Director: David M. Little

Band, which began in 1938, is one of the longest running programs in CYO. Youngsters starting at grade four proceed in their musical education along three levels: Cadet (beginners) Band; Junior Concert Band for those with one year's experience in the Cadet Band or who possess training meriting Junior Concert status; and Concert Band, for students whose previous performances merit the higher status and for those that have adequately completed a performance examination. Seasonal concerts are scheduled, as well as contests. The Band has remained strong through the support of the Parents' Booster Club.

The CYO band program, one of the longest running programs in CYO history, is headed up by Director David M. Little. David has a bachelor degree in music education and has been teaching band for over 25 years. Their philosophy is to have the band program represent itself through excellence in performance. This excellence can only be attained through discipline, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and pride. The success as a group and as individuals is based on the willingness and determination to work to the best of each individual's ability. It is also important to have a sense of responsibility. This responsibility should not only be concerned with music, but should also be concerned with a feeling of obligation and loyalty best evident in presence, punctuality, and whole-hearted participation in the band. Each member is dependent upon the other for the success of the CYO bands.

CYO BAND INFORMATION

1. WHEN DOES BAND MEET?

 During the school year, students attending CYO schools will meet once a week at their school for ½ hour during the school day for small group lessons and will also meet once a week with their area CYO band for rehearsals, following the schedule below. Students who attend public schools or are home schooled will arrange small group lessons with the Band Director for an assigned evening during the week and will also meet once a week with their area CYO band for rehearsals. 

Portage area schools rehearse on Tuesdays at Nativity
Crown Point area schools rehearse on Mondays at St. Mary’s CP
Highland/Griffith area schools rehearse on Wednesdays with OLG and St. Mary's Griffith
Valparaiso area schools rehearse on Thursdays at St. Paul
St. John area schools rehearse on Fridays at St. John Evangelist.

2. FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING CYO SCHOOLS, WILL SCHOOL WORK BE AFFECTED? 

 It is the student's responsibility to make up class work missed during the 1/2 hour lesson once a week. Teachers have been very helpful with this and band students help each other find out what class work was missed. Many band students are on the honor roll and are leaders within the school. Remember, band is a privilege.

3. WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?

Fall/Spring Band Tuition is $460 per year. $100 is in the form of a fundraiser IF YOU CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE. Payments may be made in 8 installments of $45 each ($100 due at sign up). PAYMENTS MAY BE MADE IN THE CYO OFFICE BY MAILING A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER OR PAID ONLINE ($3 CHARGE). You must register your child online through the CYO website at nwicyo.org. Initial payment of $100 is due upon registration. Payments are due on the 1st of each month with the first payment due on October 1st and the final payment being due May 1st.  (Please note there is a $10 late charge fee if payments are not received after the 15th of the month). Each student will sell enough to make $100 that will be applied towards your cost for the program. Any extra money raised by the student during the fundraiser will go towards the band program. If you have a financial hardship, please reach out to the CYO office.

Additional costs: Additional costs for beginners include a band book and a folding music stand. Concert band students will need to purchase a CYO t-shirt for performances. Other additional costs that may impact students include basic instrument needs, such as reeds for clarinets and saxophones, valve oil for trumpets and trombones, sticks for drums, etc. Many of these basic instrument supplies and accessories are available for purchase through the Band Director or a music store. Please check with the Band Director for quality brands.

4. HOW DO I OBTAIN AN INSTRUMENT?

Band instruments vary in price based on the condition of the instrument (new or used). Also a factor is the instrument itself. For example, the cost of a flute is different from the cost of a french horn. To obtain specific information regarding each instrument please contact the Quinlan and Fabish music store in Valparaiso, Indiana at (219) 462-5086. CYO also has available some instruments which may be rented on a first-come, first-serve basis NORTHWEST INDIANA CYO BAND DIRECTOR: DAVID M. LITTLE PHONE: (219) 742-1288 Email: [email protected] 7725 BROADWAY, SUITE C, MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA 46410-4787

5. IS THERE A BAND UNIFORM?

For concerts, band members will need a long sleeve white shirt with a regular collar, solid black pants (for girls a solid black skirt with hose is preferred but not required), black socks, and black dress shoes. Concert Band members will need a CYO t-shirt which will be worn with nice jeans and tennis shoes for football and basketball games.

6. HOW MUCH PRACTICE IS REQUIRED?

Beginners need to practice 15 minutes every other day. By the end of the first year, 20 to 30 minutes every day is recommended.

7. WHAT OTHER TIME COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED?

Concerts are given in December and May. THESE ARE MANDATORY. Advanced students participate in the solo contest, basketball, and football games in October and February.

8. DOES BAND INTERFERE WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES?

The ½ hour in school lesson, 1 hour after school rehearsal, and 2 concerts during the year are the only time commitments for beginners. The CYO Band Director will do everything possible to work with students and help them stay active in sports and other school activities. However, since our time with students each week is limited, it is extremely important that students try to attend all lessons and rehearsals. Practice is essential in order to be a successful musician and to build a successful band.

9. WHEN DO WE START?

Fall lessons and rehearsals resume after Labor Day. Information concerning the school year for band will be given to students attending CYO schools the week before Labor Day. Public/home school students will receive their information via email.

10.WHAT ARE THE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS?

Each student is always expected to be on his/ her best behavior. The following such behaviors are not acceptable during lessons, rehearsals or concerts: Talking or playing while the director or other adult is addressing the group. Verbally harassing a student. The CYO Band Director reserves the right to remove a student from the program for displaying behavior that is deemed destructive or harmful to his/herself, others, or property. Physically harassing a student or adult. Destruction of property. Any public misconduct which reflects poorly on the group

11.HOW WILL MY STUDENT BE ASSESSED?

Awards at the end of the year are given to those students who exceed the expectations of the band director. Awards given: Most Improved, Most Outstanding, Directors Award, and 8th Grade Award.

12.WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Little via email at [email protected] or at (219) 742-1288. You can also contact the CYO office at (219) 736-8931. If you get the answering machine, please leave your name, phone number with area code, and the name of your child's school. Your child's musical future is very important to us and your calls will be returned as soon as possible.