Band
Band is the place to be at St. Gregory the Great School! We offer instrumental lessons on violin (starting in 2nd grade) and woodwind, brass and percussion instruments (starting in 3rd grade). All instruction is through Encore Experience, LLC, a performing arts organization based in Western New York.
REGISTRATION
*if you have already registered, you will be receiving an email soon
TEACHERS
- Mrs. Valerie Villa-Kelly, Program Director of Encore Experience, LLC, has a degree in music education from SUNY Fredonia. She teaches all the band lessons, band rehearsals, and manages the program.
- Mr. Tyler Adamthwaite, Encore's violin teacher, has a PhD in Music Composition from University at Buffalo, and completed work in string pedagogy from Colorado State University. He also teaches violin to school-aged children through Buffalo String Works. His compositions have been performed by internationally renowned groups.
SCHEDULING
Daytime group lessons rotate so students do not miss the same class each week. After school private lessons are set and do not rotate from week to week. Regular rehearsals promote teamwork, musicianship, individual progress, and quality concert performances.
- 3rd and 4th grade band meets during the last 10 minutes of lunch and first 10 minutes of free reading two days a week.
- 5th-8th grade band meets after school for 45 minutes two days a week.
PERFORMANCES & FESTIVALS
We perform throughout the year for school events. Concerts and recitals occur in December and June. We also offer private students the opportunity to participate in county and state solo festivals, which can lead to special performances in select ensembles outside of school.
COSTS
The following costs are associated with learning an instrument:
- weekly daytime group lessons $79/month + $75/annual participation fee
- weekly after school private lessons $120/month + $75/annual participation fee
- instrument rental through school (some band instruments available) or local music stores
- solo music for private students who choose to participate in county and/or state festivals + $25 participation fee (optional)
We look forward to working with your children starting in September. If you have any questions, or would like to register for one of our programs, please email Mrs. Valerie Villa-Kelly at [email protected]. Thank you!
