Home-school students in Southwest Louisiana now have the opportunity to participate in band classes akin to those taught in public and private schools.
The Lake Area Music Academy Homeschool Band Program is a new program unlike any other in the region, said teacher Beverly Jones.
Jones, an oboe player, knew she wanted to be a band director shortly after joining her middle school band. With the inspiration and guidance of her band directors and teachers guiding her, she earned a Bachelor of Music in education from McNeese State University. In 34 years, she has taught middle, high and marching band, color guard and elementary music. She’s also taught private oboe lessons in Southwest Louisiana.
Music was “an integral part” of Jones’ education. She comes from a family of scientists — her father is an organic chemist, her mother a biologist and her two brothers are physicists — who know the importance of music for a well-rounded education.
“The creative process is the same whether you are creating music, writing a novel or making scientific discoveries. As a mom, I continued that philosophy with my own children. It has been my greatest joy to be each of my own kid’s middle school band director.”
After meeting a home-schooled student shopping for clarinet reeds, it became her mission to provide music education for students without traditional access.
“He was teaching himself how to play the clarinet using YouTube videos. My initial thought was, ‘Wow! What an industrious young man!’ ” she recalled. “My next thought was, ‘I wish there were a way for him to have a real band experience.’ I am excited to be able to begin this new program to fill the need in the homeschool band community.”
A proper music education can teach children skills like rhythm, reading music and sound production, which are all transferable to other subjects — math, language and science.
Not only does music fully flesh out an education, but it also nurtures collaborative skills in students.
“We become a team with a common goal and that teaches us to contribute, listen, and get along with each other,” she said.
No prior music or band experience is needed to participate in the Lake Area Music Academy Homeschool Band Program. With a back-to-the-basics approach, students will learn proper fundamentals, technique and ensemble skills under Jones’ tutelage. Sometimes, students will get to play alongside her.
“It’s eye-opening being a part of the band and seeing everything from their perspective.”
The band will play concerts throughout the year, including a Christmas and spring recital. Additionally, the students can audition for district and state honor bands, and have a chance to earn college scholarships based on skills like private and public students.
“Playing music for an audience is the final step of the creative process and I am excited our students will be able to play for friends and family,” she said.
The band will meet once a week at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 4020 Hodges St. Students will also have access to small group and individual sessions.
The program targets grades five through 12, with beginner, intermediate and advanced classes available. During registration, Jones will help the students select their instrument: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, snare drum or bells.
For more information, email lakeareamusicacademy@gmail.com .
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