MVUSD is Getting the Band Back Together

After more than 10 years, elementary band has returned to Moreno Valley Unified School District. All interested fourth- and fifth-graders can now take part and learn flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone or percussion from teacher Jessica Batdorf. She’s working at six target schools that have a pull-out band program during the school day (Armada, Butterfield, Creekside, Honey Hollow, Sunnymead, and Sunnymeadows) twice each week. The other 17 schools are served with an after-school band program once each week, which divides the district into four quadrants, each with four or five schools. Students meet from 4 to 5 p.m. at either Cloverdale, Bear Valley, Ramona or TownGate, with busing available. Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts Greg Solomon reports that close to 300 students have already signed up.