Frequently Asked Questions

How much will my student have to practice?

It's pretty simple - kids who practice improve!  The more a student practices, the better they get, and the more rewarding it is to play the instrument.  We recommend daily practice, especially at the beginning, since part of learning an instrument is muscle memory - repeating something again and again until it becomes second nature and muscles develop. This is true for forming the mouth to play an instrument, learning how to hold the bow, and for reading notes on a page.  Getting a student to practice is rarely an issue at first, because it's all fun and exciting, but as time goes on, your student may need reminders to practice.  

I'm going into Middle School - Will I be behind?

Students going into middle school will be a year or two behind their fellow students, which can create some initial frustration.  However, a good work ethic and a positive attitude will go a long way towards closing this gap.  Be prepared to practice a lot that first year to try to catch up, and before you know it, you will be right with the other students.  We have found that any student who starts late but is willing to work hard eventually is successful.

Why isn't drums a choice?

We start students on percussion, not drums, after a year of instruction on another instrument. Percussion is much more than the drums - it includes xylophone, cymbals, timpani, and a lot of other instruments.  It is absolutely crucial in a school band that the percussionists can keep a steady tempo -otherwise the entire band falls apart!  The first year on another instrument gives students a chance to learn to read music and to show us their rhythm skills.  We select a limited number of interested students (with exceptional rhythm skills) at the end of 5th grade to switch to percussion.

What if my student starts on one instrument at Summer Band and Orchestra and realizes he/she doesn't like it?

Sometimes, a student just does not take to an instrument - usually because of their body size or facial structure.  We recognize that there may be some students who struggle on their instrument choice, and we may recommend a switch during Summer Lessons if we see a serious mismatch.  This is easy to do with rented instruments - the store will simply switch out the instruments for your student. 

My student wants to be in band or orchestra, but we just can't afford to rent an instrument at this time.  

BDUSD has a limited number and selection of instruments, which we try to reserve for families in need. Please contact one of the teachers for more information if financial hardship is keeping your student from being involved. We want every child who wants to be involved to get that opportunity.

My student will be spending the summer in another city/state and cannot attend the summer camp.

Parents of 5th graders should talk to a music instructor regarding options. We will do everything we can to include your child.

Instrument Name Confusion - Trumpet/Cornet, Baritone/Euphonium, Stand Up Bass/String Bass

Trumpet and cornet are different instruments, but are interchangeable.  We usually start students on trumpets, but a cornet would be perfectly acceptable.  

Baritone and euphonium are technically different instruments, but function the same, and we often use the name interchangeably.  Our school has both to lend out and we usually call them baritones.  

String bass, upright bass, acoustic bass, and double bass all refer to the same instrument.