Sign Up TODAY for a FREE BAND DEMO
Date: Wednesday, Sept 6th (9-10am)
Location: 9109 Dickey Drive
Get exposure to a variety of Band Instruments (Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion) and be assessed for your own best-fit instrument(s)!
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ASK US ABOUT HOMESCHOOL SIBLING DISCOUNTS!!
If you are long-time homeschoolers or recently started homeschooling, COME JOIN US!!
The GRSM Homeschool Band is a Full Year* program which joins students of the larger GRSM Band Program, offered at various private schools in the Richmond Area, for external performances, including concerts and competitions throughout the school year (see video above). When school closed due to COVID-19, we put together a virtual performance (see video below)!
Ensembles
The Beginning Band is a beginning level group for students who are learning to play a band instrument for the first time. Instruction is focused on developing a solid foundation in note reading, tone production, rhythm, articulation, proper posture/hand position, and instrument care and maintenance. Students also learn basic music theory concepts and ensemble skills, such as balance and blend. Appropriate instruments for the Beginning Band are trumpet, trombone, flute, clarinet, saxophone and percussion (multiple instruments), and GRSM can provide information regarding purchase or rental options. Beginning Band members receive a 1 hr group lesson each week As a performance date nears, the Homeschool Beginning Band students will join the beginning band students from the other schools that participate in the GRSM Band Program and rehearse as a full ensemble. The minimum age to participate is 9 years old. No previous music experience is necessary.
The Concert Band is an intermediate level group for students who have had 1-3 years of experience playing a band instrument. In addition to continued development of basic instrumental music foundations, instruction focuses on the finer details of playing in an ensemble. Students in the Concert Band receive instruction on music theory and learn scales to improve technique and expand range. Concert Band members receive a 1 hr group lesson each week. As a performance date nears, the Concert Band students will join with Concert Band students from other schools that participate in the GRSM Band Program and rehearse as a full ensemble.
The Symphonic Band is an advanced level group comprised of students who have had 3-5 years of experience playing a band instrument or have demonstrated a high level of proficiency on their instrument. Students in the Symphonic Band rehearse and perform high quality music in many styles and genres. In rehearsals, instruction is focused on balance, blend, intonation, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, and accuracy of pitch and rhythm. Students learn all 12 major scales and music theory concepts. Symphonic Band members receive a 1 hr group lesson each week. As a performance date nears, the Symphonic Band students will join with Symphonic Band students from other schools that participate in the GRSM Band Program and rehearse as a full ensemble.
The High School Wind Ensemble is the highest level of band within the GRSM Band Program and is comprised of students who have had 5 or more years of experience playing a band instrument, or have demonstrated the level of proficiency on their instrument that would equate such experience. Students in the High School Wind Ensemble will be coached in preparation for potential auditions through a knowledge of all 12 major scales with various exercises based on the scales, including intervals and exercises on thirds etc. Students will be taught advanced lip slurs for brass, and similar exercises for woodwind instruments, while working on advanced rhythms and sight reading. Opportunities will be offered for performances as small ensembles, as well as assistance in auditioning for the Greater Richmond Youth Wind Ensemble, Central Virginia Wind Symphony and All District Band.
* Disenrollment from the program may be allowed only after the student has completed the first semester of classes and upon completion of the GRSM Band Program Disenrollment Form signed by the parent/guardian of the student. This form must be received by GRSM no later than January 7th. Once it is determined that continuity of the program for the remaining students will not be jeopardized, the registration contract will be terminated at the end of the semester.
Band Director
Our Homeschool Band director is Robert W. (Bob) Ellithorpe who, having attained his B.M.Ed. at VCU and M.M. from University of Richmond, has accrued over 30 years of experience in instruction and band direction at elementary, middle and high school levels in Hanover and environs as well as instructing at VCU, Randolf Macon, University of Richmond, Garwood Whaley and his own private studio. He has guest conducted with numerous bands, and his performance repertoire is very long including 18yrs with the Richmond Symphony. He has also been on a number of adjudication teams and has a long list professional affiliations and recognitions including being listed in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and more recently was elected to Phi Beta Mu Virginia Band Director’s Hall of Fame-2013.