What Are The Requirements For Band Class?
All classes and practices take place during the school day. Students perform 3 to 4 weekday evening concerts each year. Each student must have their own instrument and/or required supplies to participate.
How Do I Sign Up for 6th Grade Band at CEMS?
Click here: 6th Grade Band Sign-Up Form
When Do Beginning Students Need An Instrument?
Instruments will be needed by the second full week of school. Students will need to keep their instrument in the band room during the school day for safety and security. All cases and books must be labeled with the student's name.
What Else Do Students Need Besides An Instrument?
Essential Elements for Band (Book 1, yellow trim)
Available at Wert Music, Willis Music, and on Amazon
The book for each instrument is different! Make sure you purchase the book for the instrument you will be playing. The book is labeled with the instrument at the top and includes a picture of the instrument on the cover.
Refer to the Instrument Supplies webpage for more information on other required accessories for your instrument. Many of these will be included in the instrument rental from a local music store.
Should I rent or purchase an instrument?
RENT! RENT! RENT!
Renting an instrument will give your child the opportunity to begin in band with only a small initial investment. Your child can have the advantages of a brand new instrument, such as pride of ownership, freedom from error due to poor equipment, and the opportunity to be the best player they can be by having the best available instrument for their age level. The instrument can be returned to the music store at any time without further obligation. All rental payments are applied towards purchase and permanent ownership.
Larger instruments (french horn, tuba) will be provided by the school.
PERCUSSIONISTS: Percussionists do not rent instruments. Instead they begin a lifetime (just kidding) of purchasing required equipment! This starts with a pre-packaged set available from Wert Music or Amazon. For more information, visit the percussion section of the Instrument Supplies webpage.
What about buying used instruments?
Some used instruments are good bargains. However with the wrong instrument, you could easily end up spending more money on repairs than the instrument is worth. Unless you or someone you know is familiar with and able to inspect the working components of the instrument your child will be playing, used instruments (particularly woodwind) should be avoided. Local music stores and former band students are excellent sources of used instruments.
WARNING:
Many of us (including myself) love the convenience and value of products from Amazon. But a musical instrument is not a purchase that should be made on Amazon or any other "big box" retailer.
The “band instruments” listed on Amazon and Walmart are NOT quality instruments. Do not be fooled by the cheap accessories, fancy colors, or free gloves. These instruments are significantly inferior quality in terms of materials and assembly. When these instruments break unexpectedly (and they will) music stores will not repair off-brand instruments due to their poor construction. A child forced to play an off-brand instrument will think it is THEIR fault they are not successful, become frustrated, lose interest, and quit.
NOTE: Knock-off instruments that are red, pink, blue, purple, or any color other than their natural color are not permitted for use in band class.
A new quality instrument should cost AT LEAST $800. Would you rather spend $50 for a couple months and give your child a chance to be successful? Or a couple hundred to buy them something they have no chance to be successful on?
Are there any school owned instruments available to use?
The school provides access to specialty instruments not available for rental, such as tuba, euphonium, french horn, bassoon, and all percussion equipment. These are assigned on the basis of aptitude, suitability, and availability. Students using school instruments pay a fee at the beginning of the school year and are required to purchase necessary accessories such as sticks/mallets, mouthpiece, books, and reeds/valve oil as required.
Can my child start playing as soon as he/she gets an instrument?
In order to prevent costly repairs and the formation of bad habits, we recommend that the instrument stay in the case until the student can receive instruction. BUT... if you're child just can't wait: the area music stores offer individual lessons and "jump-start" classes that are individualized instruction and will give your child the knowledge they need to start practicing and playing.
Will my child be required to practice outside?
Yes! Building strong practice habits is a critical part of mastering any skill. Students are expected to practice 60-90 minutes a week. This can include several short sessions at home each week and/or use of core-connection time during the school day. Creating a routine (ex. "practice after dinner") and providing a distraction-free space are keys to successful practicing!
How much does it cost to rent an instrument?
Rental costs depend on the instrument and if you rent “brand new” or “like new.” Generally speaking, instruments will be between $40-50 a month to rent from one of our local music stores. Payments go towards permanent ownership of the instrument and include service and basic repairs.
A Few Music Facts:
A two-year Swiss study involving 1,200 children in 50 schools showed that students involved in the music program were better at languages, learned to read more easily, showed an improved social climate, showed more enjoyment in school, and had a lower level of stress than non-music students.
An enjoyable subject like music can keep kids interested and engaged in school. Student musicians are likely to stay in school to achieve in other subjects.
Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs).
The College Entrance Examination Board found that students involved in public school music programs scored 107 points higher on the SAT's than students with no participation.
U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show "significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12."