Fallbrook High band members tutor elementary band students

FALLBROOK - Students from the Fallbrook Elementary School District Band program under the direction of Phil Leonelli have been treated to a special weekly visit by a group of dedicated student peer tutors from the Fallbrook High School Band program under the direction of Amy Thomas.

The exchange began as the directors voiced an interest in a “connection” between elementary musicians and accomplished high school musicians. Every Tuesday and Thursday, students from the Fallbrook High band travel to La Paloma to help with after-school elementary band instruction. The elementary band includes fifth and sixth grade students from La Paloma, Live Oak and Iowa Street Schools.

The high school students share their expertise on various band instruments in weekly “sectionals.” At the conclusion of the class, high school peer tutors join their elementary students in a final combined rehearsal before dismissal.

“This peer exchange has provided the elementary students with individual and group instruction, musical guidance from dedicated high school musicians and a vision of the future of the Fallbrook Elementary and High School Band Programs” stated Elementary Band Director Phil Leonelli.

On Thursday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m., the Fallbrook Elementary Band and Potter Junior High School Band under the direction of Daryl Buntin and the Fallbrook High School Band will perform a joint concert/festival on the campus of Fallbrook High School.

For more information, contact Phil Leonelli, at (760) 731-5426 or [email protected].