Director's Message

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the exciting world of the Nelson High School Band! 

We are thrilled to have you join us this year and embark on a journey that promises unforgettable experiences and countless benefits. 

As the Director of Bands, I want to emphasize that being part of our program goes beyond just learning music; it's about personal growth, development, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Our District Superintendent, Dr. Shay James, states:
“As each student enters a North Clackamas school, dreams are nurtured, history and cultural heritage are celebrated, love of learning is fostered, and educational, physical, emotional, and social needs are supported. This requires a safe, inclusive, and engaging school setting for every student and employee.”

In the spirit of this, here are some of the many ways participating in the band will enrich your child's life:

• Cognitive Benefits: Studies have shown that learning music enhances spatial reasoning and improves academic performance. The discipline and creativity cultivated in band will help students excel in the classroom.

• Quality of Life: Music brings joy and fulfillment. It serves as a unique outlet for emotional expression, making life more vibrant and meaningful.

• Social Skills: Band is not just about playing an instrument – it's about teamwork. Students will develop critical social skills, learning cooperation and building lifelong friendships.

• Emotional Development: Music has the power to shape our emotions. By participating in the band, students will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and connect emotionally with others through performance.

• Leadership and Discipline: Our program offers opportunities for leadership while developing time management skills and the discipline necessary to succeed in all areas of life.

• Aesthetic Perception: Music broadens horizons, enhancing appreciation for art and culture. It opens doors to the beauty of the world around us.

• Lifelong Music Appreciation: Ultimately, our goal is to instill in students a lasting love for music, one that will continue to enrich their lives long after graduation.
  
  

Please take a moment to read through the Band Handbook.  It contains all the essential information about our program, and it’s important that both parents and students are familiar with the policies and expectations. Returning members, please note that some policies may have changed to better serve our band community.

Getting Involved: Booster Meetings

As a parent of three very active boys myself, I completely understand the chaotic rhythm of weeknights – it feels like our family has something going on every single evening! I know how precious your time is. However, these years offer a rare window where we can still actively plug into our kids' lives in a meaningful way.

To give our students the extraordinary experiences they deserve, our band program relies on a strong community of parent support. 

You do not need to make a massive commitment or formally join the Booster Board of Directors to make a difference – helping behind the scenes (even from home) with small tasks goes a massive way towards helping our program thrive.

Please join us for Booster meetings either in-person or online via the Google Meet link on our home page.

We'll discuss quick, flexible ways you can lend a hand this year.

Thank you for your partnership, your time, and for supporting your young musicians!

Warm regards,

John Donnelly

Director of Bands

Adrienne C. Nelson High School

donnellyj@nclack.k12.or.us