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Five years ago there were fourth graders in Myers music classes listening to high school band director Mr. Patrick Sachse and the band on recruiting trips aimed at young people. 

Many of the eighth graders in band now were those fourth graders five years ago, the first ones to be inspired by the trips to Myers Elementary School.

The Bellwood-Antis band is once again visiting the elementary school for the fifth year to play to fourth graders in their music classes during the week of October 30 to November 3.

The intention is to get fourth graders interested in the band at an early age and recruit them.

Mr. Sachse, who teaches band in grades 4 through 12, says that fourth grade students enjoy seeing the instruments up close and hearing them play.

It makes a big difference, he said,  to play for the fourth graders. Five years ago the band had 15 students playing instruments in fourth grade. After going down to visit them, the band is now seeing 30 students in fourth grade band every year.

“This is a great chance for the fourth grade students to see real students excited to play an instrument, which can be more meaningful than just listening to me give a presentation,” said Mr. Sachse. “This is also a great chance for the older students to be a part of the recruiting process. The entire program benefits when the older students take an interest in the beginners.”

Halee Cassidy, a freshman, thinks fourth graders love having the band play for them.

Cassidy said it will make it easier for young musicians if they start playing an instrument when they are you, but the older band students benefit also. 

“It will help me as a musician because it helps me be able to talk to people about my instrument,” she said. “They may not know much about the instrument or how it works.”