Band

Dear SFX School Parents,

The new school year is here, and the SFX Band is looking forward to an exciting year for our new and returning musicians!

Mr. Philip Enns, our new Band Director, brings a wealth of musical talent, directing experience, and enthusiasm to our program. Mr. Enns received his Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education and Performance from DePaul University and has directed school bands for over 20 years, including the bands at St. Cletus School, St. Barbara School, Divine Providence School, and Sutherland School in Beverly. A trombone player himself, Mr. Enns is also an accomplished musician who has played in The Outcasts Jazz Band, a 17-piece swing band, for nearly 30 years, as well as the Frankfort Brass Band. We are fortunate to have such a talented musician and director to lead our program.

All parents will be able to meet Mr. Enns at the SFX School Orientation Nights on August 31 and September 7. Please watch for him near the Office throughout the evening and introduce yourselves.

For new/beginning band members (Cadet Band):
A separate, more detailed meeting to welcome the parents of our new 4th Graders and other beginning band members will be scheduled for late September, when Mr. Enns will provide information on instrument fittings, rentals, music, lessons, rehearsals, practice, and performance events. Quinlan & Fabish representatives will be on site to handle instrument rentals that night. This meeting and the instrument rental process are happening a month later than was done in previous years to provide Mr. Enns with an opportunity to work with each new Band member during school hours throughout the month of September. He will determine which instrument(s) are best suited to each individual student. Cadet Band Lessons will be on Tuesdays (beginning on October 4), during school hours on a rotating period basis. Cadet Band Group Rehearsals will be held after school on Tuesdays (beginning on November 1). Any older students who would like to explore their musical talents are also encouraged to call or email Mr. Enns in early September so that they can select an instrument and join the Cadet Band.

For returning/experienced band members (Concert Band):

We also welcome our returning 5th through 8th graders to Concert Band, and encourage them to try out for Jazz Band in the late Fall (subject to sufficient enrollment). Mr. Enns has condensed our previous three bands into two Bands this year, which gives 5th Graders the opportunity to improve their musical skills immediately by joining the rest of the Concert Band this fall. Concert Band Lessons will be every Tuesday plus alternating Mondays (beginning on August 30), during school hours on a rotating period basis. Concert Band Group Rehearsals will be held every Tuesday plus alternating Mondays (beginning on September 6). A detailed schedule showing the exact dates for these ‘alternating Mondays' will take frequent ‘Monday school holidays' into consideration and will be distributed to parents as soon as those dates are finalized; a copy will also be posted on the SFX Band's Web page on the SFX School Website. Cadet Band Lessons will be on the same alternating Mondays or Tuesdays (beginning on August 30), during school hours on a rotating period basis. Musicians also grow by teamwork and leadership, and Mr. Enns strongly encourages all 5th Graders and other second year band members to attend the Cadet Band's after school rehearsals; 6th through 8th Graders are also welcome and may be eligible for Service Hours.

Concert Band-Grades 5-8. First lesson during school day: August 30. Rehearsal Schedule: Before school every Tuesday & alternating Mondays 7:15-8:00 am beginning Sept 6

Cadet Band-Grade 4 and other new Band Members. First lesson during school day: October 4. Rehearsal Schedule: After school every Tuesday 3:10-3:50 pm beginning November 1

Several forms are included with this mailer. They will also be available on the SFX Band's web page on the school's website. All completed forms and checks are due by September 30. These include:

Band Enrollment Form

All band participants-new and old-are required to complete a Band Enrollment Form and submit it with the Band Activity Fee (below) by September 30.

Band Activity Fee

We reduced Band Activity Fee this year. The Band Activity Fee is now only $30 per student, payable to the SFX Band Parents Association, and is due with the Band Enrollment Form by September 30.

Band Shirt Order

SFX Band members wear white polo style shirts with a navy SFX Band logo and uniform pants. An SFX Band Shirt Order Form is enclosed for those who need to order new shirts. All amounts for shirts are payable to the SFX Band Parents Association, and are due by September 30. Late orders are the parents' individual responsibility and will be more expensive. Please consider exchanging your uniforms through the Uniform Exchange. (Inquire at the school office.)

Parent Volunteer Form

With our growing band program, parent time and support are essential. We ask each family to assist with one function or activity. Please return the completed Volunteer Form by September 30. We appreciate the generous offer of your time. (This will come to you in a later mailing.)

Tuition

Tuition is structured on a family plan. Tuition invoices will be sent out separately in October and February for each semester. Tuition is due in October and February, and is payable to Mr. Enns.

o $160/semester - Total for each family with 1 Band Member
o $270/semester - Total for each family with 2 Band Members
o $400/semester - Total for each family with 3 or more Band Members

o No Extra Tuition for Jazz Workshop

Parents seeking financial assistance for Band Tuition should contact Ms. Rodde before Sept. 30.

SFX Band Handbook

The Handbook has all the information you need about the SFX Band, including schedules for performances, lessons, and rehearsals. Please take the time to review this handbook, as it may answer many of your questions regarding the schedule, focus and goals of the SFX Band.

Please feel free to contact Mr. Enns or any SFX Band Board member for more information.

Mr. Enns - enns1988@gmail.com or 815-641-0651 cell / 815-806-1361 home
Mary Kay Dudley, President - dudleys1888turret@sbcglobal.net or 354-6956 (evenings)
Eileen Paliakas, Treasurer - epali@sbcglobal.net or 579-5919
Chris Pinta, Fundraising Coordinator/Pizza Days - chrispinta@comcast.net or 482-9618
Lee Egan, Communications Director- leeculinary@sbcglobal.net or 708-785-5535

Music enriches the soul, broadens your horizons and promotes great discipline. We hope all students join the Band Program at SFX!

Please return the Band Enrollment Form and Activity Fee, Band Shirt Order Form, and Parent Volunteer Form to the office by September 30 in an envelope marked SFX Band.

Sincerely,
SFX Band Board
Mary Kay Dudley, President Chris Pinta, Fundraising Coordinator/Pizza Days
Eileen Paliakas, Treasurer Lee Egan, Communications Director