Band students buddy up

DCHS Journalism

By Kyle Huntley

February 14, 2010

If you were at the basketball game a few weeks ago, you might have noticed a larger than usual pep band. The high school students were joined by their band buddies from the grade school for the evening.

“Band Buddies” is a great way to combine the grade school band students with the high school band students to keep the younger students encouraged so hopefully they will continue with band throughout their high school years. All of the high school students participate with the Band Buddy activity. Every beginning fifth grade band member is assigned a high school band student to be his/her “buddy.”

Throughout the year, the buddies write to each other, such as words of encouragement, or just to talk about their favorite things.

Some of the high school students help with the after-school band program at the grade school. Some high school students also give private lessons to the beginning band students.

At the basketball game, the elementary students were able to meet with their band buddy before the game and then sit and play with the high school band during the game.
The elementary and high school band director is Sarah Bricker.

"Band Buddy Night is the most anticipated activity of the year," said Mrs. Bricker. "The students gather together for pizza, practice and socializing before the basketball game. Then they go to the game to hang out with the buddy and play in the pep band. Our High School band students are great mentors for our beginning band students."

Photos by Carol Dixson