Does my student need to already play an instrument?

• No! The entire focus of the Beginning Band curriculum during 6th grade year is focused on getting students set up on the fundamentals of playing a wind instrument. 

What instrument will my child be playing? How is that deteremined?

• Students will begin on one of our "starter" instruments flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone to begin the year. There are a very large number of reasons why be begin on a limited number of instruments, but it's most importantly to ensure we are able to maximize class time and give students more hands-on interaction/practice on their instruments in the early days of learning. These four instrument sections also need to be the biggest of our band, to acquire good, balanced, band instrumentation!

• In the first 2 weeks of August- students will have an opportunity to go through our "instrument fitting process". They will learn the fundamentals of how to make sounds on the different instruments and will have the opportunity to try them out to ensure we find a successful fit!

• We will spend our fall semester focused on learning the fundamentals of reading music, posture, sound production, proper instrument care, and performance.

• In addition to our four starter instrument, there are several other instruments in our middle school band program (saxophone, oboe, bassoon, horn, baritone, tuba, percussion) that we will address later in the year. Criteria for switching to those other instruments will be shared late in the fall semester for students showing performance progress and dedication on their starter instruments. Instrument switches usually occur during the 3rd nine weeks. Instrument switches are NOT GUARANTEED. Switching is based on previous standards mastery by the student and needs of the ensemble.

Do we need to get an instrument over the summer?

• No! Please do not worry at all about instruments until the middle of August.

• During the first 2 weeks of school a large amount of time and focus is spent on learning about the insturments in the wind band. 

• Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn how to, and try to make sounds on instruments to find their "best fit". 

• Once our instrument "fitting" process is complete, students will come home with information on next steps about obtaining instruments.

• We do not start using instruments in class until after Labor Day

Does the school provide instruments?

• Unfortunately, our program is not equipped to provide instruments to all students. 

• There are MANY avenues available to help get an instrument in hand (please see the next FAQ below).

• If your largest concern about joining band is getting an instrument, please don't let that deter you! We have MANY resources and options available to ensure every student can access a quality instrument!

How will I go about getting an instrument?

• Many families select to rent an instrument from a local music retailer such as Portman’s Music and Repair, Kirkwood’s Music and Repair or Music and Arts. Renting is beneficial for students who may not be 100% dedicated to their starter instrument, because they can be easily returned or exchanged. Please visit the Equipment Information Guide page to find more information on our local retailers.

• Purchasing used instruments from local families is also a common path. It is highly suggested that you as Mrs. Norwood to help "vet" the instrument you are looking to purchase, because some instruments may not be worth the purchase. You can use the resources on our Equipment Information page to search through recommended brands/models to know if you are going to be investing in a quality instrument.

• PLEASE do not purchase instruments off Amazon, eBay, Craigslist and other similar online “stores”. Instruments that seem like a steal-of-a-deal and too-good-to-be-true usually are. Neglecting this advice and purchasing off-brand instruments will cause sincere stress as your child progresses. FOR AN EXPLANATION OF OFF-BRAND INSTRUMENTS AND WHY THIS IS DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR STUDENT'S SUCCESS, PLEASE CLICK HERE!

• Band instruments/supplies should never be purchased off Amazon. In my experience- the quality is not appropriate for your student to be successful. CLICK HERE to find a list of credible online retailers if you wish to make equipment/accessory purchases online.

• Please visit the BAND EQUIPMENT INFORMATION PAGE for more information/links to the above mentioned vendors, lists, and websites.

What if our family already owns an instrument?

• This is always a wonderful option!!!

• Please understand that family-owned instruments must be in proper working condition, so it is highly recommended that if it has not been serviced by a repair technician within the past year, that it is taken to one for a thorough look-over/servicing. 

• Having a reliable/working instrument is the utmost important detail in this class. Student success can be greatly hindered by a poorly working instrument. 

• Please ensure it has been looked-over and repairs completed by our first day with instruments.

What if our family already owns an instrument that is not one of the four starter instruments?

• Unfortunately, our beginning of the year curriculum is only going to focus on our four starter instruments. Although it is amazing your family already owns an instrument, you are asked to please consider renting one of the starter instruments for your student to remain involved in our fall curriculum. Opportunities to switch to other instruments will be provided later in the school year.

Are there a lot of commitments after school for band?

• I do my best to limit the number of after school requirements.

• For our beginning band year, after school events are rare (with the exception of our 3 scheduled performances).

• In 7th/8th grade, our performance oppotunities really increase but the time commitment is still very minimal. 

• Please feel free to check out the band calendar page to get a glimpse of what the year looks like! Additionally, there is a "Beginning Band Event Calendar" at the bottom of this webpage.

I noticed there is a program fee for band. What is that for/what does it include?

• The band program at SIMS does NOT participate in traditional fundraising efforts. Our entire operating budget for the year comes from family contributions to our annual program fee.

