individual tests either in class or at some other mutually convenient time. This allows me to ascertain the strengths of the player, while at the same time, giving us an opportunity to address the individual needs of the student.

   Practice record charts are recorded bi-weekly with an expectation of 80 minutes per week. Any portion thereof yields a proportional grade. Some individuals will require more than 80 minutes a week to notice a significant improvement.

       Although some individuals demonstrate an aptitude for music at an extremely early age, only practice can make you a true musician.