Home of the Blue Valley North High School Mustang Band Program | bvnband
6th Grade Beginning Band Information
Students are encouraged to dive in to the world of music through band!
Blue Valley North Area Band Directors will be visiting your classes on
January 21st & January 22nd
to provide some information and have you try instrument mouthpieces.
We also invite you to come to our INSTRUMENT TRY-IT NIGHT!
January 29th from 5pm to 8pm in the Blue Valley North Commons
No sign-up needed. Come any time!
Budget at least 30 minutes of time to try all the instruments
Enter the MAIN ENTRANCE of BVN at the Mustang Statue.
Why Join Band in 6th Grade?
The only entry point into the BVN Area Band Program is in 6th Grade Beginning Band.
Any student interested should start in the 6th Grade!
Learn Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, or Percussion!
Perform a few concerts and travel for a performance! Make new friends that you'll have for the next 7 years and beyond!
What opportunities do you have in band?
Have Fun Learning a New Instrument
Make new Friends and Develop Strong Social Skills
Perform Concerts with your Friends
Join a Positive Community & Culture
Develop Skills for the Future Workforce
Play in a Jazz Band
Sharpen Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
Increased Confidence and Communication Skills
Perform a Solo, Duets, or in Small Ensembles
Experience More Opportunities in High School
Perform at Football and Basketball Games
Travel Nationally and Internationally
...and so much more!
Who Are The Teachers?
Mrs. Balsinger
Leawood Middle School
6th, 7th, 8th Grade Band
Jazz Band
Woodwind Specialist
Bachelors of Music Education, University of Kansas
Masters of Music Education, University of Kansas
Mr. Wagoner
Overland Trail MS
6th, 7th, 8th Grade Band
Jazz Band
Woodwind Specialist
Bachelors of Music Education, University of Kansas
Masters of Music Education, University of Kansas
Mr. Staines
Leawood Middle School
Overland Trail MS
Blue Valley North HS
6th Grade Band
Brass Specialist
Symphonic Band
Concert Band
Marching Band
Jazz Band
Bachelors of Music Education, Truman State University
Masters of Music Education, Truman State University
Mr. McCarty
Blue Valley North HS
Wind Ensemble
Concert Band
Marching Band
Music Theory
Percussion Specialist
Bachelors of Music Education, University of Kansas
Masters of Music Education, University of Kansas
F.A.Q.
What is the time commitment like?
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Students typically have 1-2 small assignments per week, manageable in 10-20 minutes apiece. Practices are primarily during school, with only a few extra rehearsals or performances/concerts each year in the evenings. The time commitment and opportunities become a bit more once students reach high school.
Can my child be in band AND their sport/activity/club?
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ABSOLUTELY! We have students - middle and high school - who are in nearly every activity you can imagine and are still VERY successful in band while maintaining high academic integrity! We have students who do cheer, dance, football, cross country, track, basketball, tennis, bowling, and much much more.
What does band cost?
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Instruments are purchasable or rent-to-own, and some instruments are as little as $12 a month. We also offer school-owned instruments for larger instruments and to families who could use financial assistance. Some more costs are acquired at the high school level due to a deeper level of participation, opportunities and travel. We have room for EVERY student!
Can I join in 7th or 8th grade?
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Due to the pace with which our program moves, joining "late" isn't a realistic option. If you are curious about band at all, we highly recommend giving it a shot in 6th grade!
Questions?
Contact Mrs. Balsinger at Leawood Middle School
KRBalsinger@bluevalleyk12.org
