It is important for new musicians to spend time practicing their instruments OUTSIDE of band class. I understand that not everyone is able to play at home (maybe you have close neighbors, or a new baby in the house) but there are ways to practice without making noise! 

Students can "air play" their music by blowing air through their instrument without buzzing or putting pressure on the reed and moving their fingers. You can also practice without a mouthpiece at all! Students can also count and sing their music.

Reminders...

Our first few weeks with instruments can be overwhelming and frustrating! If your student is expressing doubt about their instrument choice, please encourage them to keep going. Beginner band is all about making mistakes and crazy sounds. Learning a new instrument is hard, but everything will start to fall into place soon!

Here are some important reminders for our new instruments:

• Students should not be opening cases on the bus or in other parts of the school

• Please assemble your instrument on the floor. Opening the case in your lap or on an elevated surface gives you the chance to drop your instrument. Some parts are easily breakable and  might not survive the fall.

Brands to AVOID!

You are more than welcome to purchase an instrument on your own (from a friend, other store, etc.). However, you need to be wary of something that may SEEM like a good deal. Instrument brands like Mendini, Glory, Allora, First Act, and Jean Paul are poorly made and WILL BREAK within the first few months (sometimes days) of owning them. This "good deal" will cost you a lot of money to repair in the long run. Many instrument shops won't even repair these brands because they do not make parts for them. 

If you find an instrument on your own, please send us the link or call us so that we can make sure you are getting something that is worth your money.

If purchasing/renting an instrument is financially difficult for you right now, don't worry. Please reach out to a director so that we can help make sure your student has an instrument for the year.

Emails:

Samantha James - sjames@arabcityschools.org

Kirk Finley - kfinley@arabcityschools.org

Patrick Dailey - pdailey@arabcityschools.org