Band Instruments

No. Those instruments are not part of regular instruction. However, students that wish to play these instruments may learn these separately

outside of class and play them in jazz ensemble. Students who play piano can easily transition to the bells in concert band. This is part of the percussion section. Students would need to purchase or rent a bell kit to use in school.

Yes. Please contact the music teacher to see what available beginner lesson times are available for your child. You will need to rent or own the instrument your child wants to learn as well as purchase Accent on Achievement Book 1 (percussion needs "combined percussion"). our child would receive 1 pull out instrument lesson per week. To learn a new instrument requires dedicated practice and a motivated student. Success will not come to someone who only plays the instrument 1x a week. Your child would also participate in the weekly full band rehearsals. A student that practices consistently at home will quickly develop the skills to fit right in with our band ensemble.

Your student must have their instrument, lesson book, and other supplies such as oil, extra reeds, and other accessories by the beginning of school. We start instruction right away.

Please consult the "6th Grade" and "7th & 8th Grade" pages to find the lesson book information. In general for brass, woodwinds, and bells we use Accent on Achievement Book 1 then Standard of Excellence Book 2 and Standard of Excellence Book 3. For Percussion we use Accent on Achievement for combined percussion and then we use Alfred Drum Method Book 2. All lesson books can be purchased at Music and Arts, The music Score, www.jwpepper.com, or Amazon. Please order your books ahead of time to avoid shipping delays.

• Band members should have appropriate supplies for their instrument.

*Reed players should have 3-5 reeds (The strength depends on your ability level #2, #2.5, #3 reeds) in their case at all times.

*Brass players should have valve oil, grease, and a soft rag. Trombone players need slide oil.

*Flute players should have a soft handkerchief

*Clarinets and saxophones should have cork grease, ligature (included

with instrument and mouthpiece), swab or shove it swab, and neck-strap

*EVERYONE NEEDS PENCILS/ERASERS!

If you need advice please do not hesitate to contact your music instructor. All supplies can be purchased from Music and Arts, The Music Score, or Middlesex Music Academy.

Yes! The school has a collection of instruments that are available to families in financial need based on free and reduced lunch program enrollment. We do charge a $30 fee so the instruments can be repaired and cleaned. While we will do our best to accommodate your specific instrument choice, we are limited to the instruments in our inventory. Checks should be made out to "RHPS Band SAF".

Music and Arts in East Hartford is Griswold Middle School's primary service provider. They are able to deliver supplies to our school making it convenient for families to use. Other local music stores are The Music Score in Rocky Hill and Middlesex Music Academy in Middletown. If purchasing an instrument outside of a music store beware of the quality of instrument you are buying. Although the price may be less up front, you will end up spending more in the end because it will break more often and replacement parts may be unavailable for the cheaper models.

Ideally, yes. This helps avoid confusion and also teaches the students to follow through with their choices. The concert band works together like a team and we all depend on each other instrumental part. The music for each concert is chosen based on the numbers and instrumentation present in the band.

As your child transitions from beginner to intermediate player the number 1 upgrade that should be made for clarinets, saxophones, and brass players would be an intermediate mouthpiece. Reed players should also be transitioning from #2 reeds to #2.5/#3 reeds by the end of middle school. If your child is a dedicated musician and plans on continuing throughout high school you can also upgrade the beginner model instrument to an intermediate model. Please consult any changes with your music teacher to make sure you are making the correct choice for your child.