Music FAQ's

Instrument Repairs- If an instrument needs a repair please give it to Mrs. Bransgrove to take care of. Unless the damage of the instrument is caused directly by the student in a way that is outside of it's natural usage then the student will be responsible for paying for the repairs. Please do not take it to an outside shop, the school will not be able to reimburse you if you do so. All repairs should be done through Mrs. Bransgrove. Thank you. 

Do I need previous playing experience to join 6th grade band or orchestra?- Absolutely NOT! I will teach you everything you need to know to successfully play in band or orchestra! 

Incoming 6th Grade Parent Information

Newton Middle School Music Intent Form 

See the "Resources" tab to watch a video that describes the Newton Middle School Instrumental Music Program for Incoming 6th Graders.

6th Grade Elective Wheel-  I would advise you to explore music and playing an instrument even though it is not a part of the elective wheel. If your student is involved in band and orchestra and misses a few electives on the wheel they will be able to take those electives in 7th and 8th grade. They will not end up missing out on any electives by taking band or orchestra their 6th grade year. They will be offered the same electives every year so they can still explore and experience them later in middle school as well. It is much harder to learn and instrument in 7th or 8th grade than it is to learn it in 6th grade. 

View the "Resources" tab to view demo video's of all of the instruments. 

6th Grade Band/Orchestra- All students are welcome to enroll in either 6th grade band or 6th grade orchestra. No previous experience is required. There is an advanced track offered during 6th grade band for those students who have previous playing experience to offer a more challenging level. 

Due to our schedule all 6th grade musicians must be enrolled in 6th grade beginning band. Ensembles are based on grade level, not ability level. Again this is due to the structure of our school schedule, when one grade level is in an elective the other grade levels are in a core class (math, language arts, science, social studies) therefore they cannot move to an advanced grade level ensemble. I offer the advanced track mentioned earlier to counter musicians who come into 6th grade with previous playing experience and also encourage them to audition for the jazz band. 

All current 5th grade students will receive information about the instrumental music program with their Newton registration information. With this information there is a form that you may fill out and return with the registration materials if your student displays interest in enrolling in either band or orchestra. This information can be located on this web page as well. You may submit your music intent information through the google form. Please feel free to email Mrs. Bransgrove if you have any questions about the program. 

Jazz Band- Jazz Band is an auditioned group here at Newton. We rehearse every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:10 a.m. Audition music will be posted in the band room by the end of the week of 8/14. Please contact Mrs. Bransgrove if you are interested in joining. Apart from wind and brass players Jazz Band also includes piano, guitar, bass and drum set.