**Photos used with permission,
Jonathan Reynolds, UNT Photographer
Start Up the Band is back and better than ever for 2017-2018!
Where: Calhoun Middle School, Band Room
When: Every Saturday from 10:00-11:00 am
Applications Due: September 22
Introduction meeting and program start: September 30
Director: Darhyl Ramsey (darhyl.ramsey@unt.edu), 940.565.3749
Administrative Specialist: Jamel Jackson (Jamel.Jackson@unt.edu), 940.565.3730
Download Parent/Guardian Info Sheet HERE!
Download Application Sheet HERE!
What is Start Up the Band?
The Start Up the Band program is designed to provide band instruments and band instruction for children with financial needs in the Denton Independent School District. The program begins in the fifth grade and is designed to give the participants a head start in learning how to play a band instrument. Students who qualify are provided with an instrument and instruction on a weekly basis one year prior to entering the middle school band program.
Instruction for the students is provided by UNT students. Graduate students are the primary teachers and undergraduate students are the assistants. This provides an opportunity for the UNT students to gain valuable experience in teaching prior to their student teaching semester in music education.
The program began in 2000 as a part of the Owsley Community School and has continued to the present. Currently, support for the program comes from UNT through a grant from the Texas Music Project, the Greater Denton Arts Council, Lone Star Attitude in connection with the John Lennon Educational Foundation, and donations from the Music and Arts company.