I am excited to announce that concert band signup for the 2022-2023 school year will be beginning Monday, September 19. Signup will take place through an online form which will be available through email, Microsoft Teams and QR codes around the school. Students who participated in band last year will have the opportunity to continue in the Advanced Concert Band. Students who wish to join band for the first time or would like to learn a different instrument than last year will be able to join the Beginner Concert Band. No previous musical experience is required to join the Beginner Concert Band.
The Advanced Band will be rehearsing Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:40-8:30. Beginner Band will rehearse Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:40-8:30.
There are many reasons why learning an instrument can have an important and positive impact on students. Learning to play a musical instrument stimulates the brain, improving functions like memory and abstract reasoning skills, which are essential for math and science. Studies have found that even those with moderate musical training preserved sharp processing of speech sounds and had increased resilience to age-related hearing decline. Playing a musical can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Musical training also strengthens the brain's executive function. Executive functions cover critical tasks like processing and retaining information, controlling behaviour, making decisions and problem-solving. Band and choir also give students the opportunity to connect with different adults and students in the building they may not normally encounter. It builds cooperation, teamwork, resilience, and self-esteem.
This short, five-minute video further explains the benefits of playing a musical instrument: https://bit.ly/3BBeTBK
Thank-you for considering the school concert band. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Mr. Wilson (pwilson@sd43.bc.ca)
he/him/his
Band, Choir, Music Explorations and Student Services
École Maillard Middle School
