KPBSD Winter Concerts and Music Programs

Treat yourself and attend a music concert or school play!

Programs are at the school location unless otherwise noted. Also note that some schools have more than one program, and the location may vary by date.

  • Aurora Borealis Charter School – December 3, 6:00 p.m., “Merry Christmas to you from the Red, White and Blue,” KCHS Auditorium
  • Chapman School – December 10, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Root Beer Float & Cookie Sale, Grades PreK-8
  • Cooper Landing School – December 10, 5:30 p.m., “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and Holiday Potluck Dinner
  • Homer High School – December 16, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Mariner Theater; December 19, 7:00 p.m., Candlelight Carols & Desserts, Mariner Theater
  • Homer Middle School – December 12, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Homer High School Mariner Theater
  • Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – December 17, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Treasures Winter Concert Grades 1-5, KCHS Auditorium
  • K-Beach Elementary School – December 3, 6:30 p.m., K-2 Christmas Concert, Soldotna High School Auditorium; December 17, 6:30 p.m., Christmas Band Concert, K-Beach Gym
  • Kenai Central High School – December 11, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring KMS Concert & Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert & Jazz Band, KCHS Auditorium; December 15, 3:00 p.m., Holiday Choir Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Kenai Middle School – December 10, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Concert, KCHS Auditorium; December 11, 6:15 p.m., Dessert Auction; 7:00 p.m. Holiday Band Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • McNeil Canyon Elementary School – December 12, 6:30 p.m., The Grumps of Ring-A-Ding Town Musical, McNeil Gym
  • Moose Pass School – December 13, 6:00 p.m., ‘Twas the Night- a Holiday Performance Grades K-6
  • Mountain View Elementary School – December 17, 6:00 p.m., Band Concert, MVE Gym; December 16, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 1-3, KCHS Auditorium
  • Nikiski Middle-High School – December 17, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, NMHS Auditorium
  • Nikiski North Star Elementary School – December 10, 6:00 p.m., Christmas Concert Grades 1-2, Nikiski Middle-High School Auditorium; December 12, 6:00 p.m., Kindergarten Winter Concert NNS Gym; December 12, 6:30 p.m., Concert Band Winter Concert; December 12, 6:30 p.m., NNS Choir Christmas Concert, NNS Gym
  • Ninilchik School – December 18, 3:00 p.m., Music Program Grades K-6
  • Paul Banks Elementary School – December 10, 1:00 p.m., “A Bugz Christmas” Winter Program, Homer High School Mariner Theatre
  • Redoubt Elementary School – December 5, 6:00 p.m., Redoubt Christmas Concert Grades 4-6, Soldotna High Auditorium
  • Seward Elementary School – December 17, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 3-5
  • Seward Middle School – December 11, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Middle School Auditeria
  • Skyview Middle School – December 12, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert Band, Choir, Drumline
  • Soldotna Elementary School – December 16, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-6, Soldotna High Auditorium
  • Soldotna High School – December 10, 7:00 p.m., Band, Choir, and Jazz Band
  • Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 5, 6:30 p.m., Band & Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary Gym; December 17, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-6, Soldotna High Auditorium
  • Sterling Elementary School – December 16, 5:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-6 and band
  • Tebughna School – December 13, 5:00 p.m., K-12 Winter Program “Christmas Around the World”
  • Tustumena Elementary School – December 19, 6:00 p.m., Winter Program, Tustumena Gym
  • West Homer Elementary School – December 17, 1:00 p.m., Winter Program Grades 3-6, Homer High Mariner Theatre

KPBSD Winter Music Program Lineup

2018 winter concerts

 Celebrate what’s right in the world, and treat yourself – attend a music concert or school play!

Programs are at school location unless otherwise noted. Some schools have more than one program, and so the location may vary by date.

