Queen Creek Unified cadet bands build teams

The Queen Creek Unified School District is touting one of its fine arts programs.

The cadet bands are aimed at helping seventh- and eighth-grade students develop individual music skills and teamwork.

“The skills taught in this course help young musicians learn how to be responsible for their own performance, but also support each other in a group setting,” a district press release stated.

Scott Lloyd, the cadet band teacher at Crismon High School, stressed the importance of self-discipline. Not only are students taught to play the correct notes, but they are also encouraged to be a part of the overall harmony of the group.

Michelle O., who plays the saxophone, joined the cadet band because of her passion for music and playing at her church.

“Playing new pieces in school, sight reading and playing at football games” is what Michelle finds to be most rewarding, the release continued.

Another cadet band member, Kennedy M., enjoys the complexity of learning music and finds that it not only aligns with her love for music but also helps with skills such as counting and rhythm, which translate to math.

“I would tell (other students) to take band because it could help them in their academics,” Kennedy stated in the release.

The CHS cadet band’s first performance will be on Monday, Sept. 9 at Crismon High School,  21942 E. Riggs Road, and will showcase music from “The Magnificent Seven.”