DES Bands

Welcome

Welcome to the DES band program! Students in Dryden may enter the band program beginning in fourth or fifth grade. The program has two elementary bands: the Cub Band (first year students) and the Lion Band (second year students). Approximately 50%--60% of fourth and fifth graders participate in the band program. Students receive one small group lesson each week with other similar instruments. Students also participate in full ensemble rehearsals before school at 7:50 AM. The Lion Band performs three concerts and two assemblies throughout the year while the Cub Band has one performance in May. Please click on the links in the navigation bar to learn more about the program.

(Updated 9/2023)

Band Rehearsals

Lion Band students rehearse two mornings a week on Monday and Wednesday from 7:50--8:40 in the band room.
Cub Band rehearsals will begin in January and will take place one day a week either Tuesdays or Fridays from 7:50--8:40. Please click on the Cub Band tab for more information.
Students can be dropped off at the DES main entrance at 7:45 or take the bus. If students ride the bus they would need to contact the bus garage to determine when and where the MS bus comes to their neighborhood. They would ride this bus to the MS and then transfer to a shuttle bus which would bring them to DES by 7:45.

Small Group Lessons

Lessons take place in the band room.
Lessons rotate throughout the day just as they did last year. For example, if a student has a lesson at 9:05 on Monday their lesson the following week would be Monday at 9:40. This ensures that students aren’t missing the same subject each week to attend lessons. I will email lesson schedules to all families every two months.

A message from Mr. P,

Now that all of the logistics are out of the way, I want to let you all know how important it is, now more than ever, to have your child enrolled in band. So many aspects of their lives right now involve sitting in front of a screen and disconnecting from friends. Band continues to be a safe nurturing environment for students to experience life through music. Learning a band instrument engages the brain, body and soul in unique ways that doesn't involve plugging anything into an outlet and checking the wi-fi connection. I have fun music planned and I look forward to building positive relationships with everyone as we move forward with another school year.

Sincerely,

Mr. P

Mr Phillips-Burdge Bio

Mr. Phillips-Burdge has had the privilege of serving the students as band director of Dryden Elementary School since the fall of 2005. Prior to teaching in Dryden, Mr. Phillips-Burdge taught in Columbus, Ohio and also Wappingers Falls, NY. He graduated with honors from Ithaca College in 1996 with a Bachelor of Music degree and again in 2005 with a Master of Music degree. He resides in Freeville with his wife Ellie and their son Brenden (and two furball cats that beg for food). Mr. Phillips-Burdge enjoys performing on trombone with community groups such as the Grass Roots Chamber Orchestra, the Fall Creek Brass Band and City Limits. He has guest conducted honor ensembles around the state and enjoys inspiring young musicians from the podium.

Mr. Phillips-Burdge participates in many activities outside of music including: fishing, swimming, biking and camping. He also holds a private pilot certificate and is a member of the East Hill Flying Club. Keep a look out for Mr. P. playing at local festivals or perhaps look up and you might see him flying above you!