  • Aurora Borealis Charter School – December 4, 6:00 p.m., Christmas Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Chapman School – December 11, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert
  • Cooper Landing School – December 14, 5:30 p.m., Christmas Program with Potluck Dinner
  • Homer High School – December 17, 7:00 pm, Winter Concert, Mariner Theater; December 19, 7:00 pm, Candlelight Carols & Desserts, Mariner Theater
  • Homer Middle School – December 13, 7:00 p.m, Winter Concert, Homer High Mariner Theater
  • Hope School – December 8, 5:00 p.m., Holiday Community Carnival; December 19, 6:00 p.m, Student Concert
  • K-Beach Elementary School – December 11, 6:30 p.m., K-2 Christmas Concert, Soldotna High Auditorium; December 18, 6:30 p.m., Winter Band Concert, K-Beach Gym
  • Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – December 13, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Kenai Central High School; December 18, 6:00 p.m., Band Concert 4-5 Grade, Kaleidoscope Gym
  • Kenai Central High School – December 11, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring the KMS Concert & Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert & Jazz Band, KCHS Auditorium; December 16, 3:00 p.m., Holiday Choir Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Kenai Middle School – December 6, 7:00 p.m., Winter Choir Concert, KCHS Auditorium; December 11, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring the KMS Concert & Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert & Jazz Band, KCHS Auditorium
  • McNeil Canyon Elementary School – December 6, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert, McNeil Canyon Gym
  • Moose Pass schoolDecember 7, 7:00 p.m., Music Program
  • Mountain View Elementary School – December 10, 6:00 p.m., Band Concert, Gym; December 17, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 1-3, KCHS Auditorium
  • Nanwalek School – January 3, 1:00 p.m., Nanwalek Christmas Program
  • Nikiski Middle-High School – December 4, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium
  • Nikiski North Star Elementary School – December 6, 6:00 p.m., Kindergarten Winter Concert, NNS Gym; December 6, 6:45 p.m., Concert and Modern Band Winter Concert, NNS Gym; December 11, 6:00 p.m., Christmas Concert Grades 1-2, NMHS Auditorium
  • Paul Banks Elementary School – December 11, 12:30 p.m., Winter Program, Homer High Mariner Theatre
  • Port Graham School – December 21, 2:00 p.m., Port Graham Christmas Caroling Program
  • Redoubt Elementary School – December 6, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 1-2-3, Soldotna High Auditorium; December 11, 6:00 p.m., Winter Band Concert, Redoubt Gym
  • Seward Elementary School – December 18, 7 p.m., Swing Holiday Program
  • Seward High School – January 14, 6:30 p.m., Music Collective Winter Concert
  • Skyview Middle School – December 13, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert Band, Choir, Drumline
  • Soldotna Elementary School – December 4, 6:30 p.m., Christmas Concert, Soldotna High Audtitorium; December 18, 6:00 p.m., Band & Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary Gym
  • Soldotna High School – December 18, 7:00 p.m., Band, CHoir, Jazz, Swing Choir, Soldotna High Auditorium
  • Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 3, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-6, Soldotna High Auditorium; December 18, 6:00 p.m., Band & Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary Gym
  • Sterling Elementary School – December 6, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-3; December 11, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 4-6 and band
  • Susan B. English School – December 13, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-12
  • Tebughna School – December 18, 2:00 p.m., Holiday Program
  • West Homer Elementary School – December 4, 12:30 p.m., Christmas Program, Homer High Mariner Theater

Printable flyer with music lineup

Celebrate Audra Faris, NNS music teacher

School Band and Orchestra SBO 20th Annual “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” in 2017!

 

 Audra Faris, Nikiski North Star Elementary music teacher, represents Alaska!audra school pic

“I feel quite honored and totally undeserving of this award. Somewhere, some kind soul nominated me for this modern band award. I am thankful that someone noticed I was doing modern band. It is not nearly as popular as concert band is in elementary schools. In fact, I think I am the only modern band teacher for elementary level in our district. But the kiddos love it! Our “rock band” is very successful. Kids get to play the tunes they know and enjoy, and it is very fun for me as well. Rockin’ out is a new concept for this classically trained singer and music teacher! I have to say jamming on the drum kit is my favorite!”

Kids playing guitar 2
School Band and Orchestra Magazine asked Ms. Faris a few questions, and shares her responses online

What is your proudest moment as an educator?

“I have had several. Whenever a student is smiling and enjoying themselves while performing, I am thrilled. There are thousands of those little moments that happen, not only during a performance, but while they are here in the classroom. But most of all, when a student continues music beyond my classroom, it lets me know that I have planted a seed in their hearts and sparked an interest that may not have been there before.”

How do you hope to make a difference in students’ lives?

