Shell Lake Arts Center held 1st Year Band Student Masterclass

(Aurora Moline, 5th Grade Student from Birchwood School at the 1st Year Band Masterclass 2017)

SHELL LAKE -- Shell Lake Arts Center proudly hosted their first annual Masterclass for 1st Year Band Students.  Over 100 5th and 6th graders from 11 different area schools came together for this special event.  Students played in instrumental sectionals with teachers in the morning, and came together for a full ensemble practice in the afternoon, working with Director Bill Simon on the techniques required to perform the musical selections.  The Masterclass was designed to give students age-appropriate instruction specific to their instrument, and to also give them the "full band" rehearsal that they might not otherwise get to experience during their first year.  

(Group shot of students rehearsing as a full ensemble with Director Bill Simon at 1st Year Band Masterclass 2017)

When asked about some of the best parts of her day, 5th grader Aurora Moline from Birchwood School said "We got to learn how to work together as a band.  This is the first time I have been able to play with this many people.  It was really fun!"  The Arts Center plans to hold this class again in 2018.  For more information on the 1st Year Band Student Masterclass, please call the Arts Center at 715-468-2414 or email info@shelllakeartscenter.org.

Students from the following schools attended this event: Mercer Middle School, New Richmond Middle School, Northwood School, Pepin Junior High, Prescott Middle School, Riverview Middle School, Siren Middle School, St. Croix Falls Middle School, St. Francis De Sales, Birchwood School, Shell Lake School.