Liberty Rock Band Club

I am excited to announce that we are expanding the elementary Modern Band program to Liberty this year! Modern band is a new kind of school music program. It teaches students to play, perform, improvise, and compose using popular genres that the students themselves select. Modern band focuses on rock, pop, Latin, rap, R & B—and any other popular styles as they emerge. Students will get to experience electric guitar, bass guitar, drum set, piano, ukulele, and vocals.

The elementary students have loved getting exposed to these instruments, and I am so excited to offer modern band to the Liberty students. I am planning on taking students to JamFest again this year, which would also include any Liberty students who are participating. The event is on May 16, 2026, in Cedar Falls. JamFest allows students to play for other students from around Iowa. It is not a competition, but rather a way to showcase what they have accomplished on the instruments. These JamFests are completely free, and we will transport students to the event by bus. Families are encouraged to attend (we will need chaperones!), but they do not have to if they are not able to.  More information about this event will come out when we get closer!

Modern Band practice will occur after school on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:15 in the Liberty band room. I do not want transportation to be a reason students are not able to participate, so please reach out if you need help with transporting a student after practice.

We will officially start on February 18th and will continue through the end of the year unless otherwise stated.

If your student is interested in joining Modern Band, please fill out the form at this link or reach out to me on ParentSquare. I can’t wait to get started!

Abree Russell
K-5 General Music at Wilson and James
5th Grade Choir Director
abree.russell@ottumwaschools.com