It makes this old Band Director smile, to think how many current JFH Band parents were JFH Band members when they were middle school students. Time certainly marches on, but Band (if you do it right) is never really over; one of the best parts of Band is that we become family. Last month, this Band Notes column was written by Holly Hartman Early; Holly is a Band alumni, who incidentally met her husband while they were both members of the Broadway Bands. Holly is now a soon to be JFH Band parent, and the Early family will join several other alumni families who currently have a JFH Band member. I asked the kids a few questions this month, and enjoyed reading their responses– we must be doing something right!
What is your favorite thing about Band?
Being able to learn about music and different instruments while having fun. Iris Kang, 8
Friends, and how fun it is to play music. Keira Davis, 7
We played one instrument all year, but now are getting to play different instruments, and I like getting to work with all my friends on other things like a music event or even a video game projects like the one we got to work on a little bit this month. Melissa Turner, 6
I love hanging out with my friends and sharing things we enjoy together. I also love to play music. Band always makes me happy. Alex Wastie, 6
It’s a safe place to do what I love, without the struggles of the rest of my life along with it. Kai Orebaugh, 8
Making friends Amyah Showalter, 8
Making music Jet Herrick, 7
My favorite thing about Band is getting to play with all my friends and feeling like I really am a part of something bigger than just my corner of the world. I like feeling like I created something beautiful. It’s a beautiful feeling, being a part of something other than just yourself–you feel weightless and, well, there’s really no words to describe how awesome it feels. That’s why I love band and why I keep doing it. Molly Knighten, 6
My favorite thing about Band is playing instruments and making friends. Violeta Romero Calderon, 6
That we play so much music, and have fun with other people. Mark Mazur, 7
The people, and fun of performing after doing so much work in class– being in a concert is fun!! Alan Rodriguez, 6
Why did YOU join Band?
Because my brother played in band. Charlotte Bailey, 6
I joined band so I can play my clarinet with other people. It feels like a big part of something that truly sounds amazing. I’ve also made some of my best friends here and I’m extremely grateful band was brought into my life. Molly Knighten, 6
Because I loved music and I wanted to play it my older sister play it and then there was a chance to join band so I’m like ooh this looks good I want to try it and I tried it and I liked it. Mark Mazur, 7
I joined because of how fun it looked when my cousin would play his instrument. Samahdi Robles, 7
I joined the Band rotation class just to try out the instruments, and then I stayed in the full year Band program after that because it was fun to me. Alan Rodriguez, 6
My friends told me too, and they said it would be fun–it is! Gray Parker, 7
I wanted to try out what my family does, and to make my grandpa proud of me. Lilly Hamel, 7
To follow in my mother’s footsteps. Rowen Grandle, 6
Because it is calming. Jake Nelson, 7
Because my mom told me I should try it out, and I liked it. Laisha Cruz Pacheco, 8
Because my cousin does band. Connor Harner, 7
I knew it was my calling in 5th grade because in Mr Conway’s class when I would hit the boomwhackers. DanaEricka Wenzel, 8
To try something new Alex Vilchis Gonzalez, 8
I wanted to play an instrument, and I thought that I wanted to play the flute. My sister used to play violin and I thought it was cool. Violeta Romero Calderon, 6
Why should OTHER people join Band?
I think other people should join band because its a like a community project. We get to make super cool music and play it with our friends, and EVERYONE is included! Alex Wastie, 6
Others should join because it gives you a challenge and helps you make friends in the big group. Samahdi Robles, 7
It is so much fun, especially when you have work hard.. Meredith Petrie, 7
Because it has a great community and it’s fun to try something new Jace Eutsler, 7
Because music is fricking awesome and so is playing it 🙂 Kydan Harlow, 8
Because they could become a part of our band family and learn music and have lots of opportunities they get. Rowyn Stover 7
So they could make new friends and have a connection so when they are at lunch or someplace else they have a friend that they can have fun with. Mark Mazur, 7
BECAUSE ITS AMAZING Toni Frazier 8