“I want students to enjoy music. I want them to experience something really cool here in my classroom that makes them stop and say, “Wow, that was fun,” or “Wow, that makes me want to know more!” Music should be more than just a break from the regular classroom, it should be an enlightening adventure to exposing a part of who they already are. It should be a compliment to the wonderful person they are inside!”

What’s the most important lesson that you try to teach your students?

“Truly, it is that music is in everything. It is hard to imagine our daily lives without music: a radio in the morning on our way to work, the school song on the intercom, the students sharing their favorite artists and songs. But music goes beyond that. It is in the fluency of which we read and talk. It is the counting rules and fractions in math, it is our history that brought about many changes in our culture and diversity. Music is in everything. I talk often with my students about how what we are learning fits in to what they are already experiencing. It is not a hard bridge to cross. Rhythm, improvisation, theory, melody, playing an instrument and all that music encompasses can be sewn into a lesson pertaining to our daily routines and lives.”
Mrs. Gilman, Nikiski North Star Elementary principal said, “We are so excited and proud for her! Since she has been at NNS she has started a modern (rock) band and continued to develop the concert band. In addition, she has now started an after school choir. In terms of engagement, 68% of our fourth and fifth graders started band last fall and played at the spring concert in May. That is a tremendous level of participation for something they have to miss part of recess to pursue!”
http://sbomagazine.com/
kids playing guitar 6

kids playing guitar 4

 

KPBSD Winter Music Lineup

20171206_HL_Winter-School-Concerts_LEAD

 Celebrate what’s right in the world, and treat yourself – attend a music concert or school play!

Programs are at school location unless otherwise noted. Also, some schools have more than one program, and so the location may vary by date.

  • Aurora Borealis Charter School – November 30, 7:00 p.m., Winter Program, Soldotna High School
  • Chapman School – December 12, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Rootbeer Float Fundraiser
  • Cooper Landing School – December 13, 5:00 p.m, Play with Santa and Potluck Dinner
  • Homer High School – December 18, 7:00 p.m, Winter Concert, Mariner Theater; December 20, 7:00 p.m, Candelight, Carols and Desserts, Mariner Theater
  • Homer Middle School – December 14, 7:00 p.m, Winter Concert, Homer High Mariner Theater
  • Hope School – December 20, 6:00 p.m, Student Concert
  • K-Beach Elementary School – December 14, 6:30 p.m., Band Concert Grades 4-5-6; and December 19, 6:30 p.m, Holiday Concert Grades K-2, Soldotna High Auditorium
  • Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – December 7, 6:00 p.m., Band Concert Grades 4-5; December 14, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Concert grades 1-5, KCHS Auditorium
  • Kenai Central High School – December 12, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring the KMS Concert & Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert & Jazz Band, KCHS Auditorium; and December 17, 3:00 p.m. Holiday Choir Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Kenai Middle School – December 7, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Choir Concert; and December 12, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring the KMS Concert & Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert & Jazz Band, KCHS Auditorium
  • McNeil Canyon Elementary School – December 7, 6:30 p.m., North Pole Musical
  • Moose Pass School – December 11, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Musical
  • Mountain View Elementary School – December 11, 6:00 p.m., Mountain View Youth Chorus and Band Concert; December 18, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 1-3, KCHS Auditorium
  • Nanwalek School – January 4, 1:00 p.m., Nanwalek Christmas Program
  • Nikiski Middle-High School – December 19, 7:00 p.m., Band, Choir, Guitar, and Ukulele Winter Concert
  • Nikiski North Star Elementary School – December 12, 6:00 p.m., Winter Choir Concert Grades 1-2, NMHS Auditorium; and December 14, 6:00 p.m., Kindergarten Winter Concert; plus 6:45 p.m., Concert and Modern Band Winter Concert
  • Nikolaevsk School – December 11, 1:40 p.m., Winter Concert
  • Paul Banks Elementary School – December 5, 12:30 p.m., Winter Program, Homer High Mariner Theatre
  • Port Graham School – December 21, 2:00 p.m., Port Graham Christmas Program
  • Redoubt Elementary School – December 19, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 4-5-6, at Redoubt Elementary
  • Seward Elementary School – December 18, 6:00 p.m., Holiday Program
  • Seward High School – January 18, 7:00 p.m., Music Collective
  • Seward Middle School – December 12, 1:30 p.m., Christmas Concert, Seward High School; December 14, 7:00 p.m., Band, Choir, and Drumline Winter Concert
  • Skyview Middle School – December 14, 7:00 p.m., Band, Choir, and Drumline Winter Concert
  • Soldotna Elementary School – December 4, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 1-6, Soldotna High Auditorium; December 19, 6:00 p.m., Band & Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary Gym
  • Soldotna High School – December 12, 7:00 pm, Band, Choir, Jazz Band, and Swing Choir
  • Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 5, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 1-6, Soldotna High Auditorium; December 19, 6:00 p.m., Band & Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary Gym
  • Sterling Elementary School – December 7, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-3; December 12, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 4-6 and band
  • Susan B. English School – December 12, 6:30 p.m., K-12 Christmas Program
  • Tebughna School – December 20, 6:00 p.m., Christmas Play and Turkey Dinner
  • Tustumena Elementary School – December 11, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert
  • West Homer Elementary School – December 12, 12:30 pm, Christmas Program, Homer High Mariner Theater

