Band Instrument Choices

Band FAQ’s

I want to do band, but don’t think I’d be very good at it...

NONSENSE!! Everybody is capable of learning how to play an instrument. I make learning how to read notes and play an instrument easy and fun.

I think band will be too much work; I’ve got a lot going on and want to keep up with my schoolwork.

Band is work, don’t get me wrong. You do have to put in a certain amount of effort. However, many students in band are involved with many other activities (dance, sports, karate, boy scouts, girl scouts, etc.) and are excellent students. In fact, there are many studies showing that students who play an instrument score higher on tests like PSSA’s and SAT’s.

So how much work is involved?

When you’re in band, you will start out by having one lesson on your instrument per cycle that lasts 30 minutes. You’ll be in a class with other first year students who are just starting out on their instrument like you. I’ll ask that you play regularly at home (about 4 - 5 times per week for only about 15 minutes or so a day). If you can keep up with that, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time!

Does it cost any money to play in band?

Lessons and band do not cost anything!! It does, however, cost money to rent an instrument. I recommend renting from the music store Robert M. Sides. More information on Robert M. Sides rental program is available through their website. You may also use your own instrument if someone in the family has one. If it hasn’t been used in a while, you may need to have it cleaned up and fixed a little, and will probably have to buy some accessories that come with rented instruments. In either case, you will need a lesson book that costs about $10. There is also a limited quantity of school-owned instruments you can use at little-to-no charge for families in financial need.

What instrument do I get to play?

When signing up, you will get to pick which band instrument you would like to learn! I try my best to give everyone their first choice of instrument to learn but sometimes I might talk to you to reconsider your choice in case there are too many students for one instrument. For instance, the band cannot have 30 drummers and only 2 clarinet players. Every instrument is important and we need all the different band instruments in our band!

I’m not sure if my family can afford to rent an instrument. Can I still play in band?

Absolutely! I want every student in fourth or fifth grade who wants to play in Band. If you need an instrument, please talk to me. The school owns some instruments that can be loaned out at no charge. Preference will be given to students on free or reduced-cost lunch since we only have a limited number of school instruments available.

If I have other questions about Elementary Band how do I contact you?

The easiest way to contact me is via email. My email address is stephanie.baker@beasd.net. Please feel free to email with me with any other questions you may have about the program!