Welcome to the Steubenville Catholic Schools Band/Instrumental Program

The Band program at Steubenville Catholic Schools begins in 5th grade and continues throughout all schools in a coordinated effort.  It is one program with four developmental and performance levels: the Elementary School Band, 6th Grade Band, Junior High Band, and High School Band.  

The whole student is considered early on, and musicianship is the focus.  This Music Education at Steubenville Catholic Schools has its foundation in general music knowledge and skills developed in the primary grades of Elementary School with an excellent General Music program.  The instrumental program builds upon that knowledge, producing students who have well-rounded performance experience in many genres and are ready to move into higher-level learning musical experiences and/or careers.      

The Steubenville Catholic Schools Instrumental Program is entirely supported by the CCHS Band Boosters.  Please see information below in the Crusader Marching Band portion of this page for more information on how parents of all levels can be involved and benefit from being part of the Band Boosters.  

BAND BOOSTERS MEETING ARE THE SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 7 PM IN THE BAND ROOM.  

The Band Boosters, while focusing specifically on supporting the Crusader Marching Band, support the entire Steubenville Catholic Schools band program through their efforts.  Through creative fundraising, they help build the high school band program through instrumental repair and replacement for all band students in the feeder band programs at BJKM grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. The Steubenville Catholic School system provides the directors, coaches, music and facilities. The Booster program provides the means for everything else including transportation, instruments and equipment, uniforms, food, chaperones, through creative fundraising, coordination and care. All instrumental parents are, by extension, Band Booster members and have a vested interest in being involved by volunteering for activities and leadership.  Parents are absolutely integral and welcome to be involved in the band program at all levels.      

6th Grade Band

The opportunities for any student to learn a band instrument is available in 6th Grade Band while at BJKM Junior High.  Made up of the same instruments as the JH Band, 6th grade band builds on instruction received in 5th grade.  Using Book 1 of Hal Leonard ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS, students are exposed to higher levels of note reading, scales, key and time signatures.  Although in Junior High, 6th Grade Band meets twice a week and is separate from the JH Band so that more personalized instruction can take place for the younger student.  

The 6th Grade Band takes part in the Christmas Concert, the Spring Concert, and can participate in the Sit-With-the-Band event with the Crusader Marching Band during the football season. Performance in a concert setting is required for these young musicians as part of the curriculum. 

5th Grade Band

BJKM Elementary has an excellent band program for 5th grade students.  Basic instruction offered by section (Brass, Woodwind, Percussion) is available to students twice a week during school hours throughout the school year beginning the second week of school. Students who take band as a class will not participate in the General Music class.  

The 5th Grade Band takes part in the Christmas Concert, the Spring Concert, and is offered an opportunity to participate in the Sit-With-the-Band event with the Crusader Marching Band during the football season. Performance is required for these young musicians as part of the curriculum. 

In the Spring of 4th Grade, and repeated the first week of 5th Grade, the entire class receives a demonstration of all available instruments in the band program from the band directors.  The student and his/her family decide the appropriate instrument on which to begin instruction and procure the instrument.  Instruction for the following instruments is available for 5th grade students:  

  • Brass 
  • Trumpet 
  • F Horn 
  • Trombone
  • Baritone
  • Woodwinds 
  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Percussion
  • Snare Drum (Spring Semester focus)
  • Bells/Mallets (Fall Semester focus)

For more information regarding any portion of the Steubenville Catholic Schools Band/Instrumental Program, please contact Mr. Johnston at [email protected], or call 740-264-5539, ext. 117.