Recruitment Information - FAQs
Who can participate in band?
All fifth graders are welcome to participate in band. The goal of the recruitment process is to determine what instrument is the best fit for your student. All interested students will have the opportunity to participate in mouthpiece testing and the recruitment process.
Do we have to participate?
Band is an elective class; the first elective offered in the Johnston schools. Elective classes allow you to explore a new skill or area of study. Participation in band is one of the best parts of fifth grade and beyond as you learn to play an instrument, make music with a fun group of peers, and build lifelong skills. We encourage all fifth graders to consider joining band.
Are there any costs associated with playing in band?
The only costs to participate in band involve purchasing or renting an instrument, a band book, and some supplies. More information on obtaining an instrument will be sent home after your student has completed the recruitment process.
I’m not sure if I can afford a band instrument for my child. What can I do?
Please contact your student's band teacher. The Johnston Band Together program is available to families whose financial situation may prevent a student from being able to experience this opportunity. More information about this program will be sent home after your student has completed the recruitment process.
What instruments can my student play?
We will test all students on four basic instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. We also start some beginners on tuba, euphonium, French horn, saxophone, and percussion. The latter group of instruments is limited and requires additional testing.
What if my child wants to play percussion?
Students interested in percussion will participate in an audition as part of the recruitment process. The audition will consist of a prepared keyboard instrument exercise, sight-reading on the xylophone and snare drum (playing music the student has never seen before), and a series of rhythm exercises that test steady beat, rhythmic aptitude, and body coordination. Students interested in percussion will be given materials for the keyboard instrument exercise ahead of the audition and will be given time to prepare the exercise at home. While not required, we strongly recommend at least two years of continuous piano lessons to prepare students for this audition. We have seen over time that students who have had at least two years of piano instruction have a higher development in the key skills needed by percussionists. Students with these skills will typically perform better on the percussion audition than students who have not had piano lessons. Students are NOT guaranteed percussion if they take piano lessons.
When is band class?
Students in fifth grade band will have band rehearsal twice per cycle for 40 minutes and a small group lesson (of about 2-4 students) for 20 minutes once per cycle. All band activities take place during the school day, with the exception of our two band concerts each year.
Are students graded for band?
Yes. Grading is based on assessment of priority standards. The most important component of beginning band is consistent home practice and progress, which impacts these assessments.
How much practice time is expected?
In order to be successful, students need to practice at home approximately 90 minutes per week (about 15-30 minutes each day, 3-7 days per week). Since participating in band is a new experience for fifth graders, parents will need to monitor this practice time to ensure completion. We work extensively with students on the how/when/where of practicing to help make the home practice experience as productive as possible.
What kind of commitment is involved?
By signing up for band, you and your student are committing to participate for the entire fifth grade year and to consistently practice at home. Unlike math and reading, students do not receive daily instruction in band. Because of this, all students need consistent weekly practice in order to achieve proficiency and play at a level that allows them to fully participate in 5th grade band. Keep in mind that any new activity has its ups and downs, and fifth graders can present convincing and/or changing arguments during their band experience. It is very important that parents provide a supportive, positive voice and expectations and accountability for consistent practice and commitment.
What if I don’t know anything about music?
Prior musical knowledge is not required. Our band method books are designed for students (and parents) to learn from a most basic level and progress incrementally in a fun way. An included online resource will provide assistance and examples at home to assist you and your student, and consistent instruction in practice and technique will be provided at school.
What’s going to happen next?
During the initial weeks of the school year, band instructors will be meeting with and trying out mouthpieces with all interested fifth graders. We have made adjustments to our testing process to develop a more safe and sanitary mouthpiece testing process to help ensure the safety of all teachers and students. The goal of our program is to provide quality opportunities for students to achieve individual and group success in band. To reach this goal, the instrument selection process is crucial. We want to match the student to an instrument which will best suit individual physical characteristics and kindle a lifelong interest in music. We must also consider the overall instrumentation in our bands when recommending instruments to our students. Some students will elect to audition on an instrument that requires further testing, like the tuba, euphonium, French horn, saxophone, or percussion. An instrument recommendation packet will be sent home with all students at the conclusion of the recruitment process.