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Band for All 5th Graders

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Rethinking Access: What Happens When Band Becomes Part of the School Day

Idea championed by Dr. Kindem, Oak Ridge Elementary, District 196

MESPA's South Suburban Division

Imagine a fifth grader lighting up with joy as they write and perform their own music, play side-by-side with staff, and collaborate with local artists—all during the school day. At one Minnesota school, this isn’t a dream. It’s the new normal.

At Oak Ridge Elementary, Dr. Cathy Kindem and her team have transformed their band program into something extraordinary. By moving fifth-grade band into the school day as part of the specialist rotation, they’ve created a program where every child—regardless of background or ability—can access the joy of making music.

A Simple Question Sparked a Big Idea

For years, fifth-grade band at Oak Ridge took place after school—a model that worked well for some students, but not for all. Despite offering an activity bus, transportation still created barriers. Some students didn’t have a familiar stop nearby, and in the winter, it meant walking home in the dark. Others had family responsibilities or couldn’t stay after school due to scheduling conflicts.

“It didn’t sit well with us that students were dropping out of band because of a bus stop,” Dr. Kindem recalled. “Or because they were arriving later at night, especially in the dark during the winter.”

The program, though full of potential, wasn’t reaching every student—and that didn’t align with the school’s values.

That’s when Bojan Hoover, the school’s band director, posed a game-changing question:
“What if we did band during the day?”

Dr. Kindem didn’t hesitate, “That sounds fantastic.”

That one shift—placing band into the specialist rotation on Mondays—opened the door forevery student to participate. No more transportation barriers. No more complicated pickup plans. Just music, during the school day, available to all.

“All of our students—including our setting three center-based special education, English language learners—everyone this year was in band,” Kindem shared. “It’s amazing.”

Why Access to Band Matters

This shift wasn’t just about convenience. It was about inclusion. “Music is a universal language,” Kindem said. “Making music is community building–being able to come together around a shared joy and goal: uniting everyone around a piece of music”

And the impact has been far-reaching. Students aren’t just learning to play instruments—they’re writing original music, learning how to improvise, selecting and arranging music, joining the drumline and performing at a state music conference. Through unique partnerships with performing artists Nur-D and Tall Paul, the entire 5th grade class worked collaboratively to write and perform an original rap song, connecting their experience to something meaningful and current.

"Our goal has been to create an experience where students not only have access to band, but also a desire to participate,” Band Director Hoover explained. “By encouraging students to play the songs, artists, and genres that are of interest to them, we have managed to create a musically relevant experience. This, combined with adding drumline and electronic instruments to our traditional band ensemble has made our band exciting for students: last year, every single 5th grader elected to join!"

Research shows that music education supports students in powerful ways—from developing discipline and perseverance to strengthening collaboration and communication skills. Participation in band also boosts self-confidence and provides a creative outlet that enhances mental well-being. For many students, it’s a chance to feel connected, express themselves, and experience the joy of working toward something bigger than themselves.

Now, every fifth grader has the opportunity to develop those skills. Kindem emphasized, “I believe everyone needs the opportunity and access to pursue [music] if they choose.”

A Community Effort

Embedding band into the school day took thoughtful planning. The fifth-grade band period was scheduled as the first class of the day. The before--school care program was a partner in the process, even giving students leadership roles to help set up the space for band.

The team of specialists, including music, PE, STEM, art and band, all supported including band as part of the specialist rotation. The music teacher, Micah Boudinot, provides small group instruction during the large ensemble rehearsal. Some even played instruments alongside students. Other specialists were also able to incorporate their subjects into band. For example, with the assistance of the art teacher, a student helped create the cover and program art for their state music conference program. Furthermore, the specialists have an extra 50 minutes with students where they are able to co-teach with another specialist. This collaborative approach not only enhanced the band experience but deepened student-staff relationships in new and meaningful ways.

Reimagining What’s Possible

Making this model work also meant ensuring no student was left out due to cost. The District 196 Foundation provides instruments through its “Band for All” initiative. Donations and PTO support help cover accessories like reeds and cleaning supplies. Because of this, every student has what they need to fully participate.

“Every student wanted to be in band. Every student could be in band. Every student had the support they needed to be in band.”

The program now features a staff band at every concert, where several Oak Ridge staff members (and even parents and grandparents!) play and sing with the 5th grade band. This community-based approach is not only fun for the teachers, but also demonstrates to the students that making music can be a lifelong passion. It’s a vibrant part of the school culture that reflects the district’s commitment to the “AAA philosophy”—Academics, Arts, and Athletics.

“This was meaningful to our community,” Kindem said. “No matter what your academic or social needs are—you belong.”

Band is no longer an afterthought or an extra. At Oak Ridge Elementary, it’s a celebration of inclusion, creativity, and joy—woven seamlessly into the heart of the school day.