Join the Batavia 5th Grade Band & Orchestra!

INCOMING 5TH GRADERS:

IT'S TIME TO CHOOSE YOUR INSTRUMENT!

Every year in Batavia, we start hundreds of beginning band and orchestra students who grow and thrive in our music program! Not only is our program very large and successful because we seek out and use the best information and teaching methods, but we also have amazing support from our teachers, administration, families, and community.

In fact, Batavia has been awarded NAMM's Best Communities for Music Education 10 years in a row!

STEPS FOR INCOMING 5TH GRADE FAMILIES INTERESTED IN JOINING THE BAND OR ORCHESTRA:

STEP 1: Instrument Demonstrations

In April, all the 4th graders attended an Instrument Demonstration concert performed by the RMS 8th grade band and orchestras!
If you missed that, or need a refresher: you can see a VIRTUAL INTRODUCTION of all the band and orchestra instruments.

STEP 2: Final Discussions & Questions

I will then Meet with all the 4th graders one day during Specials in May to answer any questions or go over any instruments again...hopefully they have narrowed it down to their top choices!

STEP 3 : MOST IMPORTANT - MUST COMPLETE ONLINE

All interested families must fill out THIS FORM.
That form is where you will either tell me which instrument your child would like to play, or sign up for an instrument try-out appointment on Wednesday, May 14 or Thursday, May 15 between 4:30-8:00pm in the RMS Cafeteria.

STEP 4: Wait to hear from me!

Once you've filled out that form, I WILL BE IN CONTACT WITH YOU to help you obtain your instrument and next steps like signing up for summer camp or getting private lesson info!

STEP 5: ROCK OUT! :)

Prepare to be a part of an AWESOME music program!!!

WHAT DOES BEING IN BAND OR

ORCHESTRA LOOK LIKE IN 5TH GRADE?

MAY: Students will choose and rent an instrument that will be delivered to our summer camp.
- - Students choose or sign up to try instruments in the form above.
  - If funds are tight and you are unable to rent an instrument, we will work with you to allow your child to participate!
  - If you do NOT sign up before our music camp in July, your child can still sign up in the fall - but may have a limited list of instruments to choose from, and will be put in a beginner lesson group at school.
JULY/AUGUST: Students are highly encouraged to participate in our Beginning Summer Band and Orchestra Camp
- - July 21-24 and July 28-July 31, 2025 @ RMS
  - Summer Camp Demo Concert on Friday, August 1, 2025 @ RMS (9:00am = Band, 10:30am = Orchestra)
  - $75 camp fee issued in Powerschool in the fall.
  - One 50-minute group lesson every day between 8am-noon (the exact time will depend on which instrument you choose: TBA).
  - If you are unable to participate in our camp, we will recommend taking private lessons over the summer so every student is at the same level when school starts up in the fall.
SEPTEMBER-MAY: We will have one 30-minute small group lesson every week at school.
- - Their lesson time will change each week, but lessons will always be on the same day.
OCTOBER-MAY: In addition to lessons we will also add a 50-minute before school rehearsal every other week.
- - WEST Band & Orchestra members (AGS/GMS/HCS) will meet at AGS at 7:45am every other Wednesday.
  - EAST Band & Orchestra members (HWS/JBN/LWS) will meet at JBN at 7:45am every other Thursday.
  - All students will need a ride TO their morning rehearsal, but will be shuttle-bussed back to their respective buildings just in time for school!
2025-2026 = We will have 5 official performances during the year:
- - Summer Demo Concert: August 1, 2025 @ RMS - 9:00am = BAND & 10:30am = ORCHESTRA
  - Winter Band & Orchestra Concert: December 18, 2025 @ BFAC - 7:00pm
  - All-City BAND Concert: April 7, 2026 @ BHS - 7:00pm
  - All-City ORCHESTRA Concert: April 9, 2026 @ BHS - 7:00pm
  - Spring Band & Orchestra Concert: April 30, 2026 @ RMS - 7:00pm

FINDING THE PERFECT INSTRUMENT

Our goal for the individual student: Match each student with an instrument on which they will be the most successful!
Our goal for the entire group: Develop balanced instrumentation so that students have a good "ensemble" experience.

FACTORS THAT WILL DETERMINE INSTRUMENT SELECTION:

Student preference after viewing the instrument demonstrations and/or videos.
Student’s level of interest and commitment to improving.
Student’s quality of schoolwork.
Student’s personal habits-organization, neatness, patience, etc.
Physical characteristics.

*Please note: if you already own or have access to a certain instrument, that may not necessarily be the one your child wants, or is even able, to play. With over 160 years of collective teaching experience from the current Batavia band and orchestra teachers, please keep our recommendations in mind when finalizing your decision.

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