Grade School Band Program

The core of the program consists of lessons scheduled with the principal's assistance during the school day. All students receive personalized instruction throughout the day, either in private lessons or small groups. Students are provided with music and folders.

Guarantee and Make-Up Lessons

24 lessons per school year are guaranteed at the student’s grade school. At the instructor's discretion, there may be some weeks when lessons will not be given. This provides flexibility for illness and snow days. Students who are sick or forget their instrument will be charged a lesson if the instructor is there to give the lesson. Make-up lessons may be scheduled if the instructor is available. Please contact your instructor to schedule make-up lessons.

Lesson books are provided by the teacher and may be kept by the student. The lesson book used for beginners is Traditions of Excellence Book 1. As students advance, they will be given the next books in the series or other methods specific to their instrument. Concert music will be provided by the teacher, but must be returned when the student is finished or at the end of the year.

The student is responsible for replacing any lost books or music.

A student may purchase other books of personal interest (pop songs, Disney books, etc.) and is encouraged to bring the books to the lessons.

Band students must provide their own instruments and supplies. Groth Music in Bloomington is the recommended music store for instrument rental/purchase. There are other excellent music stores in the metropolitan area, including Schmitt Music and Ekroth Music, and parents may choose to use them. We have found Groth to be dependable, reliable, and fair. Some of the more expensive instruments, e.g., tuba, baritone saxophone, etc., may be provided by the school as the student advances.

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE INSTRUMENTS ONLINE WITHOUT CONSULTING MR. FENSKE!

Many of the “cheaper instruments” found online are not of good quality and make it very difficult or impossible for the student to learn properly. There are good brands to look for when purchasing online, but it is strongly recommended to purchase or rent from a local music store.

Yamaha band instruments are a preferred brand of instrument to rent or purchase and maintain the most consistency among student-level instruments. If you have a used instrument you would like the student to use, please check with Mr. Fenske to see if the instrument is of good quality. You may also check with one of the listed music stores to see if any maintenance or cleaning should be done to the instrument.

Music accessories and cleaning supplies are important to any instrument. It is important to have all the necessary accessories and cleaning supplies at the first lesson. For a proper playing position, it is highly recommended to have a music stand at home for practice.

Lessons Begin

Week of September 8, 2025

Christmas Concert

Monday, December 15, 2025
6:00 p.m.
SCLA

Winter Band Concert

Sunday, March 1, 2026
2:30 p.m.
SCLA Gym (all band students)

Fine Arts Festival at SCLA

Saturday, April 11, 2026
SCLA (all band students encouraged to participate)

Spring Concert

Thursday, May 7, 2026
6:00 p.m.
SCLA Gym

$500 for the year (due at registration)

The cost of the program is $500 for the year. You can pay online or make a check out to “St. Croix Lutheran Academy” and bring it to the main office or give it to the instructor. The fee does not cover the entire cost of the program, but SCLA provides a substantial subsidy. The fee is for the entire program, not just for lessons.

Mr. John Fenske serves as the middle school and high school band director at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. He is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College (Milwaukee Wisconsin) with an Instrumental Music Education degree and has had experience at all levels throughout his college experience. In 2021, he completed his Masters of Music Education from the American Band College through Central Washington University. His primary instrument is trumpet, but he loves teaching all the instruments. This is his 12th year at SCLA, and he enjoys being a part of the SCLA ministry and working with all the area grade schools.

Mr. Andrew Kramer serves as the middle school band instructor at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. He is a graduate of Martin Luther College with an instrumental music degree, as well as vocal music. He previously served as the 7^th grade teacher at Peace Lutheran School in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. His primary instrument is the tuba, and he also loves teaching the rest of the instruments. Even though it's his first year at SCLA, he is ready to hit the ground running, work with the grade schools, and serve as part of SCLA's ministry!