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Joel Heller

Hi, my name is Joel Heller and I am the Band Director here at Perkins Elementary. I was born and raised in Pinellas County and I am a graduate of the Florida State University.

I have been teaching at Perkins since 2010 and can not think of a better place to be! I look forward to having another great year and thank you for letting me teach your children!

 

**MEET THE TEACHER LINK**

Meet Mr. Heller!

  • Tiger Band 21-22

    all about band

    The Perkins Elementary Band is a group of students who elect to participate in the group during their PE time for two days a week. Students may start band in 3rd grade and continue on through 5th grade while also being able to participate in the 4th and 5th Grade Jazz Band Focus group.

     

    "It's okay; I'm with the Band!"

    Students in band learn other qualities besides music. They learn responsibility and appreciation for the music and the hard work that goes into playing and caring for an instrument. Being in band provides an experience unparalleled and is able to help the student gain useful life skills they take with them forever. Each grade level has different goals they strive for that year.

    3rd Grade:

    • Students learn the basics of their instrument that they chose and play for the full year
    • They learn how to care for and maintain the instrument they have chosen to play.
    • Demonstrate their skills reading music and rhythms and transfer that knowledge into performance.


    It is very strongly encouraged that student's stay with the instrument they pick in third grade. Doing this helps teach them a good work ethic and the value of sticking with something to see the reward in the long run.

    4th Grade:

    • Students work to refine their skills at music reading and rhythms.
    • Are able to perform a harder level of music.
    • Demonstrate a greater ability of reading music.
    • Develop their musical ear allowing them to hear subtle differences in themselves and others and know the tools necessary to articulate that through their instrument.

    5th Grade:

    • Students work to develop themselves to going on to middle school band.
    • By 5th grade, the goal is to have 4 scales.
    • Refine the skills they have learned from 3rd Grade.
    • Students show a mastery of their instrument.
    • 5th Graders are able to perform middle school grade music and understand the concepts of the music they not only perform, but also listen to.

    4th and 5th Grade Band Focus:

    • The only requirement to be in band focus is to have one full year of playing their primary instrument.
    • Focus meets Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year from 1:50-2:50.
    • Learn many different styles of music: Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Classical, Steel Drums etc.
    • Perform around Pinellas County at various venues like Saturday Morning Market, St. Petersburg Pier Sounds of the Season, and concerts and events at Perkins.
     
     
    STEEL DRUM COLLAGE