Three state virtual choir imagining a wonderful world

2017 Imagine a Wonderful World virtual choir

click to watch Imagine a Wonderful World

In April and May, three KPBSD Redoubt Elementary music classes (4th, 5th, 6th) joined students from Michigan and Texas to learn a song and employ technology to create a video with 115 young people from three states singing the same song together in a virtual choir!
“We are following the model of Eric Whitacre’s virtual choirs, one of which you can see here,” said teacher, Ms. Pugia. “Students learned and recorded, individually or in small groups, a song that they and two other choirs also learned. Together, all of the videos were uploaded and multi-tracked (voice and video) into one cohesive project, so the whole song is heard as if it is sung by just one choir all in the same place!”
Thank you to:

All composer credits are in video. All songs copyright to original composers.

Celebrate Jonathan Dillon, 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of Excellence!

Jonathan Dillon 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of Excellence (3)

“While I am honored by this recognition, I want to share that it isn’t mine alone. What we achieve at Mountain View Elementary—both students and staff—comes from the ways in which each of us work to support one another. I am fortunate to teach alongside helpful administrators, loving families, master teachers and staff, and—most importantly—kind, curious students. I am grateful to be a part of the Mountain View family.” – Jonathan Dillon

Jonathan Dillon teaches music in kindergarten through fifth grade at Mountain View Elementary School in Kenai. He has been a teacher for five years, all five of which have been in Alaska. In addition to being nominated by parents of his students, Jonathon was recognized by many of his fellow teachers. The universal consensus is that he’s a really nice guy, always willing to help struggling students and his coworkers, he simply loves teaching.
Johnathan graduated from University of Alaska Fairbanks with a bachelor’s in music and earned a master’s degree, also in music, from the University of Montana. Clearly, he is a gifted musician, but it’s as a teacher that he earned this compliment from a parent: “Mr. Dillon is remarkable in his ability to include all students, of all abilities, in his classes. When a student tells him they do not know something, whether music-related or not, he kindly interjects, ‘Not yet.’”
Whereas conventional wisdom may be that some people have musical talent and some do not, Johnathon approaches each student with the belief that every one of them can learn to create music. Because he teaches a number of grade levels, he is able to mentor them through the first years of learning music, helping them progress: playing a number of instruments, reading and even writing music. Most important, they learn to sing.
He says, “I believe singing is a great equalizer in music education. Each child has his or her own unique voice – and learning to use that voice is the foundation upon which all other musical skills flourish.”
Johnathan is dedicated to helping his students. He teaches band during lunch, and choir after school. He holds concerts during the year to not only allow his students to showcase their talents but to teach them what it means to learn a discipline in private then use it in real application – in public.
One of the many fellow teachers who nominated Johnathon wrote, “Mr. Dillon uses music as a vehicle to elevate each person to the point that they are operating at their highest self – and to ask, ‘How can I make someone else’s day a bit brighter?’ If Mr. Rogers were to come back as a music teacher, his name would be Johnathan Dillon.”
Jonathan Dillon 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of Excellence (2)
Many of Jonathan’s students come to school from very difficult home situations, including homelessness, adoption, foster care, poverty, divorce, and so forth. But as another fellow teacher wrote, “Mr. Dillon is a leader in our school in the way he models kindness, generosity of time and attention, and inclusion of all in his program. He goes above and beyond for those kids every day.”

