If music is the poetry of the air, then hundreds of elementary students breathed in air thick with poetry while enjoying live music from LD Bell High School band students. The band students have performed at several schools through their elementary outreach program. The performances are early in the morning before elementary classes begin at 8:00 a.m.

John Alstrin, associate band director for LD Bell High School, said students in the Applied Music class have enjoyed playing at their elementary alma maters. They have played for 10 elementary schools, including Bell Manor, Donna Park, Harrison Lane, and Stonegate elementary schools. They have expanded the program to include junior high performances, beginning with Central Junior High.

"For some of our students, it was like going home," Alstrin said. "There were hugs and smiles everywhere, and some teachers were shocked that they no longer recognized some of our students as they have matured. It was a lot of fun for everyone."

Donna Park Principal Sharon Wynn said that even parents dropping off their children benefited from the performance.

"The breakfast concert was superb," Wynn said. "It is always wonderful to see former students in leadership roles. Their poise and confidence showed as they performed on stage. Thank you L.D. Bell Band!"

The Elementary Outreach program ran from October 1 - November 9, coinciding with band members' commitments to the LD Bell Blue Raider Marching Band. The band is wrapping up another highly successful marching season, finishing in second place at both the Bands of America Arlington and Conroe Regionals in early October. On November 5 the band will travel to San Antonio for their final performance at the Bands of America Super-Regional.

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