Mondays, after school
Chippewa Falls High School Band Room

The Chippewa Falls Band Lesson Academy has been established to provide convenient access to individualized instrumental music instruction from highly-qualified private teachers for students in the Chippewa Falls Band Program. The program is designed to give students access to one-on-one instruction on their instrument with professional musicians/teachers that specialize on specific instruments. Students will focus on fundamental skills that are particular to his or her instrument. Instructors provide individualized assignments and instruction specific to the student’s particular abilities.

​The benefits of private instrument instruction include; accelerated study of instrument technique and repertoire, preparation of audition materials, or study of subjects of particular interested (e.g. solo literature or improvisation). Private study is a powerful tool in supporting musical growth in students.
A tremendous tip-of-the-hat goes to the Sun Prairie Band Program for pioneering such a program and paving the way for music education in the State of Wisconsin

THE TEAM

Contact one of our highly qualified private instructors today!

Kelly Wohlbier
kwohlbier@gmail.com

Percussion

Kelly is a local legend and works with both the MS and HS percussion programs.

Sharon Seymour
sseymour156@hotmail.com

Woodwinds

Sharon is a retired music teacher who now works with schools throughout the Chippewa Valley. Students will recognize her from her time at the MS where she often covers for Mr. Olson or Mr. C.

Dominic Domeyer
domeyedl@uwec.edu

Trumpet/Improvisation

Dominic is a senior music education major at UW-Eau Claire.  He is a project manager with Eau Claire Jazz Inc. and plays trumpet and french horn with the UWEC Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band, Jazz II, and Jazz Combos.

Hanna Hermanson
hermanhe@uwec.edu

Saxophone

Hanna is a music education major at UW-Eau Claire. She is the director of the Blugold Athletic Band and is the Undergraduate Administrative Assistant for the UWEC Bands.

How it Works

  • Students must be a participating member of the Chippewa Falls Band Program (enrolled in a band class grades 6-12).
  • The Chippewa Falls High School band room would be available to private instructors to use as a teaching space for private lessons offered as a local convenience to band students.
  • Possible private instructors would be identified by music faculty and be subjected to screening/eligibility according to District policies.
  • Music faculty member may/may not be present.
  • Lessons would be scheduled and organized by students/families and private instructor.
  • All payment for lessons would be arranged between students/families and private instructor.
  • The Chippewa Falls Band Program would not be involved with or responsible for any money or organization of the lesson schedule.

The number of students who study privately in the 6-12 band program is around 5%. Private instruction is the number one most effective “bang for your buck” teaching strategy in regards to music education.

One of the leading reasons that more students do not study privately is geography - the majority of highly qualified private instructors are located in the Eau Claire/UWEC area. The majority of students in the CFHS band program do not have access to private instruction.