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Various honks, squeaks and other unique sounds emanated from Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary School Wednesday night, Aug. 21.
The noises were in response to band instructor Steve Olson’s invitation to incoming fifth-grade students and their parents to come and try out a few instruments before the school year begins.
More than a dozen aspiring musicians and their parents expressed interest in H-BC’s beginner band program.
Olson sent letters to 24 fourth-grade students this spring offering the first-time instrument introduction session.
“I’m looking at 17 or 18 who expressed interest,” Olson said.
Representatives from Popplers Music of Sioux Falls brought a variety of instruments to the elementary school for students to try and parents to rent or purchase.
Soon-to-be fifth-grader Emma Evans recently moved to Beaver Creek.
She’s interested in the flute and has experience learning to play an instrument. Emma played the violin last year and on Wednesday tried playing a flute and clarinet.
She chose the flute, “because it’s easier to blow,” she said.
Classmate AJ Foote is excited to play any instrument. He tried the saxophone before settling on learning to the play the trumpet.
“I want to make sure he know his options,” said his mother, Candace.
The reality show, “America’s Got Talent,” inspired AJ to try a band instrument. In the past he has learned to play the guitar and piano.
Director Olson said band allows students an exciting opportunity to play individually and in a group setting.
Studies have shown that playing an instrument improves a student’s intellectual skills, teaches discipline, increases self-esteem and relieves stress.
And the biggest reason to join band, Olson said, “It is fun.”