“Music is only a small part of the curriculum that Mr. Dillon delivers to Mountain View Elementary students,” said Karl Kircher, Mountain View Elementary principal. “Good teachers model what they want their students to learn, and on a daily basis Mr. Dillon seamlessly models kindness, empathy and assuming positive intent as he manages his classes. The entire culture of our school is affected by his actions as he inspires our staff to emulate his practices. The amazing relationships that Mr. Dillon develops with his students and the joy they find in singing together with their friends is evidenced by the fact that 46, 4th and 5th grade students participated in after school, extra-curricular choir this year. Mr. Dillon’s smile and demeanor as he goes about his day from classes to Kindergarten lunch duty to his after-school computer code writing club for shows that he takes in as much joy as he gives.”

This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. They are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed and reach their full potential.”
“BP is proud to honor these great teachers and their tireless work in the classroom,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss. “We see it as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where our people live and work – and an investment in the people who help make Alaska great.”
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District BP Teachers of Excellence winners are:

Congratulations, Jonathan Dillon, BP Teacher of Excellence!
Kodiak, Alaska

Celebrate KPBSD music teacher Jonathan Dillon

2017_Jonathan Dillon - concert picture mountain view

Meet Jonathan Dillon, music teacher at Mountain View Elementary!

In 2016, three Alaska Arts Educator Fellowships were awarded, including a music specialist, a visual arts specialist, and a kindergarten teacher. All three were awarded to KPBSD educators!
Mr. Dillon, Mountain View Elementary music educator,  furthered his study of elementary choral conducting through the Kodály Program at Seattle Pacific University in July 2016. During the program, Dillon participated in choral conducting masterclasses, performed in lab choirs directed by professional conductors, taught an elementary general music lesson, wrote a number of new learning plans, and more—all under the guidance of some of the top elementary music and conducting experts in the Pacific Northwest. Dillon used his follow-up grant to start an elementary choral music library for the Mountain View Youth Chorus, an after-school program in Kenai, Alaska.
In his final report, Dillon reflected:

“This professional development program exceeded my expectations as an opportunity to improve my craft as a conductor and artist, but also prepared me to become a better teacher in general … I’m ecstatic about putting what I’ve learned into practice!”

Links
Facebook: Mountain View Elementary, Kenai, Alaska
Website: Mountain View Elementary
Website: Alaska State Council on the Arts

You're invited: winter musicfest at KPBSD schools #delight

2016-winter-music-concerts

KPBSD Winter Concerts & Music Programs
Please treat yourself and attend a
music concert or school play in December!

 

  • Aurora Borealis Charter School – November 22, 7:00 p.m., Winter Program, KCHS
  • Chapman School – December 15, 7:00 p.m.
  • Homer High School – December 19, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert; December 21, 7:00 p.m., Candlelight, Carols and Desserts
  • Homer Middle School – December 15, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Mariner Theater
  • K-Beach Elementary – December 15, 6:00 p.m., Grades K-2, SoHi Auditorium; De cember 20, 6:30 p.m., 4-6 Bands, K-Beach
  • Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – December 6, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Concert grades 1-5, KCHS
  • Kenai Central High School – December 18, 3:00 p.m. KCHS Choir Holiday Concert, KCHS Auditorium; December 13, 7:00 p.m. KCHS Band Holiday Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Kenai Middle School – December 8, 7:00p.m., KMS Choir Holiday Concert, KCHS auditorium; December 13, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert with the KMS Concert Band, Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert Band & Jazz Band, KCHS auditorium
  • McNeil Canyon Elementary – December 8, 6:30 p.m., Winter Program
  • Moose Pass School – December 5, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Play
  • Mountain View Elementary – November 15, 6:00 p.m., Grades 4-5 Concert & Band Concert, KCHS Auditorium; December 15, 6:00 p.m., Grades 1-3 Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Nikiski Middle-High School – December 12, 7:00 p.m., Winter Band and Choir Concert
  • Nikiski North Star Elementary – December 6, 6:00 p.m., Grades 1-2 Winter Concert, NMHS Auditorium; December 13, 6:00 p.m., Grades PreK-K, modern and concert band Winter Concert, NNS Gym
  • Ninilchik School – December 19, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Rootbeer Float Fundraiser
  • Paul Banks Elementary – December 6, 1:00 p.m., Winter Program, Mariner Theatre
  • Redoubt Elementary – December 8, 6:00 p.m., Grades 1-3 Winter Concert, Soldotna High School; December 13, 6:00 p.m., Band Concert, Gym
  • Seward Elementary – December 15, 6:00 p.m., South Wing Winter Concert, Gym
  • Seward Middle School – December 12, 1:40 p.m., Holiday Drama; December 14, 6:30 p.m., Holiday Music Show, Hotel 360
  • Skyview Middle School – December 15, 7:00 p.m., Band and Choir Winter Concert, Skyview Commons
  • Soldotna Elementary – December 6, 6:30 p.m., Primary Winter Concert (SOEL and SMCS); December 20, 6:00 p.m., Band and Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS)
  • Soldotna High School – December 13, 7:00 p.m., Band and Choir Concert (with Soldotna Prep)
  • Soldotna Prep – December 13, 7:00 p.m., Band and Choir Concert (with Soldotna High School)
  • Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 6, 6:30 p.m., Primary Winter Concert (SOEL and SMCS); December 20, 6:00 p.m., Band and Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS)
  • Sterling Elementary – December 13, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Grades Pre K-3; December 15, Winter Concert, Grades 4-6
  • Susan B. English School – December 13, 6:30 p.m., K-12 Christmas Program
  • Tebughna School – December 21, 6:00 p.m.
  • Tustumena Elementary – December 13, 6:00 p.m.
  • West Homer Elementary – December 13, 1:00 p.m., Mariner Theater

