Kilby School starts its first band

FLORENCE - There's an unexpected sound coming from Kilby Laboratory School these days, and it's music to the ears of many.

For the first time in its history, Kilby has a school band.

The group, 15 members strong, is made up of fifth- and sixth-graders. So far, band members make their music from flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets and trombones. At some point, percussion instruments will be added.

Melissa Elsey, the school's music director, is serving as the band director. She said the group has made musical strides since the band was formed earlier this month.

"We knew there was interest here; it was just a matter of putting it together," said Elsey, whose husband, Eddie, is a professor of music at the University of North Alabama and helps with the program. "We'll perform in April during our Kilby Music Night."

Kilby School serves kindergarten through sixth grade.

Elsey said she wanted to offer the opportunity for children to participate in band so they will have experience when they get to middle school.

"Wherever they go (after leaving Kilby), I want them to be on par with the other seventh-graders," she said. "Most schools have beginning band programs for this age."

School Director Mary Maschal said Kilby was unable able to provide that opportunity in the past.

"This program really puts them on an even playing field," she said.

Band member Joseph Green, a fifth-grader, said he had never played a trumpet before this year.

"I really like it a lot because there aren't just a lot of trumpet players," said Green, whose twin brother also plays trumpet in the band. "I like practicing. I practice at home and at school."

Green, who also plays several sports, said he's thinking of not playing football in order to perfect his musical talents.

"I love sports, but I figure music will probably serve me better and I can probably go a lot further with those skills," he said.

Elsey said most band members are fifth-graders, so "next year the band could be much larger."

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.