DVD All beginning students received a DVD located in their method book that is exclusive to their instrument. This exciting DVD is brand new and is heartily endorsed by our Band For Today teaching staff. This teaches you how to put your instrument together, proper maintenance, music theory, and how to play your first few notes. Parents should also watch it and learn along with their child so they can help them progress and get the full enjoyment out of their start in band. On the DVD is also a Cd-Play-A-Long All of our new beginning method books come with the DVD/CD that students should practice with. It will greatly help their rhythm, pitch, and overall musicality....plus it's just fun to play along with other musicians!

Band For Today is holding our third annual Honors Ensemble for nominated 7th and 8th graders. This is an honors ensemble by invitation only. We have a limited number of places available. Teachers will nominate students based upon playing ability, practice record, citizenship, attitude, and attendance over the next few months. Meet and play with some of the best musicians from a wide number of schools. Spend a day learning and playing jazz and rock songs with other excellent musicians. Band rehearsals, sectionals, lunch, T-shirt and an afternoon concert all in one day! Good luck, and work hard to get nominated. More information will be sent home in the next few months.

We are excited to tell you about a wonderful opportunity available to all 6th through 8th grade students involved in the Band For Today program. Each year we have a combined jazz ensemble made up of students from various schools in the Western Suburbs. We will play pieces from the various jazz styles such as swing, blues and rock. These styles are all different then what you will play in concert band! Students will also have learn about improvisation and soloing. The jazz ensemble is open to all band students in grades 6 through 8. To get a complete jazz band sound, we are also looking for experienced piano, guitar, bass guitar, drum set, and percussion players. Note: This class is NOT for beginning piano or guitar players. Students must have adequate knowledge of reading music and notes to be in this band. This band does have a limited number of spots available. Due to jazz ensemble restrictions, rhythm section spots are limited to three of each instrument. To ensure enrollment, register immediately. There is a waiting list if no spots are available in the jazz ensemble. This year, the jazz band will be directed by Miss Jennifer Cross. Miss Cross currently teaches band at six schools involved in the Band for Today program. She graduated with a Bachelors of Music Education from Wheaton College, where she played alto sax in the jazz band. Band members will be expected to be at rehearsals on Monday evenings, from 6:45-8pm. These will take place at St. Joseph's Catholic School in Downers Grove. The first rehearsal will be on November 9th. In order for this band to be successful, it is very important that all members are at every rehearsal. We will have one or two performances at the end of the school year to showcase what we have been learning and playing throughout the year. The tuition for the jazz band is divided into two payments, covering two ten week sessions. The first payment also includes the cost of a jazz method book that will be used throughout the year. Returning students already own this book and will not need to purchase a new one! Payment 1: $110 Due upon registration Payment 2: $100 Due March 3 To register for the jazz band, please e-mail me the following information: Student's name and grade Instrument played Contact phone number Further registration forms will be sent to you upon the receiving of this information. Feel free to contact me with any further questions. I look forward to an exciting year with the jazz ensemble! Jennifer Cross jencross216@gmail.com

Parents, did you know your child has a practice record? This record has the assignment for the week and a place for recording how many minutes your child practiced per day. There will be a rating for this on the progress report from your child's music teacher. The amount of time your child practices is by far the biggest factor regarding how well he\she plays and how much enjoyment is derived. Also, We send home information in a variety of ways but the most predominant way is through your child's music folder. Please check it once a week for information. Everything from schedule changes to concert updates will be sent this way.

Tuition is divided into 9 equal installment payments based on a total yearly cost with a guaranteed minimum of twenty-eight (28) lessons during the school year. Credit cards are auto debited around the 17th of every month from September through May.