IN perfect harmony

Beginning Band

All 5th grade students learn to play a musical instrument as part of their music “specials” class. Beginning students may choose from: flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn. During second semester some students may be given additional opportunities to explore percussion instruments. Each 5th grade class meets one or two 45 minute periods per week in a rotating schedule. All 5th grade classes combine to perform in the annual Band Christmas and Spring Concerts. They may have additional performance opportunities throughout the school year, including a Grandparent’s Day Assembly.

6th Grade Band

6th grade band students are usually in their second year of instruction. However, beginners are welcome to join with permission from the band teacher. The entire band meets three 45 minute periods per week. This band participates in KWCS Christmas and Spring Band Concerts and marches in the Hazel Dell Parade with the 7th-8th grade band. In April they attend a band clinic at George Fox University, followed by a trip to Wings & Waves Waterpark. All 6th grade band students are invited to participate in the LCRMEA Solo/Ensemble Festival hosted by a local public school each May.

7th-8th Grade Band

As KWCS’s most advanced middle school concert band, these students meet one 45 minute and two 90 minute periods per week. Most members have at least two years experience in an instrumental music program. Beginners are welcome to join with permission from the band teacher.  All members are required to participate in the annual LCRMEA Middle School Band Festival and Solo/Ensemble Festival.

In addition to performances at KWCS Christmas and Spring Band Concerts, they present several concerts to honor veterans in our community, combine with the Vancouver Pops Orchestra in a yearly fundraising effort to support the Alzheimer’s Association, and march in the Hazel Dell Parade each May. Spring semester trips to competitions alternate between a Seattle Worldstrides Music Festival and Music in the Parks Contest at Silverwood (ID). These events typically include coaching “clinics” with directors of college band programs such as Pacific Lutheran and Whitworth Universities.

At a Worldstrides event in April 2019, they earned the “Most Outstanding Band” award in a field that included 1A and 2A high schools. In June, 2022, this band earned a “superior” rating and won first place in the “Music in the Parks” competition, Silverwood, ID. On campus, these students periodically provide music for chapels, developing skills to participate as praise team musicians and worship leaders.

KWCS partners with Music World Stores to provide our band students with quality instruments through their rental program. Rental instruments are available in the band room the day before school starts each year. Students may also provide their own instruments. For further details please visit Music World at musicworldstores.com or contact taniahutchin@kwcs.org

High School Band

High School Band is split between Concert Band and Pep Band over the course of the school year. Read more about High School Band here.