A New Community Youth Band

East Allen Community Youth Band, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Description

The East Allen Community Youth Band (EACYB) provides an opportunity for band participation and musical growth in a non-competitive learning environment in the Southeast Fort Wayne community. Students who attend high school at East Allen University have no high school band program offered to them. The after school ensemble, EACYB, has changed that for students. The ensemble currently involves musicians and instructors from 5 different schools.

Objectives

EACYB provides opportunity for continued music education for high school students without a band program at their school; connects our community of musicians, instructors, composers; and is a community band open to all. We provide students with instruments, private lesson instruction, and performance opportunities throughout the school year. As an ensemble focused on giving space for new musicians, the ensemble has commissioned two original works for band by young composers and employs part time college aged musicians as mentors and instructors.

Target Audience

Prior to this initiative, students at East Allen University (EAU) did not have access to a band program. This project has changed that for students and has also formed a connection between EAU and other high schools in the district by including staff and students from two other high schools and one middle school. Instructors and mentors from the local college, Purdue Fort Wayne are involved as well. It is important that music professionals have a space to practice, learn, and work in their field. Community involvement leads to the success of music programs, therefore is a goal of the EACYB to involve our greater Fort Wayne community.

Timeline

Since 2019 Rachel Kesar has been running an off-and-on, informal, after school band club for students who wish to stay active in making music.

In the Spring of 2023 Rachel Kesar began applying for grants to fund the initiation of this new after school ensemble after gauging that student interest would be high. Funding was awarded.

In Fall 2023 regular rehearsals began with a rotation of guest clinicians and instructors. Rehearsals have continued throughout the school year. One high school student has even written an original composition for the ensemble. Our band’s first concert will be May 9, 2024.

The ensemble has acquired grant funding to return for the 2024-25 season where our focus will be on growth of the ensemble.

Overview of Planning and Execution

Rachel Kesar has been the director for this initiative.

Austin Gebhart, (student, hs junior) was involved in initiating the ensemble and recruiting students. He also has composed a piece for the ensemble.

Josh Rakoczy, another band director in the district took part in initial meetings for developing the program and has been an instructor throughout the rehearsal season and has helped in student recruitment.

The Trailblazers After School Program provides the structure for our after school club.

Arts United of Fort Wayne provided the funding for our first season.

Golden Toucan Video creates our social media content.

Tools and Resources

We advertise mostly through local word of mouth, Instagram, and Facebook. Our initial season relied heavily on personal connections throughout the community. Our social media game has leveled up for next season.

Marketing and Promotion

Student engagement on Instagram is high. Rehearsal announcements and reminders are primarily communicated through Instagram stories. Students are comfortable interacting with one another on social media.

Costs

Director stipend – $1450
Section Coaches/Mentors – $2000
Social Media and Marketing – $250
Supplies and Materials – $1000
New Music Commissions – $300

Challenges/Obstacles

Community interest was initially low. After more presence on social media and continued word-of-mouth in the community we have higher interest and have continued financial support. We encountered obstacles with student commitment and are working to make this a for-credit opportunity for the EAU students to have more agency. (This is still to be determined for next year)

Success/Effectiveness Measurement

I look forward to the next season of our band when we can start with a fresh school year. This ensemble has been extremely effective for the students who have participated all year. We have developed a community and have become close friends that bridge. multiple school buildings. We have a band where there once was no band!

Community Impact

For students at the middle school level, they are seeing that band is offered after they graduate 8th grade and go to high school. This visibility will certainly add to the ensemble’s success next year. In the Fort Wayne community, our ensemble is becoming more known and interest is increasing. A goal of this program was to connect our community. Musicians in the south east corner of Fort Wayne have just as much promise, skill, interest, ability as those in other areas. What was missing was access to an opportunity.

Advice for others?

Seek help from a variety of community members. We are only successful as a community when we are connected and when our work is visible.

Changes/adjustments for next year include:

  • a more active private lesson schedule
  • additional performances in the community
  • accountability measures for high school students who wish to be involved
  • stronger social media presence
  • division of director duties
2025 Student Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention Award Recipient
1 Year+
Grades 6-12
1-5 Adults
$1,000-$5,000
Students

Supporting Materials

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557829446143

News Release

Concert Poster