Canyon Vista Middle School Electives - Band

Welcome to Canyon Vista Bands

At Canyon Vista Middle School we offer many opportunities for children to explore music. Our focus in sixth grade is a class environment of similar instruments. The purpose is to effectively teach the beginning skills needed for each instrument. Then in seventh and eighth, the focus becomes performance and refining skills previously learned in sixth grade. To do this we divide up into four performing bands and a jazz ensemble.

Should your child participate in the Mustang Band? Forty percent of Canyon Vista students do! Anyone can learn to play an instrument. It just takes time and practice. Just remember that everyone has to begin as a beginner---even professional musicians.

Parents can help support their students in band by volunteering at concession stands at ball games and putting together the Westwood Area Band Boosters newsletter. Westwood Area Band Boosters (WABB) is an organization that helps fund uniforms and activities for Westwood, Canyon Vista and Grisham bands.

Why Band?

Study after study has shown that students who play in the band get along better in school and generally get better grades.

• Playing in the band teaches children to be creative and to work actively towards a goal. It gives them a sense of belonging. It teaches them to work together and helps them make friends.

• Playing in the band teaches youngsters discipline. It improves coordination and concentration. It teaches self-confidence and it rewards them with a feeling of satisfaction...the deep satisfaction that comes from a job well done.

• Actively playing an instrument, instead of just listening, does more. It gives children an understanding of and interest in music that will mean pleasure and relaxation throughout life.

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