FAQ

Q. How can I help the Band??

a. If you are interested in helping the band you can reach out directly to Mr. Long @ Clinton_long@catawbaschools.net or you can make a donation of money or an instrument. Anything that you can do for the band will help now and years to come!

Q. If I want to Join band how do I Sign Up?

a. For rising 7th Graders: when the guidance councilers ask you what encore classes you want in Apil/May all you have to do is tell them you want to be in band. Starting in the spring of 2024 the band will hold an INSTRUMENT TESTING NIGHT where students can sign up for what instrument they want to play and also sign up for band.  

a. For rising 8th Graders: If you missed signing up for band in the 7th grade and if you are interested you must contact Mr.Long ASAP. Because you will not have had band in 7th grade you will be required to take private lessons and perform an auditon for Mr. Long to make sure that you are ready to join the band. 

Q. How do I get an Instrument?

a. There are three ways that you can get an instrument. The first way is to buy an instrument online. If you choose to do this you must CHECK THE SUPPLY LIST to see if your instrument is an approved brand. If you do not see the brand on the list contact Mr. Long@ clinton_long@catawbaschools.net  The second way is to rent an instrument from a music store in the area. The three options in the area are Music & Arts in Hicory, Keys and Strings in Sherrills Ford, and Greg Chapman with the band attic in Granite Falls. The last options is only if you do not have the ability to purchase and instrument, and that is to rent an instrument from the school. If you/your child plays a large/expensive instrument like tuba, euphonium, french horn, or bari saxophone the school will provide that for you. If need to rent from the school please ask for an instrument rental contract and we will do what we can, but please note that we only have a limited amount of instruments. And lastly if you are using an old family instrument it is highly advised to take it to Mr. Long or a instrument repair store and get it looked over before the beginning of school.

Q. Do I have to be in Band both semesters?

a. Yes, there is very little exceptions to this and we are trying to find a way to allow our students to have more opportunities to do multiple activities. WIth that being said it is completely possible for the student to be in band and multiple other groups. Band only meets a few times outside of the school day and we try and be as flexible as possible.

Q. My Instrument Broke what do I do? 

a. Please under NO circumstance try and fix it yourself. All band instruments are made in a very specific way that if not handled properly can cause a lot of EXPENSIVE damage. The first thing is to put the instrument back in the case with ALL parts. Then take the instrument to Mr. Long and have him see if he can fix what has happened. If not you will have to send it to a instrument repair shop. If it is an instrument that the school owns the school will pay for the damages, but may ask for a reimbursement if necessary. 

Q. Can I do Band and Sports? 

a. YES!!! Because band almost primarily meets during the school day there should be very little if any conflicts. The band director and the coaches make a considerable effort to make sure that each student has all the opputnities to do both activities.