I teach instrumental music at Nauvoo-Colusa Junior High, Nauvoo-Colusa Elementary School, and Ss. Peter & Paul School in Nauvoo.  We begin our instrumental music students in the Fourth grade with a month-long pre-band class.  During this time, students become familiar with the band instruments: how they sound, how they produce a sound, and to play them.  Students get an opportunity to try to make a sound on all of the instruments.  This class culminates with the Band Night on the first Monday of October.  At Band Night, students select their instrument and begin their private lessons later in the week.

Fifth and Sixth grade students resume their lessons and their participation in the Grade School Band or Strings during the first week of school.  Some students in these grades decide to play in the band, even though they didn’t start during Fourth grade.  They also begin their lessons during the first week of school.

We offer all of the band instruments for lessons including flute, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion, violin, and cello. Guitar classes can be arranged is there is sufficient interest and time in the schedule.  All grade school students receive a private lesson each week.  Fifth and Sixth grade students who have played before are in the GS Band or String Group.  These groups alternate with the JH band.

Mornings are devoted to the Grade school music students.  Afternoons are the time when Junior High students receive group lessons and JH band.  The JH Band performs four concerts each year and appears in at least four parades in the fall. 

Special opportunities are available for JH students in the fall when they may audition for the IMEA District Band, Orchestra, or Jazz Bands.  Those who are selected participate in the IMEA District Festivals, generally held the first and third Saturdays of November.

Each spring all students from their second year onward are offered the opportunity to participate in the Solo & Ensemble contests.  These contests allow the students to play for a judge and an audience by themselves or in a small group. This is a valuable experience for students providing them with the confidence to play their instrument in any situation.