The Band Program is offered for academic credit during the school day schedule starting in the 3rd grade. Beginning band is the place for first time instrumentalists to learn their new instruments and the fundamentals of rhythm and reading music. Intermediate Band starts in the Junior HS years and leads to the Advanced Ensemble groups in High School.
Elementary Band
Rockford Lutheran students may begin exploring their band instruments as early as 3rd grade by participating in weekly classes and group lessons designed to work specifically on technical and ensemble skills. Students learn to read music, play their instruments, and develop their musicality while playing in a large group setting. Band students perform at the Christmas Concert and Spring Concert held at the Upper Campus.
Junior High and High School Band
Our Band students continue their musical education with daily junior high and high school classes. Students continue to develop their instrumental techniques, music reading ability, ensemble skills, and musicianship through regular hands-on instruction, optional private lessons, as well as regular performances on campus and throughout the Rockford Community.
If your student is entering Junior High without prior experience with a band instrument, Rockford Lutheran offers Beginning Band--designs especially for beginning musicians. In this unique course, students are encouraged to explore multiple instruments as they grow in their technical skills and musical literacy. Ideally, students progress from this welcoming course and join our Band ensemble.
Competitions
Our band students have opportunities to perform at Solo & Ensemble as well as IHSA and IGSMA large-group contest. Students regularly perform around the community at area churches, nursing homes, schools, and take trips to compete at Six Flags- Great America. Rockford Lutheran prides itself on our decorated history within these competitions.
Additional Musical Opportunities
Tri-M Music Honor Society - The Tri-M® Music Honor Society is the national music honor society for high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Music students at Rockford Lutheran may apply for membership in Tri-M beginning in 10th grade. Senior High students may also take part in Pep Band.
Conductors/Directors
Mr. John Schmidt - Beginning Band, Private Lessons
John Schmid has been serving at Rockford Lutheran Schools for 26 years in different capacities, as band choir and music teacher. His background in music spans from classroom teaching to private lessons to performance. He is a graduate of Concordia University, Nebraska and holds a master's degree in music education from Baylor University. Mr. Schmid also enjoys playing guitar and singing as part of the bands Epiphany and Threefold Cord.
Creativity runs in the family, as John's wife, Cheri, is a RLA art teacher and both of their children are active in the arts community.
Mrs. Karen Kahler - Junior High Band, Senior High Band
Karen “Miss K” Manley Kahler is a Belvidere resident, where she is the music director at Our Family of Faith. She received a degree in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL. Karen is an active performer in the Rockford area and loves teaching at Rockford Lutheran!