Hello! My name is Wes Miller, I founded the Buckeye Band about 15 years ago and I'm so glad to still be doing it!
The Buckeye Home School Band is designed to serve a couple of functions. The most obvious is to teach home schooled children how to play a musical instrument. Another, less obvious use of the band, is for students who already know how to play an instrument but want to play in a group with others. I do want to add that since we only meet once a week I strongly urge you to seek out a high quality private teacher to help your child in learning their instrument. I also teach privately and would be happy to take on your child as a student if you'd like more information please let me know.
The advantage of joining the Buckeye Home School Band: my experience is heavily rooted in performance, I bring the discipline and experience necessary to be a successful performer to the way I teach the band. We will cover a great deal of material in a very short amount of time. This teaches the kids how to sightread and it strengthens their breathing, lips and technique. My motto is "Less talk, more playing." More playing means more fun and more learning!
Advantages to being in the Buckeye Band Program
1. My teaching style and focus is directed at a class that is performance based. In other words, while we do have discussions in class about the music and how it is built (composed, for example) most of the time is spent playing. Not all bands are run that way. I view it as a strength. 2. I challenge the kids in the class to think and play. Many other band classes won't have the kids play individually out of concern that the kids will be uncomfortable. My view, and the way I was taught is that you have to learn to come out of your shell and my band class is a safe space to do that. 3. After teaching in this type of setting since 1993, I am very good at recognizing playing issues with the kids as well as mechanical problems with their instrument. I can then come up with a strategy to fix the problem. Not all teachers can do that. 4. In the advanced band I make changes to the music on the fly and sometimes the kids find themselves having to learn a new section of music very quickly. We always have unusual and limited instrumentation in the group and I can either leave sections of music out, or scrap the entire piece. I generally choose to rewrite a part and give the students a challenge. The other place you will see this happen is professional level groups.
Class Levels Class is on Wednesdays.
The Beginner class will be from 1:00-1:50 The Advanced class will be 2:00-2:50. If you aren’t sure what class your child should be in please call me ASAP.
Cost For one student- $310 For two students- $595 For three students- $905 $295 for each additional student after three.
What you will need An instrument, Essential Elements for Band Book 1 for Beginners and Book 2 for Advanced Band. A folding music stand that should also be brought to each class. Bring a pencil to every class.
Flutes: Cleaning rod and cleaning cloth Clarinets: Cleaning kit, #2.5 rico reeds and a reed holder. Yamaha 4C mouthpiece Sax: Cleaning kit, #2.5 Rico reeds, reed holder. Yamaha 4C mouthpiece Trumpet: Cleaning kit French Horn: Cleaning kit Trombone: Cleaning kit Percussion: You can get either a snare kit or a combo kit. Snare kit is only snare and combo has snare and bells. With the bells the kids learn how to read notes just like the horn players. Everything will be in the kits.
This fee covers Instruction, use of rehearsal space and sheet music (Does not cover The Essential Elements Band Method)
Ages I can start kids as young as 9, usually any younger doesn't work too well. However, I have seen 8 year old's that do very well if taking private lessons and parental assistance with practice at home every day. If you have a question about this reach out to me.
What Instrument? If you need help in selecting an instrument for your child please call me NOW, the sooner we get into this and try out some instruments the better. I’m happy to meet one on one with folks to help them decide.
Where to get instruments Honestly, the best place to go is Buckeye Brass and Winds, they do a very good job. I've seen folks have good luck at Music Go Round but feel free to let me see the instrument before the classes start in case there are any issues that need to be repaired. Also, Music and Arts. Getting a used music instrument is a lot like buying a used car, you may find a great deal or you could end up with a lot of problems that someone else was trying to get rid of. You just need to exercise caution and have a repairman or a knowledgeable player check over the instrument. The best student line instruments on the market are all made by Yamaha. Other good brands are Vito, Gemienhardt flutes, Jupiter, Leblanc, Musser (drums), Holton.
Private Lessons I have been a private teacher for over 35 years and teach a number of instruments. If you have any questions about private lessons please let me know.
Payment Payments/registration can be made starting immediately, so that I know the numbers and types of instruments I’ll have, all payments must be in by September 15. I can accept cash, check or any credit/debit card In addition, please make sure you’ve given me your name, phone number, child's name, your email address, the child’s instrument and level of playing experience. You can fill out that info HERE. For those wanting to pay in cash we can arrange to meet. Checks need to be mailed to: Wes Miller 728 South Wayne Avenue, Columbus 43204. I can take credit cards over the phone. There are no refunds.
Be sure to know the classroom expectations and take responsibility for your actions!
Be Respectful: Be respectful of others and their property. This includes not talking loudly or out of turn, not touching other students’ belongings, and being careful with school equipment.
Participate: Bring your instrument and take part in classroom activities each day. Be Prepared: Have your music folder and pencil with you each day. Let the band director know if your music folder is missing or damaged.Make a Positive Contribution to class each day!
Be on Time!! Be in your seat with your instrument/folder/notebook/pencil No gum, no gum, NO GUM!!!!!!! No gum, food, pop, etc. is permitted in the music room EVER! We are guests in our rehearsal space and we want to be respectful of our host’s property.
No Cells Phones out in Class!
Practice I would like each student to practice 3x a week for 20 minutes each or the equivalent. Practicing is the only way that a student can progress in their playing ability. Due to the nature of our groups, it is critical for students to practice regularly in order to make our ensembles the best they can be. I adhere to the old adage: You practice alone, you rehearse as a group. Being prepared for rehearsal means practicing one’s own part beforehand.
Contact My contact info is: 614-323-7052, [email protected]. I’m really looking forward to getting back into classes!
Two additional performances this year in addition to the ones on the schedule, dates to be announced. 1. Easter performance at the church 2. Mothers' day performance at the church.
Schedule September 24 First Class
October 1 Class October 8 Class October 15 Class October 22 Class October 29 Class
November 5 Class November 12 Class November 19 Christmas Concert/preview performance. Performance at Buckeye Brass and Winds Be there no later than 4:30 for a 5:00 Performance
Christmas Break!
January 7 Class January 14 Class January 21 Class January 28 Class
February 4 Class February 11 Class February 18 Class February 25 Class
March 4 Class March 11 Class March 18 Class March 25 No Class, spring Break
April 1 Class April 8 Class April 15 Class April 22 Class April 29 Class
May 6 Final performance at Buckeye Brass and Winds Be there no later than 4:30 for a 5:00 Performance.