During the week of July 19-23, 44 sixth grade students participated in the first ever beginning band camp offered to all sixth grade students in the district and the program was a big success. On Friday, those new band students performed a concert for their families and sounded fantastic. All of them are off to a great start on their instruments after a week of intense beginning instruction.

These students committed part of their summer vacation to learning a new skill and meeting new friends from across the district. From 9 to 11 each morning, they worked in small groups and later as whole group, learning simple songs from their books and "Let's Go Cats!" The goal of the camp was twofold ... ensure that the students got off on the right foot musically and to encourage each of them to feel part of a team they'll be able to continue with throughout their school years here at Southwest.

The directing staff could not be happier with the participation this first year and plan to continue to offer this program in years to come. More sixth grade students will sign up for band after school starts this year and the students who participated in the summer program will be big assets in class, encouraging others by their own early success.

As always, it is the goal of the music department to produce quality musicians and to retain as many students as possible in the program. Mr. Deron Frye, director, Whitewater Valley and Harrison Elementaries, and Ms. Megan Forcellini, director, Crosby, Miamitown, and Hooven Elementaries, are looking forward to a great year of beginning band.

Both Mr. Frye and Ms. Forcellini would like to thank Mr. Karl Robinson, high school director of bands, Harrison alumni Brad Robinson, Percussion instructor, Kari Handy, assistant Percussion instructor, Carly Schneider, Saxophone instructor, Kirsten Grimsley, Flute instructor, and current Harrison High School student Emily Wynn, Clarinet Instructor, for all their help making the week a great one! Also helping out were Noah Hines, Harrison High School band student, and Noah Brinson, Harrison Junior School band student. All of these past and present band members showed great leadership and encouragement to these sixth graders -- the next generation of musicians for our band program.

Things our beginners can look forward to this coming year ... Elementary Night at a Harrison High School Football Game, District Band Rehearsals/Concerts, Elementary Nights at Harrison High School Basketball Games, and lots of fun in class.