The halls of Whitinsville Christian School are frequently alive with the sound of music. With the new school year, fifth grade students have the exciting opportunity to participate in the Explorer Band. This semester-long program lets young musicians explore instruments, discover their strengths, and experience the joy of making music together. “I like Explorer Band, it’s a pretty unique idea,” said Andrew, WCS fifth grader.
What makes this program truly special is its “try it before you buy it” approach. Under the direction of WCS Band Director, Derek Wielsma, students can experiment, make a joyful noise, learn the basics of an instrument and how to care for it, and see what fits best before committing to one instrument. Instead of having to choose an instrument the summer before your sixth-grade year, before even knowing how it feels to play it, students get hands-on experience with a variety of instruments. “We get to learn about all sorts of instruments like flutes, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, not just one or two,” said Logan, Explorer Band student.
“This approach exposes the students to the world of music in a safe, non-performance-based situation,” said Elisabeth Goodson, Elementary Principal. “Students aren’t afraid to make mistakes. They’re encouraged to explore and try out an instrument, or two or three. That’s how they discover what they love.” Ezra, one of the Explorer Band students shared, “You can make some really cool sounds with the different instruments.” “After two weeks, I made a really good sound on the flute. It felt so good,” said Reagan, Explorer Band student. Her classmate, Zoe, added, “Once you make that first real sound on an instrument, you have this joy and confidence.” “Everyone claps when you make a good sound, and that’s really cool,” said Mason. “The clarinet was the first instrument that I was able to make the best sound on. I could sort of make a sound on the trumpet, but I like the clarinet better.”
“The Explorer Band program reminds us that learning can be joyful, brave, and full of discovery,” said Goodson. As for the fifth graders, one thing is sure: the WCS Explorer Band is hitting all the right notes – creating confidence, connection, and maybe even a few future musicians along the way. “I know I’m going to ask Santa for a trumpet for Christmas!” exclaimed Zoe.