Band
Band is the place to be at St. Gregory the Great School! We offer weekly instrumental lessons on woodwind, brass, and percussion starting in 3rd grade or above, as well as weekly band rehearsals. All instruction is through Encore Experience, LLC, a performing arts organization based in Western New York.
WHY BAND?
Playing a musical instrument in an ensemble has many benefits, including skill development, positive social interactions through teamwork, expressiveness, and confidence-building. Additionally, with taking lessons, students develop a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and achievement. Such benefits contribute to a child's overall development, making band a valuable extracurricular activity.
REGISTRATION
Updated Band & Lessons Registration, click HERE. Encore Experience, LLC will not be offering violin lessons; however, if you would like a referral for violin teachers, please contact Mrs. Valerie Villa-Kelly at the email below.
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, directs Band rehearsals, and manages the Program. This is her second consecutive year at St. Gregory the Great School, and she is amazed at how far her students have come in just one school year! She prides herself on being able to relate to each student, making learning music and an instrument challenging and fun. She is grateful for the family, staff and administrative support for this Program, as she believes it "takes a village to raise a (musical) child". 
Mr. Erik Kroll, Assistant Teacher and Substitute for our Band program, is currently completing a Masters in Music Education at University at Buffalo. He also has a Bachelors in Music Performance with a focus on percussion. Last school year (2023-2024) he student taught grades 4-12 in the KenTon school district. We are excited to have him on board to help your children grow their love of music!
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 on Wednesdays and Thursdays
- 5th-8th grade Band meets after school for 45 minutes on Wednesdays and Thursdays
PERFORMANCES & FESTIVALS
Band students perform throughout the year for school events. Concerts and Recitals are 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 child(ren) 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!
