Have a great summer!

Welcome to Lester Prairie Schools Band page! My name is Mrs. Helland and I will be starting my 17th year teaching at LP. I grew up in the Stewart/Brownton area and graduated from McLeod West High School in 2002. I graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 2007 with majors in Instrumental and Vocal Music Education and Piano Performance. Before coming to Lester Prairie I taught choir and general music for two years in Silver Bay, Minnesota.

My hours are 7:30am-3:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
You can reach me by email at helland@lp.k12.mn.us or by phone 320-395-2521 ext 1208.

Contact: Terri Schuft-Helland

2025-2026 Lester Prairie Band Performance Dates

“No Tricks, Just Treats”-High School Band Concert: Monday, October 27th,  7:30 pm

                     (6-12 grade band students)

Elementary Concert Thursday, December 11th 7:00 pm (5th grade band students)

High School Band & Choir Concert Monday, December 15th 7:30 pm

         (6-12th grade band and choir students)

Band Concert Monday, March 16th  7:30 pm (5-12th grade band students)

Band Concert Monday, May 11th 7:30 pm (5-12th grade band students)

Other Performances:

         Veteran’s Day, Tuesday November 11th (During School, 9-12th grade band students)

         Graduation, Friday, May 15th 7pm (9-12th grade band students, optional 6-8th grade)

        Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th time TBD

***Possibly Homecoming/Snofest Coronation

Contest Dates:

         Instrumental solo/ensemble, Monday February 9th @ Rockford, after school (Select students from 9-12th grade band)

Instrumental large group, Wednesday March 4th @ Watertown-Mayer (9-12th grade band students)

Trips:

Masterclass/Valleyfair Wednesday May 20th, all day (Junior High Students only)

Chicago Tour Thursday April 30th-Sunday May 3rd Grades 9-12

Beginning band students will use the following website to help us select instruments:

https://sites.google.com/lp.k12.mn.us/lester-prairie-beginning-band/home

We work with The Music Mart out of Mankato for our beginning band night. If you would like to look at their rental programs here is their website: https://www.themusicmart.biz/

Contact: Terri Jo Schuft-Helland

Band consists of students in grades 6-8 and meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday during 1st hour (815-907). Students also have small group lessons throughout the quarter.

Contact: Terri Jo Schuft-Helland

Senior High band consists of students in grades 9-12 and meets during 3rd hour on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Please refer to the school activity calendar for the most up to date pep band performance dates.

Jazz Band is for students in grades 7-12. They meet Mondays from 7:30-8:00am. Instruments included are all saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, guitar, bass guitar and drums.

Jazz Band Lettering Policy (Grades 7–12)

Students in grades 7–12 have the opportunity to earn a varsity letter in Jazz Band. To qualify for a letter, students must meet the following criteria:

Attendance

• Students may have no more than 2 unexcused absences from rehearsals.
  
  
• Excused absences (illness, medical appointments, family vacations, emergencies) will be allowed only if prior notice is given to Mrs. Helland (in person, via email, or through a parent).
  
  
• Excessive absences, even if excused, may affect eligibility if they interfere with group progress.
  
  

Performance Requirement

• Students must participate in all three scheduled jazz concerts during the year.
  
  
• If a student misses a concert due to illness, but completes the necessary make-up requirements, they may still be eligible to earn a letter.
  
  

General Expectations

• Students should consistently show a positive attitude, come prepared to rehearsals, and demonstrate musical growth.
  
  
• Strong participation includes on-time arrival, active listening, and being a supportive bandmate.

Contact: Terri Jo Schuft-Helland

Drumline is for students in grades 7-12. They meet on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:00am.

All students in high school band are eligible to earn a band letter.  You must earn 10 points by completing any of the following activities:

• Performing a solo or in a small ensemble for school concert or contest (2 points for each piece)
• Performing a solo or in a small ensemble for event outside of school (1 point possible for each event)
• Attending approved concert and written evaluation completed, with program attached (1 point each)
• Listening Evaluation completed (1 point each-3 points total)
• Earning an “A” during Quarters 1-3 (1 point each quarter)
• Performing in musical group outside of school, such as jazz band or drumline (3 points each group)
• Attending an Honor Band or All-State experience (3 points)

Also:
**Each year participating in high school band earns you 2 points

Contact: Terri Jo Schuft-Helland

If you need some music supplies (books, reeds, oil, stands, sticks etc) you can shop through The Music Mart using this link: https://www.themusicmart.biz/c-78-lester-prairie.aspx

These supplies have all been approved by Mrs. Helland and will be delivered to Lester Prairie Schools the following Tuesday after the order is placed.

If ordering supplies through another company, double check with Mrs. Helland to ensure it’s the proper brand, size, strength etc for your child. There is a lot out there and it can be confusing!