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, 148 N. Binkley Street, Soldotna, Alaska 99669   907.714.8888
PDF: KPBSD Winter Concert schedule

Preludes: Paul Banks Elementary music makers

After a month of paper violins, Paul Banks Elementary “Preludes” graduated to real violins. They are learning how to play the open strings as an ensemble group, how to keep beat in unison, as well as how to hold a bow and develop fingering techniques. While much of the instruction still focuses on building physical stamina, frequently students can be heard calling out notes and plucking strings.
ethan-on-violin
Parent perspective
“I recently moved to Homer and enrolled my first grade son in Paul Banks Elementary. I was surprised to hear of the violin program starting this year. Admittedly, my first reaction was one of doubt whether it would work with such young children.
I became involved in helping out with classroom management for the violin lessons. I am so impressed with what I have witnessed. Not only are the kids really enthusiastic about their program, but they are quickly improving. I have read the research about the positive impact on cognitive development when children learn to play a string instrument so young. What impresses me more is what I have seen. The team of program developers, talented violin instructor, violin players who are volunteering and the elementary music and classroom teachers are really giving a lot of energy and “heart” into this program.
I have observed the kids working happily on posture, stamina to focus, endurance for sustaining physical postures, new patterning coordination, eye-hand isolated coordination tasks, following multi-step directions, retaining previous lessons by memory, spinal and upper body strength, developing rhythm, learning where their own bodies go in space (proprioceptive training) and showing respect for the violin.
It is my opinion that only a team of dedicated and driven adults could pull this off successfully. I am writing this to bring awareness to what I have witnessed. Paul Banks Elementary violin “Preludes” program with its team of charismatic musicians is teaching far more than just violins. I am so pleased that my son gets to be a part of this. It is impressive that ALL kids in the first grade are a part of this, as it would be my guess that a number of these children would not otherwise be included.
I now know that my son is learning a lot more than just music while having a great time. I frequently get reports on violin class without even asking him.” –Ginnie Oliver, MOMT, Physical Therapist
In the news: Beautiful music begins at Paul Banks 

img_0919
Mr. Perry and students lead the class in a song

“This program has been a positive addition to Paul Banks. The community has generously donated money and volunteer hours to get the program up and running. Daniel Perry, Linda Reinhart, and Lyn Maslow have teamed with our teaching staff to create an incredible program.” – Eric Pederson, principal.
img_0921
Mrs. Reinhart’s first graders playing a song that teaches them the names of the notes on the four open strings of the violin, E, A, D, and G.

KPBSD students sing, dance, make merry

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District News Release
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888

KPBSD students sing, dance, make merry

Winter concerts KPBSD 2015


Soldotna, December 1, 2015—Please treat yourself and attend a KPBSD school music concert or holiday program in December.

