OUR STORY
37 Years of Growing.
Our Story
Our award-winning, 100% self-funded band program, which began in 1986 with 40 children now has almost 185 children in five ensembles.
The program is available to children in Grades 4 – 8 with a curriculum that is performance-based and uses online assessments that integrate technology and music to provide children with immediate feedback. We participate in various concerts, competitions, and a parade.
We strive to make available instrumental music to any child interested in participating and focuses on the “Gift” of music from the Holy Spirit.
Our Director’s Story
Since its inception, our band program has had only 1 band director, Larry Johnson (aka Mr. J). Mr. J started the band program in 1986 and has been leading and teaching our band members ever since.
A jazz enthusiast and a top saxophone player in the St. Louis area, Mr. J has been a positive influence on the school and the over 1,500 children that have come through his band program.
Mr. J continues to stress the importance of faith, community and building a child’s character through playing music.
Our Director’s Story
Since its inception, our band program has had only 1 band director, Larry Johnson (aka Mr. J). Mr. J started the band program in 1986 and has been leading and teaching our band members ever since.
A jazz enthusiast and a top saxophone player in the St. Louis area, Mr. J has been a positive influence on the school and the over 1,400 children that have come through his band program.
Mr. J continues to stress the importance of faith, community and building a child’s character through playing music.
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Performance
Since 1998, our ensembles have competed throughout the Midwest at Music in the Parks festivals. During this time our children have placed in the top ranks of their categories and won Best Overall Band more than 21 times.
More significantly, the band students earned the Music in the Parks top award, the Espirit De Corps, 20 times during this period.
We’re proud to have 2 previous students as Catholic Priests, 2 others in formation, and 4 previous members continuing their music careers as Band Directors.
Our Community
Our band community is an active part of the St. Joseph School and Parish, and is involved in numerous activities in addition to the band program.
We proudly represent our school & parish as a band program and individually when participating with other schools and at concerts & St. Louis Cardinal games.
Our Community
Our band community is an active part of the St. Joseph School and Parish, and is involved in numerous activities in addition to the band program.
We proudly represent our school & parish as a band program and individually when participating with other schools and at concerts & St. Louis Cardinal games.
Our Future
The band program’s future and the future of our children are very bright. We look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence & learning and growing our children’s self-confidence, character, and faith.
We help children to learn to play and instrument and participate with others in the band. But our greatest gift to them is being a part of a strong band community, and training them to use and identify the “Gifts” given to them by the Holy Spirit.
