Dear 5th grade parents,

5th grade is the prime time for CFSD students to join the esteemed Catalina Foothills School District Band Program.  The majority of our students begin band in the 5th grade, taught by professional musicians in after-school classes, with performances throughout the school year. Students then transition to middle school and participate in classes as part of their daily curriculum and have a wider range of performance opportunities, including band festivals, special honor groups, and more.  At the High School, we offer a variety of opportunities for band students, including concert band, marching band, jazz band, and so much more.  The CFHS Band regularly travels the state and beyond! The band has performed in the Macy’s Day Parade (twice), the Tournament of Roses Parade, and has traveled to Australia, China, and Hawaii, to name a few. This year, the high school will even be representing CFSD in Ireland.

We want ALL students interested in band to join us as we continue our tradition of excellence. 

There are 5 steps needed to begin this journey in the fifth grade. Please review the information below, and contact your school’s band director if you have any questions.

Luke Diamond - Canyon View Elementary School - ldiamond@cfsd16.org

Ian Marcusiu - Sunrise Drive Elementary School - imarcusiu@cfsd16.org

Shirleen Lee - Ventana Vista Elementary School - slee@cfsd16.org

Christian Alcantara - Manzanita Elementary School - calcantara@cfsd16.org

Step 1

Attend the Beginning Band Parent Meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Music Hall at Catalina Foothills High School.  

This is a MANDATORY meeting for parents/guardians of beginning band students.  At this meeting, we will cover all of the information you need to know about the band program, meet the band directors, and provide an opportunity to ask any questions that you have. 

Step 2 (You can do this in advance, if it is easier for you)

Complete the following 3 things:

1. Schedule the student's instrument interview using their school's link below:

Canyon View Elementary

Manzanita Elementary

Sunrise Drive Elementary

Ventana Vista Elementary

2. Click here to pay Band Boosters - This one-time payment of $25 is used to purchase Band shirts, pay Band Camp clinicians, and cover additional Beginning Band activities throughout the year.

3. Click here to Register for Beginning Band - This form will give us all the necessary information we need for your student to participate and to communicate with families effectively.

Step 3

Attend the Instrument Interview with your student's band director.  This is where the student, parent(s)/guardian(s) and director will decide what instrument the student will be playing this year.  Directors will explain locations for their instrument interviews at the beginning band parent meeting. 

Step 4

After the instrument interview - Obtain instrument, book, and all necessary supplies by Saturday, August 23, 2025 (this information will be distributed at Beginning Band Parent Meeting).

Step 5

We highly recommend students attend the 1-day Beginning Band Camp at CFHS, where they learn how to properly assemble and hold their instruments, learn their first few notes, and even perform what they have learned.  This is an exceptional program that we are able to offer, and the majority of the students take advantage of this each year.  Band Camp will be on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11:45 am-3:30 pm at Catalina Foothills High School. Please make every effort to have your student attend.

Enjoy being a new member of one of the most amazing band programs in  Arizona!

We are so excited to be starting our new class of fifth grade band students this year. We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday at Catalina Foothills High School!

-The CFSD Band Team