April 3, 2017
Dear Parents:
As a middle schooler, your child has the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done
before them, “Be Part of the Music!” Or, more specifically, “Be Part of the Band!” I know that for most of you,
this is not your first experience with music education, but if it is I wanted to take a brief minute to share
some information with you.
The CAK band program is in a phase of new beginnings. Mr. Greg Wilson, who established the CAK band
program, retired in 2015 after 35 years of service. After Mr. Wilson came Mrs. Natalie Renfroe, who made
many great strides with the program. Under my leadership it is my hope and prayer to strengthen the CAK
band program and continue Mr. Wilson’s tradition of excellence. This evening is a time when both you and
your child can explore many different options and get help choosing the experiences and classes that will
help them be successful in middle school and beyond. If you still have questions after reading these
materials, please feel free to contact me at any time using the information listed below.
Music education is more than just playing an instrument. It is immersing your child in a culture of successful
students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each child to use the creative side of their
brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language…MUSIC. All of the current data clearly states that
students involved in music education academically out-perform their non-musical counterparts. But, more
importantly, studies are showing that music students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as
drugs and alcohol.
Every destination starts with a decision to embark on a journey. Now is the time to start your child in middle
school band and Christian Academy of Knoxville is the place to do it. I can’t promise that every child will be
a musical prodigy, but I can promise they will learn, laugh, and grow along the way.
Sincerely,
Mr. Daniel Mull
Director of Bands
(865) 690-4721 Ext. 140
[email protected]
What if I am not sure if I want to do band in middle school?
Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you
don’t like it.” Band is the same way. It’s not a bad idea to sign up for band even if you are unsure. If at some point you decide
that band is not for you, drop the class. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when you decide
you miss it.
How is band different in middle school?
While the actual act of playing your instrument is similar, the social network and safety net that middle school band provides
is very different from elementary. From day one, your child will be musically and personally mentored by successful older
students who have a vested interest in their success. They will have dozens of new and like-minded friends within weeks and
have experiences, musical and otherwise, that are unlike anything they have experienced in elementary school.
Can I do music and sports?
YES. There might be occasional conflicts, but know that our faculty works hard to resolve as many conflicts as possible
before they occur and to work collaboratively to solve them when they arise.
How much out of school time is required?
There is VERY little time required outside of the traditional school day. Some ensembles require very little (less than
standard homework) while other ensembles require more substantial commitment. Generally, the greater the level of
commitment, the greater the reward and memories. Regardless of the ensemble, a year-long calendar will be provided well
in advance to help you plan for these events.
What are the costs?
The costs associated with band depend upon what ensembles and events your child participates in. For the most part the
cost is very minimal and often less than what is required for other certain school activities. Band does offer performance
opportunities that involve travel and there is additional cost for such trips. However, in the event of travel, I work very hard
with travel companies to offer your child the best experience possible for your money.
How do I procure an instrument?
I wish funds were available for me to provide every child with an instrument, however, this is simply not possible. The school
provides many of the larger and more expensive instruments. We have a small inventory of instruments available that we can
check out to students on a first come-first serve basis. I encourage students playing smaller, less expensive instruments to
either rent or purchase their own instrument from Rush’s Music. I will not let instrument availability or financial constraints
keep your child from participating. I will always find a way to put an instrument in their hand so that they can “Be Part of the
Band!” More information regarding instrument availability will be shared with you as the new school year approaches.
What if I have other questions?
Please know that I am here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Due to my schedule during the day, it is
difficult to contact me by phone, but you may leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. My office
number is (865) 690-4721 Ext. 140. The best way for you to reach me is electronically at [email protected]. This will allow
me to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not. You may also visit our website at
www.cakbands.com.
Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all
substances (alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse).
Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report. Reported in Houston Chronicle, January 1998
In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students,
researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over
the middle and high school years show "significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12."
This observation holds true regardless of students' socio-economic status, and differences in those who are
involved with instrumental music vs. those who are not is more significant over time.
Catterall, James S., Richard Chapleau, and John Iwanaga. "Involvement in the Arts and Human Development:
General Involvement and Intensive Involvement in Music and Theater Arts." Los Angeles, CA: The Imagination
Project at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, 1999.
Students with coursework/experience in music performance and music appreciation scored higher on the
SAT: students in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal and 41 points higher on the
math, and students in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on the
math, than did students with no arts participation.
College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers. Princeton, NJ: The College
Entrance Examination Board, 2001.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania School District analyzed its 1997 dropout rate in terms of students’ musical
experience. Students with no ensemble performance experience had a dropout rate of 7.4 percent.
Students with one to two years of ensemble experience had a dropout rate of 1 percent, and those with
three or more years of performance experience had a dropout rate of 0.0 percent.
Eleanor Chute, “Music and Art Lessons Do More Than Complement Three R’s,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April
1998.
Students with band and orchestra experience attend college at a rate twice the national average.
Bands Across the USA.
Flute
Alanis Morrisette (singer)
Halle Berry (actress)
Celine Dion (singer)
Calista Flockhart (“Ally McBeal”)
Alyssa Milano (actress)
Noah Webster (Webster’s Dictionary)
Gwen Stefani (singer from No Doubt)
Jennifer Garner (actress from “Alias”)
Clarinet
Rainn Wilson (actor from “The Office”)
Julia Roberts (actress)
Woody Allen (actor/director)
Gloria Estefan (singer)
Tony Shaloub (“Monk”)
Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”)
Jimmy Kimmel (comedian/talk show host)
Allan Greenspan
(former Chairman of the Federal Reserve)
Steven Spielberg (movie director)
Bass Clarinet
Zakk Wylde (Guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne)
Saxophone
Jennifer Garner (“Alias”)
Bill Clinton (former U.S. President)
Trent Reznor (lead singer for Nine Inch Nails)
Roy Williams (NFL Dallas Cowboys)
Vince Carter (NBA Star)
David Robinson (Retired NBA Star)
Tedi Bruschi (NFL New England Patriots)
Bob Hope (late comedian/actor)
Lionel Richie (singer, father of Nicole Richie)
Tom Selleck (actor from “Magnum PI”)
Trombone
Bill Engvall (Blue Collar Comedy Tour)
Nelly Furtado (singer)
Tony Stewart (NASCAR Driver)
Trumpet
James Woods (actor)
John Glenn (Astronaut and U.S. Senator)
Michael Anthony (Bass player for Van Halen)
Drew Carey (actor/comedian)
Stephen Tyler (lead singer for Aerosmith)
Prince Charles (future King of England)
Montel Williams (talk show host)
Richard Gere (actor)
Shania Twain (singer)
Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Jackie Gleason (actor)
Samuel L. Jackson
(Mace Windu from Star Wars I, II, III)
French Horn
Ewan McGregor
(Obi Wan Kanobi from Star Wars I, II, III)
Vanessa Williams (Singer/Actress)
Otto Graham (NFL Hall of Fame quarterback)
Baritone
Neil Armstrong (Astronaut - first man on the moon)
Tuba
Andy Griffith (actor)
Harry Smith (CBS’s “The Early Show”)
Dan Aykroyd (actor)
Aretha Franklin (“Queen of Soul”, singer)
Percussion
Mike Anderson (NFL)
Eddie George (retired NFL)
Trent Raznor (Nine Inch Nails)
Dana Carvey (actor/comedian)
Vinnie Paul (Pantera)
Walter Payton (NFL Hall of Fame running back)
Johnny Carson (TV Host)
Mike Piazza (former MLB catcher)