My name is Wes Miller, I founded and conducted the band about 12 years ago until Covid hit in 2020, I’m so glad to be doing the bands again!
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.
Class Levels 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.
Where/When We will meet in the Town Hall building behind St. John’s Episcopal Church in Worthington (700 High St, Worthington, OH 43085).
Class is on Wednesdays.
The Church is at the south east corner of High Street and 161. Parking is available at the Town Hall building, please follow the yellow arrows as much of the driveway is one-way. Also, a kindergarten class lets out at 1:00 and the church has asked that we exercise extra caution in the parking lot. For folks coming in from High Street, turn at Worthington Jewelers. For those coming in from 161 turn into the Town Hall building driveway near Hartford Street.
Cost For one student- $290 For two students- $560 For three students- $825 $265 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. 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 30 years and teach a number of instruments. If you have any questions about private lessons please let me know.
Instrument repairs I really like Buckeye Brass and Winds as well as Matt Adams. You can reach Matt at 614-654-3349
Payment Payments/registration can be made starting immediately up until the week before the 1st class. But, so that I know the numbers and types of instruments I’ll have, I’d like all payments to really be in by September 13. 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!
Schedule September 25 First Class
October 2 Class October 9 Class October 16 Class October 23 Class October 30 Class
November 6 Class November 13 Class November 20 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 8 Class January 15 Class January 22 Class January 29 Class
February 5 Class February 12 Class February 19 Class February 26 Class
March 5 Class March 12 Class March 19 Class March 26 No Class, spring Break
April 2 Class April 9 Class April 16 Class April 23 Class April 30 Class
May 7 Final performance at Buckeye Brass and Winds Be there no later than 4:30 for a 5:00 Performance. May 14 Final Class/Pizza Party!