Program Overview: As a Notre Dame Band-affiliated, student-led outreach initiative, Bandlink offers musical involvement opportunities for children in the local community. We provide instruction on band instruments for students grades 4-8 on the flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, and percussion. The program consists of 1 on 1 lessons on Sunday nights where your student will be paired with a Notre Dame band member, and weekly group rehearsals after school during the week. Along with these weekly practices, we have two performances at the end of each of the academic semesters, a bandlink picnic where we grill and play games, and a solo and ensemble festival.
Weekly Schedule: Lessons are 6:30-7:15 on Sundays at Holy Cross School. Group rehearsals will be from 3:30-4:30 during the week at Christ the King school (exact day of the week changes each semester based on Director availability)
Events: We hold two concerts at the end of each academic semester, both of which will be in Washington Hall on Notre Dame’s campus. In addition, we put on a solo and ensemble competition and a spring picnic during the spring.
Picking an Instrument: Each fall we do an instrument demo night, where your child can work with experienced musicians to determine which one they like the best. In addition, we use this night as a parent meeting to convey to parents important information for the year.
Program materials: Along with an instrument, we ask that you purchase the instrument’s respective Essential Elements book and a music stand, both of which are sold at Quinlan & Fabish. Some instruments will have additional components needed to function, which you can learn more about at instrument demo night or by asking at Q&F.
FAQ:
How can I get an instrument?
If you don’t already own an instrument, Quinlin & Fabish offers a rent-to-own program that we highly recommend for new students. To learn more about this program, you can go to Q&F in Mishawaka and tell them your student is with Bandlink and what instrument your student is considering.
Do I have to purchase a new instrument if I already own one?
If you already have access to an instrument, don’t worry about purchasing a new one! For older instruments, though, we do recommend receiving maintenance or repairs before your child begins using them. You will also still need to purchase the appropriate materials for the instrument, including a stand and the Essential Elements book.
What instruments do you teach?
We teach flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, and percussion, with percussion including both mallet and snare drum.
Can my child participate in Bandlink if they don’t go to one of the partner schools?
Yes, we welcome any interested students! We are affiliated with certain schools as they endorse our program and circulate our program information at the beginning of the year for new students to join. Students in the program are by no means required to attend one of those schools, and we have many students from all different local schools.
Is there a cost to join the program?
Other than the cost of the instrument, our program is completely free for students! The Bandlink program is a student-led volunteer organization through the University of Notre Dame and is entirely sponsored by yearly donations.
When can my child enroll in the Bandlink program?
In the early fall, we host an instrument demo night, where new students can come and try different instruments and determine which is right for them. We would recommend enrolling during this period because our fall semester beginning band entirely consists of other new students; as such, it will be easier for them to progress in their musical education with their peers. Although we occasionally take on new students at the beginning of the spring semester, such situations are typically handled on a case-by-case basis.
For more information or additional questions, email bandlink@nd.edu.
