Greater Danbury Youth Band,

For Beginners, Is Forming

Beginning music students ages 7 and up are invited to become a part of the still-forming Greater Danbury Youth Band. Sponsored by The Portuguese Cultural Center, students will not only learn to perform on a musical instrument, they will also learn the essentials of teamwork, self-motivation, self-discipline, individual responsibility, and social skills that prove to be effective in any career, sport, or other activity.

Students will be offered group instruction on flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Full band rehearsals will begin once students have achieved a certain level of proficiency on their instruments.

The youth program is being directed by Steve Ortiz, a teacher at Immaculate High School who resides in Danbury.  It is sponsored by the Portuguese Cultural Center and Chuck’s Music in Brookfield.

The program will give youngsters from ages 7 and up an opportunity to take musical instrument lessons at a very reasonable price and rehearse with their peers in a community band that will perform in concerts periodically throughout the year. The first concert is planned for Sunday, December 10, at the cultural center.

An optional informational meeting/instrument petting zoo will be held at the cultural center on Friday, September 8, from 7 until 8:30 pm. Children will be able to decide which instrument they would like to learn how to play, and parents will be able to ask questions about the full program. Classes will run 30 minutes each and meet weekly.

Information about instrument rental fees will also be available. Cost to participate in the band itself is $125 per child.

Lessons will begin on September 19. The following classes will be held on Tuesdays, beginning that evening: Trumpet I, at 5:30 pm; Percussion, 6:05; Low Brass, 6:40; and Trumpet II/Horns, 7:15.

Beginning Thursday, September 21, will be: Flutes, at 5:30 pm; Clarinets, 6:05; and Saxophones, 6:40.

The first full band rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, October 27, from 7 to 8 pm.

The Portuguese Cultural Center is at 65 Sand Pit Road. Call Annette Moreno, 203-942-9303; Raul Ligeiro, 470-0591; or Steven Ortiz, 313-4626, for additional information.