Elementary band program recruits at Byhalia


Thursday, April 19, 2007
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Elementary band program recruits at Byhalia

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Photo by Sue Watson

New band program
Byhalia Elementary and Middle School students are studying musical instruments this spring with the expectation of having a set schedule of classes for instruments and band next fall. Pictured with instructor Eckard Fox are Knetorya Darden, William Painter, Allen Davis, Roneisha Isom, Megan Abrams, Alexis Humphrey, Jaterrica Harden, Alexandria Elmore and Tasha Brown.

Byhalia School began a rudimentary program in instruments in January and wants to plan with parents for scheduled band classes next fall, according to instrumental music and band instructor Eckard Fox.

This is the first time in a number of years that Byhalia schools will be working with grades three through eight with instruments and band.

About eight students are meeting for practice between 7 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., Fox said. The program will be full-fledged next year with a set schedule of classes.

Children with instruments already or transfer students who have band experience can continue their music education, Fox said. And parents who want to enroll their children in classes next fall are encouraged to make their wishes known before school is out this semester.

Parents should talk with Fox before purchasing an instrument.

“We can continue that child’s education, because at the end of the line, there’s a possible college music scholarship,” Fox said.

“Music is more than entertainment; it is a lifelong learning skill,” Fox said.

Parents whose children will be in the third through eighth grades and who have interest in their children participating in instrumental music classes are asked to come to the school to discuss needs with Fox.

Parents can visit the school at any time but Fox has extra time to talk longer with parents if they schedule a visit in the mornings from 8:55 a.m. through 9:20 a.m. or in the afternoon between the hours of 2:20 p.m. and 3 p.m.

To arrange an appointment with Fox call the elementary school office at 662-838-4214.

Parents are asked not to buy or rent an instrument before talking it over with Fox.

Fox is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he earned a bachelor’s in instrumental music. He played with U.S. Army bands while on active duty.

Saxophone is Fox’s favorite horn, but he played clarinet in the army band.

Fox also has postgraduate hours in school administration with Cambridge College in Boston, Mass.

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