GSB’s Lower School Band Program Strikes the Right Note 

On any given afternoon, the colorful halls of Gill St. Bernard’s Lower School are filled with laughter, enthusiastic conversation, and the dulcet sounds of a dozen baritones playing “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”  The musical symphony is not just a happenstance occurrence but the culmination of Gill St. Bernard’s evolving Lower School Band Program, now in its third year. 

Spearheaded by Lower School Music Instructor Elizabeth Carney, this innovative program emerged from an idea shared by Coordinator of Instructional and Visual Technology Joe DeVico, himself an accomplished musician. DeVico's past experience with introducing young musicians to an instrument rotation inspired Carney to create a program that goes beyond conventional music education. 

Recognizing the importance of matching students with instruments suited to their physical and musical abilities, Carney devised a plan for Fourth Grade students to experience each of the five main instruments over the course of the school year: trumpet, flute, clarinet, baritone, and trombone. The thoughtful introduction of the more advanced instruments built off the foundation provided by the Third Grade recorder program, ensuring no momentum was lost between Lower and Middle School.  

By offering this hands-on exposure, students are now able to make informed decisions about their musical interests as they transition into Middle School, increasing the likelihood that they are well matched with their instrument and that they will continue their participation in band past the first year. 

“When I started, Fourth Graders would simply look at a flyer and circle an instrument that they wanted to play in Fifth Grade band,” Carney explained. “The selection process didn’t take into account the physical components of the instrument or the musician. For example, a young child might not have the right lip muscle structure for a particular instrument or perhaps their hands aren’t large enough. Without the right match, students get frustrated and quit.” 

In the current Lower School music program, Fourth Graders take an entire year to familiarize themselves with the instruments. Music meets twice a week, with one class dedicated to choral music and one class period dedicated to instrumental instruction. Once the year is over, Carney sits down with each student and discusses their experience. 

“I’ll ask the students questions about which instrument might have been the easiest for them to play or which one they like the most,” Carney said. “Based upon their preferences and the observations I made over the course of the year, we come to a decision on what instrument to pursue in Fifth Grade.” 

The success of this initiative quickly became evident. In its inaugural year, an impressive 19 out of 21 Fourth Grade students opted to continue with band in Middle School. Three years later and the numbers have increased—dramatically. Thanks to the steady influx of aspiring musicians, the Middle School band program has grown from a casual afterschool club to an institution with a Beginning Band, an Intermediate Band, dedicated band rehearsals integrated into the Middle School schedule, and individual lessons during the school day. 

“Playing in a band teaches teamwork and builds confidence,” Carney said. “Students are challenged to both read their part in the score and to play together in a group. It’s amazing to see how participation in band fosters independence while also encouraging a team-like mentality.” 

One of the program's most notable features is its inclusivity and affordability. The band program is offered free of charge as part of the school curriculum, with the only potential cost being instrument rental in Middle School for those students who don't own one. There is no charge for the instrument rental in Fourth Grade. This commitment to accessibility ensures that every student has the opportunity to explore their musical talents regardless of financial constraints. 

With an increased interest in participation and ongoing support from the school community, the Lower School Band Program is poised to make a lasting impact on the musical education of Gill St. Bernard’s students for years to come. Congratulations, musicians! We can’t wait to hear what you learn to play next.