ABOUT US | SEMS Band and Choir

WELCOME TO SAN ELIJO MIDDLE SCHOOL

BAND AND CHOIR!

Our Mission Statement

The SEMS Music Boosters support the San Elijo Middle School Band and Choir programs by supporting administration and financial needs. This includes encouraging the community's interest in music and music education, facilitating communication and collaboration among stakeholders, providing financial support through fundraising efforts, and promoting cooperative effort between home and school.

Funds benefit the students through the enhancement of the music program. The SEMS Music Boosters Executive Board members are the guardians of these funds and have an obligation to see that they are protected and used wisely. Funds may be used for program needs including but not limited to purchasing of musical instruments, material and supplies, instrument coaches, attire, transportation and equipment needed for performances and other educational opportunities, scholarships and school-sponsored activities, pre-funding program expenses that are expected to be reimbursed, and administrative tools.

What the Students Say....

It’s their favorite class of the day.
They are proud to be 'Band Geeks' and 'Choir Kids'
Band and Choir is one big family, you get to know kids from different grades, it's a place to hang out.
They can't imagine their life without music.
The festivals and field trips are so much fun.
They want to continue to take music at High School.
They have gained confidence in areas outside of music as well as in music.
Their skills in math and other subjects have improved after taking music.

A Bit About Us....

What makes the program so successful?

Almost one third of students at San Elijo Middle take music, over 300 students.
There are 4 different levels of band: Beginning, Concert Band, Golden Eagle Band, and Wind Symphony (our top band). All have 40-50 students or more, allowing for good sized bands at every level.
There are different levels of band in 6th grade allowing for beginners and non-beginners to progress at appropriate paces.
There are currently two levels of choir: Beginning for any grade and Advanced for 7th/8th Grade with experience.
Unlike most schools, which only have one music teacher, San Elijo has 2 credentialed music teachers and has coaches specialized in their instrument.
Musicians love to perform - so we use every opportunity to show off our students.
Advanced students, are given the opportunity to take part in an annual adjudicated Solo & Ensemble Festival which pushes them to higher levels of achievement.
For the truly dedicated, the school offers, not one, not two, but 3 levels of jazz, daily, during zero period (7-8am): Intro Jazz, House Band and Gig Band. The Gig Band contains roughly 25 students, participation being by audition only. The House and Gig Bands represent the school at Festivals and other outside performances.
San Elijo consistently earns the highest rating at almost every festival it takes part in.
Music students are amongst the highest academic achievers in the school.
Students are rewarded for their efforts over the course of the year, our Awards are a fun and social end to the year in June.

Mrs. Patricia Storey, our principal, and her administration team of Mr. Joe Bilecki & Mrs. Cheryl Sestito fully support the Band & Choir. They attend and assist at every event, and recognize that we offer an exceptional program.
Mrs. Homes & Mrs. McInnis, our band directors. They have one clear objective: to expose their students to the joys of playing music, such that they develop a passion for music, that lasts them a lifetime. With young energy, experience and a clear vision, Mrs. Homes & Mrs. McInnis know what it takes; the SEMS band & choir programs and its support structure are all their making.
Dedicated music coaches.
A group of parents who run the Band Boosters that acts as the administrative arm of the band. They photocopy music, collect donations, organize field trips, and other activities.
Once the district allowance has run out, Band Boosters fund those extra coaches, the program printing costs and everything else. The band program costs around $40,000/year to run above what is provided by the District. Hence our request for donations at the start of the year.
Awesome parents who offer their support in any and every way they can: attending fundraisers, helping to run fundraisers, moving instruments, printing certificates, chaperoning field trips, sorting band photos, and much more.
And last but most importantly, our wonderful students who are enthusiastic, capable, talented, spirited, and dedicated; and who recognize a good opportunity when they see it!