PROSPECTIVE BAND STUDENTS

What is Band?

Band is an elective class, not an after-school activity, in which you learn how to read music and how to play an instrument of your choice. We perform music at two concerts each year and we play music at fun school events! Band class meets every day, all year long. You can continue to be a part of the band for all three years at LMS, and then continue in high school and college!

What instruments can I play in Band?

You can choose the Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, or Percussion. Later in the year, you can try out for other instruments like the French horn, tuba, etc. 

How do I sign up for Band?

You sign up for the 6th grade band class when you sign up for your “elective” classes. Your teacher will give you more information about this. Please get your parents’ permission first, because you need an instrument.

Is it too late to sign up for Band?

No. If you already chose your elective classes for next year, but you changed your mind and would like to do band, it is not too late. We can change your class. Ask your teacher or guidance counselor about this. If they do not know how to do it now, you can call the school over the summer and make the change. Or email me at jkirkland@bcswan.net. We want you in band, and we will make it happen!

Where do I get my Band instrument?

Music & Arts Center, www.MusicArts.com/Rentals

This is a national chain of music instrument retailers, and there are several shops in the Raleigh area. 

PLEASE, DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON A CHEAP “INSTRUMENT” ONLINE

I am aware that cheap “instruments” are available online through Amazon or eBay, or even major big-box retail stores. These are toys, not real instruments. Please, please do not buy them. They stop working within a year, and they cannot be repaired because the parts are not available to licensed repair technicians. I have had too many good kids quit band because their instrument breaks, and I would like to avoid this. I understand you may want to save money, but buying a junk instrument so you have to by a second one later is not a way to save money, it is a way to waste money. I also understand you may be hesitant to invest money in a real instrument since you are not certain if your child is going to stick with band, but I am certain they will not stick with band after their instrument breaks. 

Music And Arts has many options to make it very affordable to give your child a high-quality real instrument that will set them up for success, which is one of the reasons why our band program works so closely with them. Please consider these options, instead of buying a toy for your child to play in our band.

The following are quality brands that I recommend and that can be serviced by our professional repair technicians: Armstrong, Bach (not Prelude), Blessing, Bliss, B&S, Conn, Getzen, Gemeinhardt, Haynes, Holton, Jupiter, Kanstul, King, Ludwig, Leblanc, Musser, Pearl, Selmer, Vito, Yamaha.

But I don’t know how to play an instrument

That’s normal! Most students start 6th grade band with no previous experience. Don’t worry, we will teach you everything right from the beginning. All you need to do is listen carefully to your Band Director, follow directions, and practice your instrument at home every day. The more you practice, the easier it gets, and the more fun you have!

Please Get Black & White Dress Clothes For Our Concerts

Our “uniform” for concerts is formal black & white dress clothes. This is the traditional concert attire for classical musicians. It also makes our students feel pride and respect, as we perform the music we worked for months to prepare. Boys wear black slacks, white shirt, and a tie / bowtie. Girls may wear a dress, skirt, or dress slacks.