Submitted by: Mark Matejka | Pictures by ValleyBiz

The Swan Valley Band Directors once again joined forces to hold the SVSD’s annual Beginner Band Workshop on Sept. 29-30, 2017. This opportunity is annually offered at no cost to parents and students, thanks to the Swan Valley Band Booster Parents’ fundraising. There were about 39 beginning band students from around the valley participating this year. Schools and instructors involved are:

Benito (Kevin Salmi)
Birch River (Brenna Smith)
Bowsman (Glenda Turton)
ESRSS (Daniel Schlote)
Minitonas (Mark Matejka)

This annual workshop is intended as a “crash course” for beginning band students as they tackle their new instruments. Specialist student teachers from Brandon University assisted our students in learning proper handling, basic playing technique, the first scale, and several songs in small sectional groups.

After Friday night and Saturday morning workshop sessions, students performed for family and friends in a public concert. If you were there for the concert, you heard what amazing things beginners can achieve in a matter of a few hours. A great momentum builder as they bring their newly learned skills back into the band room!

The SVSD Band Instructors would like to send out several “thank-you’s” to those who annually make this event so great:
-of course, to all parents/ guardians for supporting your children by bringing them to this event and attending the concert;
-Brandon University and high school student instructors;
-parent chaperones;
-ESRSS administration and custodial staff for hosting the venue
-special thanks goes out to both the Swan Valley Band Booster club for full sponsorship. This includes paying for meals, mileage, hotel, and fees for clinicians. Thank-you for your continued support through fundraising, Swan Valley Band Boosters!