Dear Parents,

As the Band and String Teacher at Clemens Crossing Elementary School, I would like to invite your child to participate in the Band or String program this year. Students in Grade 3 are eligible to learn a stringed instrument, while students in Grades 4 and 5 are eligible to learn either a band or stringed instrument. All lessons will be online at this time.

Studying an instrument provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop musical skills and knowledge that can enrich their lives throughout many school years and later in life. Some of the benefits of participating in this program include: cooperation, teamwork, increased self-esteem, responsibility, self-discipline, confidence, self expression, reinforced reading/math concepts, and enhanced gross and fine motor coordination. Music is a great way to provide stress relief, especially during these times. There will be opportunities this year for your child to have a performance experience.

There is no fee to participate in this program other than to obtain an instrument and lesson materials. All lessons are free and are scheduled during the school day. This year students will not miss any of their synchronous classes in order to attend lessons, and there will be one fixed lesson schedule instead of a rotating schedule.

When making the decision to participate in the school program, please discuss with your child that this is a year long commitment. Additional information will be forthcoming, as well as a Google Meet to ask me questions about the program. Your child will still be able to participate if you are unable to attend the meeting.

All returning Band and String students (this includes students with prior band or string experience who have transferred to our school) are encouraged to continue participation in the program this year. More information regarding lessons will be forthcoming as soon as possible. All students whether new or returning, must register for the program in order to be assigned a lesson day/time. The registration link is: https://rb.gy/a5tdmb

All information, including the online registration for the program, is available on your child’s homeroom Canvas page, the CCES website, and my website: www.ccesbandandstrings.weebly.com. Please register by Wednesday, September 16th so that your child will be included in the lesson schedule. Lessons will begin the week of September 21st. Please strive to have an instrument and lesson book by your child’s first lesson. Students may still participate without an instrument for the first two weeks of lessons, although he/she will not be able to do the hands on activities until an
instrument is obtained.

For more information, please visit one of my Google Meets on Wednesday, September 9th at 9:15am, 3:00pm, or 7:00pm. Each meet is open for an hour. Please stop in to meet me and get your questions answered. If you should have any questions, please contact me. I look forward to working with you in supporting and facilitating your child’s musical growth!

Sincerely,
Ms. Marybeth DeSantis,
CCES Band and String Teacher

Marybeth_DeSantis@hcpss.org
www.ccesbandandstrings@weebly.com