FAQs

Instruments

How do I obtain an instrument?

Please see the "Incoming Students" page of this site. Scroll to the section entitled "Obtaining an instrument."

I believe my family qualifies for financial assistance. How do I get fees waived?

Make sure to fill out the district Family Income Survey, if you have not already. If this is approved, simply check the "Exempt" box on the instrument rental agreement, and our office will ensure the fee is waived accordingly.

What maintenance supplies do we need to get?

Maintenance supplies are typically NOT provided with school instruments, even if you qualify for financial assistance. These can be purchased from a music store (they'll be in attendance at the instrument rental night). A full list of recommended supplies by instrument can be found on page 7 of our Band Handbook.

Enrollment

Should my student take Band class at Baker Prairie?

Short answer: Um, yeah!!! Please see the Incoming Students page for more info about joining band, what to expect, etc.

How do I sign up for Jazz Band?

Jazz band meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8am, starting the second week of the school year. It is a club for Advanced Band members, or students who have already taken a year of band/lessons on their instrument. At some point during the first week of school, Mr. Paulus will build the roster by checking in with students in class, then sending the relevant information home with those students who decide to participate.

Concerts

Are concerts required?

YES, concert performances are mandatory in school band classes everywhere across the country. Every performer on every instrument contributes to the ensemble, and we expect to perform with the whole team. Let Mr. Paulus know IN ADVANCE and AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if there is a conflict with any performance date.

Our home concerts at BPMS start at 7:00pm. Student performers should arrive no later than 6:30pm.

Missing multiple concerts results in removal from the band program, so make sure you know when they are happening!

When is the next concert?

The printable 2025-2026 performance calendar file can be found here. There is also an embedded Google calendar on this webpage. We recommend you add this calendar to your own Google calendar to keep track of Band events!

What is the concert dress code?

Top Options: Black blouse or button-up shirt.

Bottom Options: Black pants, skirt, or dress.

Footwear: Black socks or hosiery/leggings. Legs must be covered if wearing a skirt or dress.

TL;DR... ALL BLACK. Look nice!

Grades

Where can my student find extra help?

Mr. Paulus is at BPMS every school day from 7:30am to 4pm. Unless there is a substitute, students are welcome to come in to the Band room before or after school and get some extra help from me, or just practice on their own. This is highly encouraged for students who play larger instruments, just so they do not have to lug a cumbersome case home for practice!

Additionally, some of our students take private lessons from the local music stores. This is a great supplement to our class rehearsals, and time spent in lessons count toward the student's weekly practice records!

What can my student do to get their grade up?

If your student has a low grade in band class, it is very likely they missed a concert or are not keeping up with their practice regimen.  If a concert is missed, the student must find a time to stay before or after school and play through all of their concert music for Mr. Paulus.

Students must also perform occasional playing tests in class (about one a month). Keeping up with consistent practice ensures that your student will be ready for these assignments. Tests can be retaken before or after school.

I want to get more involved! How can I do so?

Awesome! We have an active Band Booster program for the Canby School District who would be glad to have you join! While most of the booster club’s operations pertain to the high school band program, they also provide tremendous support for our middle school bands and want the voices of middle school band families to be heard. It is never too early to participate! Monthly Booster meetings currently take place on the second Thursday of each month, and our current Band Booster President is April Young. To connect with our band booster program, contact April at canbymusicboosters@gmail.com. Please get involved!

Music Boosters Website

How can I contact Mr. Paulus?

Email is usually the best way to reach me: jordan.paulus@canby.k12.or.us

In order to contact me by phone, call the main office at (503) 263-7170 and ask to be transferred to the band room. I cannot take calls while classes are in session, but the office staff will gladly take a message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.