  • Aurora Borealis Charter School – December 1, 7:00 p.m., Grades K-8, Christmas Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Chapman School – December 3, 7:00 p.m., Grades K-8
  • Cooper Landing School – December 11, 5:30 p.m., Holiday Program and Community Potluck
  • Fireweed Academy Charter School – January 15, 7:00 p.m., LINK-UP with Kenai Peninsula Orchestra
  • Homer High School – December 14, 7:00 p.m., Mariner Theatre; December 16, 7:00 p.m., Candlelight Carols and Desserts, Mariner Theatre
  • Homer Middle School – December 15, 7:00 p.m., Mariner Theatre
  • Hope School – December 17, 6:00 p.m., A Seussified Christmas Carol
  • K-Beach Elementary School – December 11, 6:30 p.m., Band Concert, K-Beach Gym; December 14, 6:00 p.m., Grades K-2, Soldotna High School Auditorium
  • Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – December 3, 7:00 p.m., Winter concert, KCHS auditorium; December 8, 6:00 p.m., Band concert, Kaleidoscope
  • Kenai Central High School – December 8, 7:00 p.m., KCHS Band Holiday (Joint with KMS), KCHS Auditorium; December 13, 3:00 p.m., Choir Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Kenai Middle School – December 8, 7:00 p.m., KMS Band Holiday Concert (Joint with KCHS), KCHS Auditorium; December 10, 7:00 p.m., KMS Holiday Choir, KCHS Auditorium
  • McNeil Canyon Elementary School – December 10, 6:30 p.m.
  • Moose Pass School – December 16, 7:00 p.m., Garfield Christmas Carol
  • Mountain View Elementary School – December 7, 6:00 p.m., Grades 4-5, Choir and Band Concert, gym; December 15, 6:00 p.m., Grades 1-3, Winter Performance, KCHS Auditorium
  • Nanwalek School – December 30, 4:00 p.m.
  • Nikiski Middle-High School – December 10, 7:00 p.m., Middle & High School Choir & Band
  • Nikiski North Star Elementary School – December 3, 6:00 p.m., Grades 1-2, Winter Holiday Concert, NMHS Auditorium; December 10, 6:00 p.m., Grades PreK-K, Christmas Concert, NNS Gym
  • Ninilchik School – December 15, 7:00 p.m.
  • Paul Banks Elementary School – December 10, 1:00 p.m., Bugz Christmas Performance, Homer High Mariner Theater
  • Port Graham School – December 18, 6:00 p.m.
  • Redoubt Elementary School – December 3, 6:00 p.m., Grades 4-6 Winter Concert, Soldotna High School; December 10, 6:00 p.m., Grades 5-6 Band Concert, Redoubt Gym
  • Seward Elementary School – December 10, 5:30 p.m., Grades 3-5, Art Show and Potluck, South wing
  • Seward Middle School – December 10, 1:50 p.m., Holiday Strings Performance, Auditorium; December 15, 1:40 p.m, Holiday Drama Performance, Auditorium
  • Skyview Middle School – December 15, 7 p.m., Band and Choir Winter Concert, Skyview Commons
  • Soldotna Elementary School – December 1, 6:30 p.m., SoHi Auditorium (Joint with Soldotna Montessori)
  • Soldotna High School – December 8,  7 p.m., Soldotna High School Auditorium (Joint with Soldotna Prep)
  • Soldotna Prep – December 8,  7 p.m., Soldotna High School Auditorium (Joint with Soldotna High School)
  • Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 1, 6:30 p.m., Soldotn High School Auditorium (Joint with Soldotna Elementary)
  • Sterling Elementary School – December 9, 6:00 p.m., Grades Pre-K-3; December 14, 6:00 p.m., Grades 4-6
  • Susan B. English School – December 8,  7 p.m., Middle and High School Band Concert;December 15, 6:30 p.m., Grades K-12 Christmas Program
  • Tebughna School – December 16, 6:00 p.m.
  • Tustumena Elementary School – December 10, 6:00 p.m.
  • West Homer Elementary School – December 8, 6:30 p.m., Mariner Theater

Link
KPBSD Winter concerts online list, http://bit.ly/2015WinterMusicConcertsKPBSD
###
This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Suggest or contribute a story online link: http://bit.ly/SuggestKPBSDstory