FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

What is band??

The instrumental music (band) program is designed to go from grades 6-12. The first 3 yrs. in middle school are designed to teach the basics (notes, rhythms, musical signs, etc.), with high school band (grades 9-12) being the culmination of the middle school band years. We are one of the few areas that have the opportunity to see your child as a 6th grader through to his/her senior year!! We teach students how to play their instrument and hope that they continue with the program for 7 years!

Do we have to practice?

YES!!...for 6th grade beginners, students are required to keep weekly practice sheets to be turned in for a grade each week

(20 min. a night is recommended for beginners, however, you can make it fit your home plan and adjust minutes per night accordingly).

-7th and 8th grade (and HS) students still need to practice, but practice sheets are not turned in towards a grade. Practice is dictated by upcoming playing tests and concert music and the amount of time spent on the horn/ instrument varies from student to student.

Is concert attendance mandatory?

Yes...this is a performance-based class with the concert being the demonstration of skills learned in class.

What is the dress code for concerts?

FOR 6th GRADE BAND=

For the ladies...nice pants and a shirt with nice shoes, a skirt (not short, please have it long enough to be mid-calf when seated) and top, dresses are also acceptable.

For the gentlemen...nice pants, a shirt with a collar, and nice shoes...shirts with ties are fine (but not required), or suits are also great!!

PLEASE!!!!...NO jeans, NO tennis shoes, NO t-shirts, NO sweatpants, NO sweatshirts, or NO shorts...it gives the group an unprofessional appearance! If you have questions or concerns...please contact a band director prior to the performance date! (We can share ideas of 'where' to find the appropriate items if you will simply contact us!)

FOR 7/8th GRADE BANDS=

DRESS CLOTHES!

(see details above in 6th grade dress code info.)

Can I be in sports and band?

Yes! We encourage students to be well-rounded. Most times, college entrance and scholarships are based on student academic work and curricular to extra-curricular work. Sometimes the schedule may get frantic, however, the positives far outweigh the negatives!!! Please contact a band director if you have specific questions!!

When is the best time to repair an instrument?

Instruments should go home for the summer! If any repairs need to be done on an instrument, please take care of that in June and July. Please do not wait until August as the music stores are swamped with repairs and trying to get instruments ready for the fall band season. Other questions? please visit the email link on this website!

Where can I buy "band supplies" when I need them??

Lincoln County music is your go-to place if you want convenience!! You can call them......or simply visit them at beginbandnow.com (also on our 'Links' page on this website). They visit us every week, you can arrange your order, pay for it with a credit card, etc. and they will deliver it to us here at school! It's that easy! There are also music stores in Columbia and St. Louis, MO.

Do we need to practice over the summer?

Basically, the more you play, the more you know!! So, play anything and everything!!! Please have your instruments here the first day of school in August. Any repairs on horns should be done in June or July to be ready for the start of school. (Beginners, you will have an 'instrument rental night'.....so, horns may be rented that night!) Parents of "Beginners", please stay tuned for more information on specifics for the 'process'!

How can I earn 'Extra Credit' in band?!

If you attend a concert that you are NOT involved in, you 'may' earn 5-10 points of extra credit per event. If it is a 'Hannibal' group, please see one of the band directors at the end of the concert for a signature. If it is a non-Hannibal event, simply bring the program to your next class with your first and last name, and block number on it. Please contact a director if you have questions!