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.
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- $275 For two students- $525 For three students- $775 $250 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 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 Music and Arts. They are a giant company but their prices are low and the quality of the instruments is high. They do a very good job. He 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 lesson please let me know.
Instrument repairs I really like Music and Arts as well as Matt Adams. You can reach Matt at 614-654-3349
Payment Payments/registration can be made starting immediately up until the first 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 call, text or email this info. 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, wesmiller1966@gmail.com. I’m really looking forward to getting back into classes!
Schedule September 27 First Class
October 4 Class October 11 Class October 18 Class October 25 Class
November 1 Class November 8 Class November 15 Christmas Concert, time TBA
Christmas Break!
January 3 Class January 10 Class January 17 Class January 24 Class January 31 Class
February 7 Class February 14 Class February 21 Class
March 6 Class March 13 Class March 20 Class March 27 Class
April 3 Class April 10 Class April 17 Class April 24 Class
May 1 Class May 8 Final Concert, time TBA May 15 Final Class