When does the band class meet?
Beginning band meets as a regular class for 45 minutes two times a week throughout the entire school year. Students are grouped into classes according to which instrument they play. The teacher-pupil ratio is kept low to facilitate individual supervision of students’ progress. Skills develop slowly at first, therefore, students and parents must be patient and committed for the entire school year in order to get the full benefit of band instruction.
Which instruments are started?
Beginners are started on flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. We will help you choose the instrument that is best for you during your 5th grade band/music class and at our instrument screening and selection nights during the Spring semester.
Is any previous musical training necessary?
No. The method books used in beginner band are for the musically untrained student. We teach the fundamentals of reading music as well as the fundamentals of playing an instrument. As students progress, you will be able to recognize familiar tunes. Their progress culminates in a Spring Concert at the end of the year.
Can my child be successful even if I don’t have musical experience?
Music psychologists have tried for many years to determine whether heredity or environment has the greatest influence on musicality. Interestingly, both sides use the same data to support their arguments. The most important requirement for success is the desire to succeed.
Are certain instruments for girls and others for boys?
Definitely NOT! Instrument choices are not on a student’s gender, but rather their desire to play that instrument. Instrument selection is based primarily upon the facial characteristics of the student, and, most importantly, their personal choice.
When do students need instruments?
Instruments will be needed on the first day of school. Storage for some instruments is provided in the music rooms. Please speak to your director about this. Please make sure that the case is labeled with your child’s name. Don’t wait too long!
Should I rent or purchase an instrument?
Rent! Renting an instrument will give your child the opportunity to begin in band with only a small initial investment. Your child can have the advantages of a brand-new instrument, such as pride of ownership, freedom from error due to poor equipment, and the opportunity to be the best player they can be by having the best available instrument for their age level. Your child will have the instrument and mouthpiece recommended by the band directors. The instrument can be returned to the company at any time without further obligation. All rentals apply towards purchase.
What about buying used instruments?
Some used instruments are good bargains. However, you could possibly end up spending more money on repairs than the instrument is worth. For this reason, we ask that if you do wish to purchase a used instrument, please talk to one of the school music directors prior to purchase. Local music stores and former band students are excellent sources of used instruments. You might see if the music companies have used instruments available. We have found most pawn shop instruments to be of dubious quality. WARNING: Please do not purchase a musical instrument from a department store. These instruments, in our opinion, are poorly made, with inferior materials that once broken are not usually repairable. Again, we recommend that you rent an instrument the first year from a reputable music company.
Are there any school owned instruments available?
Yes. The school provides the more expensive instruments: tuba, euphonium (baritone), french horn, and oboe, These are assigned on the basis of aptitude, suitability, and availability – not financial need. Parents may be asked to purchase necessary accessories such as a mouthpiece, books, reeds/valve oil.
Can my child start playing as soon as he/she gets an instrument?
In order to prevent costly repairs and the formation of bad habits, we prefer that the instrument stay in the case during the summer. Instruments will stay in the storage room of the band hall during the first week of school. After formal instruction is given on the care and assembly of the instrument during the first week of school, your child will begin taking the instrument home. This is to protect your investment! If you rent/purchase from a music company, the store will deliver the instrument and materials to our band hall before the first day of school. An additional option for eager students is to start band this summer with a Private Lesson teacher. This is a chance to get one on one help and be set up for success with a professional musicians.
Can my child participate in both athletics and band at the same time? Band and choir? Band & Theatre Arts?
YES. Athletics is not offered in the 6th grade (all students take PE). In 7th & 8th grade students may take more electives than they can in 6th grade. There are many middle school students who are in band, athletics, art, choir, etc. Because of the unique nature of playing a musical instrument, we encourage students to begin band in 6th grade and then take other electives along with band, choir or orchestra in their 7th & 8th grade years. If you want your child to learn a band or orchestra instrument or sing, you will need to put band, orchestra or choir as your FIRST or SECOND CHOICE for an elective. In 7th grade & 8th grade, the school administration, coaches, classroom teachers and band directors work together to try to avoid conflicts in scheduling. We have current MS Band, Choir and Orchestra members who are also in 7th & 8th grade football, volleyball, basketball, math, science team, and cheerleading, etc!
Will my child be required to practice at home?
Yes. Beginning the second week of school, students are highly encouraged as a part of their grade to practice 15-30 minutes, 3 days or more a week outside of class. They record their time on a “Practice Card”, which is turned in and graded. For home practice, we recommend students purchase a folding music stand (maybe included in the rental) and metronome (electronic time-keeper) or download a metronome app on a device. We have found that these items are important in the development of young musicians. Parents are encouraged to give positive support to the student as he/she progresses. All instruments are required to be taken home every day even if they cannot practice that evening as storage space is limited in school.
Are private lessons available? Are they required?
Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students, but are not required. If your child takes private lessons, he/she will receive one-on-one instruction from a professional musician. A list of instructors can be provided by your schools director. Private lessons help challenge faster-paced students and strengthen slower paced students. Again, they are not required, but above average results are almost guaranteed! It is better to RENT a less expensive instrument and participate in the private lessons program than to purchase a top line instrument and not take lessons!! Lessons are important!
