First Players

First Presbyterian Church is the proud home First Players band program! We have two main ensembles: a Beginning Band and Concert Band, and private instruction is also an important part of the experience. The program is open to any student Grade 4-12.

Janine Yanisch is our intrepid director - with over 30 years as a band director and educator, Janine brings a wealth of experience. She says one of her goals is to “strive to meet each student at their level, and then move them forward as far as possible.”

For more information check out the link below for our detailed brochure.

To get involved, contact Janine at: fpcfirstplayers@gmail.com

Beginning Band (4th and 5th grade)

Students in 4th grade and older start in this group and receive weekly lessons in addition to their Tuesday after-school rehearsals.

Beginning Band is the foundation upon which First Players is built. Building strong fundamental skills and musicianship is emphasized in the year(s) students are in Beginning Band. When students have achieved the skills necessary for Concert Band, they are offered a spot in that group. The Beginning Band performs at the December and May concerts at First Presbyterian.

Concert Band (grades 6 and up)

Rehearsals are on Thursdays after school and many Concert Band members opt to include weekly lessons with Ms. Janine to maximize their First Players experience.

The Concert Band is the face of First Players, playing at events such as the Annual Family Promise Benefit Concert, Festival of Trees, senior living facilities, and more, in addition to their two regular concerts "at home" here at First Presbyterian.

What’s Special about First Players?

• We have fun while learning! Many First Players students choose to continue to play in Beginning Band, even as they are "promoted" to Concert Band, because they enjoy it so much!

• We are the only performing arts organization in the area in which weekly lessons are included in the program!

• We are very affordable!

• We seek out ways to make the band experience the best it can be, sometimes adding enthusiastic adults into the bands to better balance the ensemble! This mixing of the generations brings a depth of experience and perspective to all involved.

• We have the full support of First Presbyterian's historically outstanding and well-known music program.

• While we operate out of a church and are partially funded by the church, we are not a religious organization.

• Read more in this great article in the Post Bulletin, from May 16, 2023,
  by John Sievers: Post Bulletin Article: “Rochester Youth Band Together…”