Gracenotes Band Program offers Nativity students a weekly half-hour semi-private lesson during the school day. The band lesson schedule is rotated so that students do not miss the same class each week. Mrs. Garvey works closely with Nativity teachers, principals, and parents to address scheduling concerns. “I have found that having 2 or 3 students in a lesson is motivating and fun for kids. They want to keep up with their peers and regularly encourage each other,” she says.

 
In addition to the weekly lesson, students meet for a half-hour large group rehearsal during the school day. This time is set by Nativity, so that students do not regularly miss class. Middle School/Advanced Band is on Thursdays, Intermediate Band (5th grade) on Wednesday and beginners on Tuesdays. Students usually receive both a lesson and a band rehearsal  each week, however, some weeks, due to field trips, school testing, early dismissal days, etc., they will get only a lesson or a rehearsal. There will be a minimum of 32 band/lesson days per year.

 
Band is offered to students in 4th through 8th grade. After 6 weeks of lessons, first year students may join the Beginning Band. Second year students are promoted to Intermediate Band. Advanced Band is offered to students who successfully pass the “Advanced Band Test.”

Middle School students also have the opportunity to play in Jazz Band, which meets on Thursdays before school. There is an extra fee for this activity.
 
All band students will perform in the Band Christmas Concert, Monday Dec. 19 and the Spring Concert, Thursday May 17. Advanced Band students have additional playing opportunities, including playing regularly at mass. In the spring they will prepare a solo or ensemble.