Junior Knights Band Program
The Luther Junior Knights Band Program (JKB) exists to provide opportunities for students in grades 5-8 to develop instrumental music skills and guide them in playing music for their Savior. Below you’ll find all the information you need. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Miss Schmidt, Luther Jr. Knights Band Director at (608) 783-5435, ext. 1322 or at schmemil@Luther.K12.WI.US.
Program at a Glance
- Weekly Private Lessons – 20-minute lessons at the student’s school
- Instruments We Teach – Flute, Clarinet, *Oboe, *Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, **Percussion (*oboe and bassoon require one previous year of band instruction on a woodwind instrument; **percussion requires one previous year of piano instruction)
- Sabre Band – (Beginner Band) All first-year band members are part of this large ensemble that meets at Luther High School
- Lancer Band – All second through fourth-year players are part of this large ensemble that meets at Luther High School
- Concerts – Students put their practice on display at concerts at the end of each group band session
- Individual & Small Ensemble Opportunities – Students in grades 6-8 may participate in the regional WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival. JKB students also perform solos or small ensembles for the Spring Science and Fine Arts Fair.
- Select Honors Groups – Students in grades 6-8 may be nominated for the annual WELS Middle School Honor Band. (Final selection is made by the WELS Honors Band Committee.)
Instruments & Rental Information
Luther’s Junior Knights Band Program teaches the following instruments:
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Saxophone
- Bassoon
- Trumpet
- French Horn
- Trombone
- Euphonium / Baritone
- Tuba
- Percussion
Your child is joining band but isn’t sure which instrument to play… And neither are you! Check out this video to see and hear the different instruments:
Obtaining an Instrument
There are so many choices – it can be overwhelming and tough to know where to start! Here are a few options:
Music Store Rental
- Rental fees are applied toward the purchase of the instrument.
- Usually, the instrument is paid in full in about two years.
- A maintenance and repair plan is usually built in so that if anything happens to the instrument, you are covered.
Music Store Options
Purchase an Instrument
- Craig’s List/Ebay/Amazon-type places
- Buyer beware! If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. It may need repair or be an older instrument that no longer works. If the price is cheaper than others like it, don’t buy it.
- Student/Intermediate/Professional
- Most instrument manufacturers have several lines of instruments. The level you want for a beginner is the “Student” line. Once your child grows and experiences a love for playing and improves their skills, you can step up to a higher-level instrument.
Talk to Miss Schmidt or Mr. Baures about purchasing an instrument! They are more than willing to help you with considering used instruments or looking for the best instrument to purchase for your child.
First Semester Tuition
Due by September 15: $237.50
Second Semester Tuition
Due by January 15: $237.50
We prefer that you pay online at https://lutherk12.revtrak.net/. There are now NO fees to use this payment option!
OR, you can mail or drop off a check made out to: Luther High School (1501 Wilson St. Onalaska, WI 54650) with attention to Ms. Schmidt.
COST DETAILS:
- Band tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $475 ($237.50 each semester). This payment covers ~26 lessons, full ensemble rehearsals, lesson books, solo/ensemble music, WSMA entry fees, and honor band registration fees. The exact number of lessons received in a year can vary slightly based on factors outside of our control – snow days, student absences, field trips on lesson days, etc. When possible, make-up lessons will be offered at the discretion of the instructor in conjunction with the local elementary school.
- This tuition does not include an instrument rental. It will be your responsibility to secure an instrument and supplies (reeds, oils, etc).
- First semester payments are due to Luther by September 15, 2026.
- Second semester payments are due to Luther by January 15, 2027.
- Failure to make payments in a timely fashion may result in dismissal from the program.
- All payments must be paid directly to Luther High School, not to individual Lutheran elementary schools.
