Public school band participation is not always an option for homeschooled students. What are the alternatives? Certainly, private lessons are an option, but that leaves out the ensemble experience.

Some communities create bands specifically for homeschooled students.

One such community is in Alamance County, North Carolina. In 2002, Steve Morris started with 25 members and has built his group into 4 ensembles with 45 students. When the Alamance County program started, students furnished their own music stand and book and paid a fee to help with the cost of buying music and equipment. Morris donated his services, and the band practiced at a church.

Student and parental commitment have been strong. Through fund raising, the organization has been able to eliminate the yearly fee for students and pay the director.

How does one create a successful homeschool band? MENC member John Krumm of Ohio has created a list of questions and suggestions to help you get started:

• Ask yourself why you want to do this.
• Contact school administration and music teachers to find out if facilities are available, when, cost, restrictions, etc.
• Contact local homeschool support groups to help with recruitment and to find out best times to rehearse to not interfere with other co-ops and activities.
• Get local music stores involved. They are essential for selling supplies, doing repairs and helping with recruitment.
• Start slow and easy. Better to play very simple things well. Better players can be challenged with solos and small groups.
• Be patient. Hang in there!

Whether you lead a homeschooled band, have homeschooled students in your public school program or have no involvement with homeschooled students, music educators and parents can agree that encouraging the study and making of music by all is critical to advancing music education.

The Homeschool Debate, Part 1

The Homeschool Debate, Part 2

MENC Position Paper on Homeschooling

---Becky Spray, March 3, 2010. © MENC: The National Association for Music Education