Philosophy of the Fine Arts Department
The Fine Arts Department at Sioux Falls Christian Schools believes that fine arts are essential in a well-rounded education. The Fine Arts Department provides the students with the opportunity to explore art, music, and drama. It provides the individual with a sense of confidence through their accomplishments in this field. The students are challenged to acknowledge the responsibility to use their talents and knowledge in the service of God and others, and to live Christian values in their daily lives.
5th Grade Band:
The Sioux Falls Christian Band program begins in fifth grade. Students have a multitude of instruments to choose from, including: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Instruments can be rented or purchased from K&M Music, Schmitt Music, Sioux Falls Music, or various other stores. Students are also welcome to use instruments that your family already owns.
Some things to think about when purchasing instruments:
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Instruments that are old or hand-me-downs can often be great for a beginning student. Just bring them in for the band instructor to assess or take them to a music store to determine what kind of repairs or tune-ups may be needed for acceptable performance.
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Instruments bought from non-mucial retail stores may be less expensive than those bought from music stores, but they are generally not as good of quality.
All fifth grade band students use the Standard of Excellence Method Book One for the entire first year of playing. These are available at K&M Music, Schmitt Music, or Sioux Falls Music. Each week, band students will receive one 15-minute lesson and will have two large group rehearsals. They perform at two concerts each year and will also perform in a solo and ensemble contest in the spring.
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Handbell Choir:
Fourth and fifth grade students have the opportunity to participate in the handbell choir. Handbell groups meet once a week during the noon recess to practice. This is a unique musical opportunity for ALL fourth and fifth grade students, not just those in band. The handbell choirs perform at two concerts each year.
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6th Grade Band:
Sixth grade band students use the Standard of Excellence Method Book Two for their second year of playing. These are available at K&M Music, Schmitt Music, or Sioux Falls Music. Each week, band students will receive one 15-minute lesson and will have three large group rehearsals. They perform at two concerts each year and will also perform in a solo and ensemble contest in the spring. Advanced sixth grade students are also given the opportunity to audition for Middle School All-State Band.
Each spring, the sixth graders join the 7th and 8th grade marching band in a parade. The middle school marching band has placed first in their division at the Orange City Tulip Festival Parade every year since 2005!
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7th and 8th Grade Band:
Seventh and eighth grade band students use the Standard of Excellence Method Book Three. These are available at K&M Music, Schmitt Music, or Sioux Falls Music. Each week, band students will receive one 15-minute lesson and will have three large group rehearsals. They perform at two concerts each year and will also perform in a solo and ensemble contest in the spring. Students are also encouraged to audition for Middle School All-State Band.
The seventh and eighth grade band also does a marching band unit. Students memorize and perform a song in two or three parades in the fall. In the spring, the sixth grade band joins them to march in a parade. Last year, the marching band placed first in their division at the Orange City Tulip Festival Parade.
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High School Concert Band:
Concert band is open to all high school students. The high school concert band rehearses five times per week, performs three concerts per year, and provides music at graduation. High school band students have the opportunity to perform at a solo and ensemble contest, perform at a large group contest, and go on a band trip every four years. Students are also encourage to audition for South Dakota All-State Band.
High School Jazz Band:
Jazz band is comprised of members of the HS concert band who have auditioned for this group. Jazz Band performs at various events throughout the year, including the HS Variety Show and spring Band Extravaganza concert.
High School Pep Band:
Pep band supports the athletic department by providing up-beat music for the girls' and boys' basketball games and the volleyball matches. All concert band students participate in pep band.
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Private Music Teachers:
For names of private teachers, contact Schmitt Music, K&M Music, the Augustana College Music Department, or get a list of names from your band director.
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