FAQs
Q: When are rehearsals and lessons?
A: 4th Gr. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00pm in the Glenn Westlake Middle School Band and Orchestra rooms. Students will attend ONE of these rehearsals depending on the elementary school they attend:
Tuesday: Madison, Park View, Pleasant Lane
Wednesday: Butterfield, Manor Hill, Hammerschmidt
Lessons will occur one day per week at your student’s elementary school during the school day. Students are pulled out of their regular class, at a time agreed upon with their classroom teacher, for this lesson.
Q: What are the guidelines you are following due to Covid-19?
A: The Band and Orchestra will be following District 44’s Healthy = Here Policies as well as all State/Local Guidelines.
Q: Can my child do band/orchestra and other activities?
A: YES! Students can participate in multiple activities! Just let us know of any scheduling conflicts ahead of time and we will find a solution that works for each student.
Q: Where do I get an instrument?
A: The most important thing to consider when getting an instrument is the quality of that instrument. We recommend Quinlan & Fabish as a reputable dealer. They work with D44 and visit us weekly to deliver accessories and handle any instrument repairs that arise. There are other music stores in the area you may explore as well. If you have any questions regarding the quality of an instrument please contact a director.
Q: Is there homework? Does my child need to play their instrument at home?
A: Yes. Just like in your regular classes, Band and Orchestra are graded classes in D44.That means you will have some homework for band and orchestra. But that homework is to play your instrument! We recommend 15-30 minutes of practice 4-5 days per week. Students will have a weekly practice log to complete to track their practice throughout the school year.
Q: Are rehearsals and lessons mandatory?
A: Yes, but we understand that there will be an occasional conflict with other activities. When a conflict arises we will be flexible and work with those involved to find a solution so that students can participate in multiple activities.
Q: What if my student doesn't like to practice?
A: That’s normal! Your student is learning a brand new skill and that can come with some challenges. Here are some tips to help practice become a habit:
Have a dedicated time each day such as right after school, right before dinner, or right after dinner
Have a dedicated space for practicing so that all needed materials are readily available
Set small goals in the beginning! Sometimes working on just a few measures of music is all it takes.
Have a reward that is only available after practice. For example, I only get to eat dessert after I’ve practiced that day!
Q: What benefits are in store for students if they participate in band and orchestra?
A:
They learn a new form of communication and expression.
Students can develop an appreciation of music that lasts throughout life.
They learn a team attitude (rather than a "by myself attitude") by working together toward a common goal.
Students can improve their self images by mastering a new skill.
They can form lasting friendships with other ensemble members as a result of being part of our band and orchestra "family".
They learn to read music notation.
Students can improve their reading skills.
Band and Orchestra help develop self discipline and confidence.
It helps develop eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.
It helps students develop good posture and breathing habits.
There is even research that shows correlation between band and orchestra participation and improved grades/college entrance exam scores
Q: Is it true that some instruments are more difficult than others?
A: The only difficult instrument is the one you don’t practice. Each instrument has unique characteristics that may make it more or less difficult for different students. The bottom line? Consistent practice will minimize the difficulty level.
Q: What if my child is too big or too small for their favorite instrument?
A: Some instruments are available in different sizes. Size should not be a determining factor when selecting an instrument for your student. We can always make it work!
Q: What kind of commitment will Band and Orchestra require?
A: Learning an instrument is an endeavor that requires a total commitment. Consistent practice should be expected at home 4-5 days per week. This might mean giving up a little television or play time with friends. Obviously, the more time that students practice, the more successful they will become. Lessons, Rehearsals, and concerts and attendance at these functions is a factor in the student's grade.
Q: What should I (as a parent/guardian) do if my student joins Band or Orchestra?
A: Verbal encouragement is very important. Take time to listen to your student practice and
encourage your student with positive statements as much as possible. Below are a few suggestions:
Make sure your student has a hard back chair to promote good posture while playing.
Make sure your student has some sort of a music stand.
Provide a quiet, dedicated space for your student to practice in each day. Less distractions will equal more productive practice.
Ask your student to teach you something about their instrument!
Be positive and encouraging!
Q: Can my child join for a little while and see if they like it or not?
A: It is best to consider band and orchestra as a year long commitment. Usually, if someone enters an activity with an "I'll try it and see" attitude, they will drop out with the slightest encounter of difficulty. Yes, there will be some difficult times. Playing an instrument is a skill that takes time to develop and students will most likely experience a time when they feel that it is too hard, too frustrating, or too much work. If a student can get by this stage, they will probably be a band or orchestra student throughout high school. It is important that you realize that joining band or orchestra is a full year commitment. It sometimes will take a child a year to fully understand and feel comfortable with the concepts that are taught in beginning ensembles.
Q: Is there transportation to rehearsals at GWMS?
A: No. Transportation for after school rehearsals is not provided by the district. The directors will share carpool lists before rehearsals begin to ease transportation needs. If there is an issue with transportation let a director know and we will do our best to accommodate.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: This is a two part answer:
The D44 curriculum fee for class registration is $64.
Instrument costs will vary depending on the instrument your student selects. See the Instrument Rental Info page for more details.
Financial assistance is available for those students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. If you would like more information please contact a director