NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED

No experience at all is needed to enjoy and be successful in band. In fact, a vast majority of band students have no experience playing an instrument or reading music when they join. I didn’t start learning music until 6th grade band myself.

YOU CAN DO BAND AND SPORTS/CLUBS

Band does not interfere with being an athlete or a member of another club or team. A survey of our 154 current band students shows that 92% of band members are in one or more after school sports or activities. Band is a daily class, so all of our rehearsing takes place during the school day. The only exception are our concerts, which take place once per quarter. These dates will be released at the start of the school year. You can do both!

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT A STUDENT’S CLASS SCHEDULE?

All 6th grade students have the option to enroll in band, orchestra, or choir as one of their UA classes. Students have two Unified Arts classes each quarter. If a student selects band as a class, their second UA class will be selected at random to rotate through each quarter of the school year. (PE, Technology, Careers, Art, STEAM, Design/Modeling, etc.) If a student does not elect to take band they will simply rotate through the UA classes. In other words, 6th grade students cannot select any class for themselves other than band, orchestra, or choir. Band is a year long course. Band will take up one of the two UA classes for all 4 quarters. The other UA class will be a rotation of the different classes listed above. Students are committed to being in the class a full year, as the amount of progress a student makes in the first year is tremendous and is motivating. We find that most students love playing their instrument! We encourage all students to give band a try in 6th grade, because it is far more difficult to join a year or two later. However, if your child decides that they do not want to continue playing their instrument in band, they will simply not sign up the following year.

WHEN DO I PICK MY INSTRUMENT?

We will select instruments at an Instrument Fitting which will take place after Camp Colt in August 6th.

We will have all of the instruments for students to try and Mr. Bertsche will help each student find an instrument they will be successful on and are interested in. It is very important students do not select and get an instrument before this event so students are placed on an instrument that is physically appropriate for your child.

COST

Most instruments are available to rent for approx. $30/month from Willis Music. This includes the cost of repairs as needed. If finances are a concern, there are a number of school-owned instruments available to check out to students for the school year. School instruments are also available for students who select to play large instruments: tuba, french horn, etc. Cost is not to prohibit any student from participating in band. Please reach out if you have any questions.

WHAT IF I WANT TO PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT FOR MY CHILD? 

Many big box retailers and Amazon carry very inexpensive musical instruments, which are manufactured under numerous brand names. DO NOT PURCHASE THESE - they are of inferior quality compared to the instruments listed below or ones you will find at a reputable music store. The “deal” seems too good to be true, and it is. Your child will quickly become frustrated and fall behind in class when the instrument no longer works correctly. Many of these “budget” instruments do not work properly when they are brand new, and local repair shops will not fix the instruments. If you would like to purchase an instrument, please contact me for recommendations.

DOES MY CHILD NEED PRIVATE LESSONS ON THEIR INSTRUMENTS? 

Private lessons are an excellent opportunity, but not required. Private instrument lessons are one-on-one lessons with a professional on their instrument. These students often get the most out of band! Please contact me directly to get in touch with our approved private teachers.