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Tootin' their own horns

Subhead
Beginning band students get early start to school
Lead Summary
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By
Mavis Fodness

Incoming Luverne fifth-graders Roselynn Hartshorn and Henry Hartquist chose two non-conventional band instruments to begin lessons with last week.
Most first-year students choose flute, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone or trombone, but these two had their own ideas.
Hartshorn chose the French horn based on a try at the brass instrument from a family member. Hartquist chose the tuba.
“I thought it sounded fun to do,” Hartquist said. “I like the sound.”
The pair began lessons along with about 40 other beginning band students. For these first 10 lessons, however, attendance is not mandatory.
“It is really a benefit for students to have some experience with their instruments and already make practicing a priority from the very start,” said third-year instructor Angie Swenson.
“These summer band lessons really set the students up for more success during the school year.”
For the most part, beginning students are allowed to play instruments of their choosing, she said.
Percussion is the only instrument where interested students had to demonstrate proficiency in keyboard, reading music and rhythm.
“The strongest three to four students were chosen for percussion,” Swenson said.
During the school year Swenson continues as the fifth-grade band instructor along with her duties as the high school German teacher.
Swenson majored in instrumental music education and German while studying at Augustana University in Sioux Falls.
“It really is the best of both worlds for me,” she said.
Her oldest band students are now seventh-graders.
“It’s fun to watch them develop as musicians as they continue their band instruction,” she said.

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