• The fee is $65/student for the entire school year.

• This fee provides students with their band t-shirt each year (our casual performance uniform), and will get them set up with a lot of their curriuculum materials in 6th grade including a binder (already set up with dividers and page protectors) as well as their band method bood.

• Our program fee is also used to provide classroom supplies and resources for students and additional instructional enrichment by masterclass teachers/support staff.

• In 7th/8th grade, this fee is used to cover the cost of off-campus excursions and participation in enrichment performances within the community.

Good news! Your band program fee will cover some of your student's set up costs for the beginning of the school year. Students will be provided with a binder (partially pre-filled!) and their band method books after instrument selections have been made. Please ensure students have pencils in class with them. 

Students are required to bring the following items with them to band class, DAILY. Student's upkeep of materials and preparation for class are considered part of our "rehearsal etiquette" standard. Student's ACTIVE participation is tracked throughout the year.

• Instrument and Accessories- All students are required to have a functioning instrument and additional materials necessary for proper performance and maintenance every day in class (beginning September 3, 2024). Instrument-specific requirements will be sent home in August. Beginning band instruments are not provided by the SIMS Band Program.

• Current year's Band T-Shirt- Provided with participation in the annual program fee.

• Habits of Successful Beginner Band Musician- Provided by the band program/ Mrs. Norwood  (RevTrack Program Fee)

• 3-Ring Binder- Provided by the band program/Mrs. Norwood  (RevTrack Program Fee)

• 5 Tab Dividers- Provided by the band program/ Mrs. Norwood  (RevTrack Program Fee)

• Page Protectors- Provided by the band program/ Mrs. Norwood  (RevTrack Program Fee)

• Pencils and Erasers- Please ensure students have a healthy supply of pencils and erasers!

Mrs. Norwood is only able to provide student set up materials because of our annual Band Program Participation Fees. Thank you for having your participation fee paid for via RevTrack so we can get these items in your students hands (in addition to other vital operational resources) to use throughout the year!

Assessments- 60% 

• Largely comprised of performance-based assessments (playing tests/pass offs)

• Includes Performance (Concert) grades 

• Written music theory/vocabulary assessments.

Assignments- 40%

• Formatives/quizzes designed to check on student's progress in the learning process.

• Includes practice assignments and submissions.

• Includes Rehearsal Etiquette grades

We follow the school-wide grading format. Our curriculum includes musical literacy (which is in simpler terms vocabulary- we learn a lot of special terminology and several different languages in band!), rhythmic literacy (how to read, perform, and notate rhythms), Musicianship proficiencies (which are our performance skills and progress), sight reading (our ability to process new information at first sight) and our large ensemble performances.

As a performing arts class, performances outside of class time are expected and graded in accordance with the Georgia Music Standards of Excellence.  Performances are counted as assessments within the grading period.  At home practice is required! As skills are taught, at home practice is necessary to reinforce and refine the skills introduced during class and prepare for playing tests. Please understand your student will not progress appropriately if no time is spent practicing outside of class/school hours. Playing tests will be given periodically for students to show progress and mastery of standards-based performance skills. Not all performance assessments will be practiced in class. There will be times where students need to be able to demonstrate their individual musicianship on their own. 

All dates below are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Also, this is not a definitive schedule of events. Other events may be brought to your attention throughout the year, and information will be sent home as it becomes available. 

A full interactive Google calendar including times and details may be found on the SIMS Band Website throughout the year.

August 7, 2025 (Thursday)- Virtual Parent Meeting (Google Meet @ 6pm)

• Mrs. Norwood will review all aspects of the beginning band program here at SIMS to walk you through what beginning band looks like and what/how to attain a quality instrument for class. This information can be previewed on the SIMS Band website. Our virtual parent meeting is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and learn about available resources.

August 13, 2025 (Wednesday)- Student Information & Participation Fees Due

• Students will be sent home with a checklist of items to attend to at the start of the school year. These are to be completed and returned to class no later than August 14th. Participation fees provide your student with their instructional materials and performance t-shirts. Please ensure these tasks are completed as early as possible.

September 2, 2025 (Tuesday)- First Day with Instruments in Class

• This is our expected first day with instruments in class. All students should have an instrument available in class on this day. Students who do not have an instrument in class starting this day are at risk of falling behind our curriculum pacing.

October 7, 2025 (Tuesday)- 6th Grade Beginning Band "Informance" (5:30pm in the SIMS Gym)

• Our 6th Grade Beginning Band "Informance" is not a formal concert in the traditional sense, but is a demonstration of what takes place in the beginning band class each and every day. This is a great opportunity for students to practice their performance etiquette and show their friends and family the progress they have made on their instruments after only a month in class! Students will receive a grade for this event as performances are a part of our curriculum.

*December 9. 2025 (Tuesday)- Winter Concert (5:30pm,SIMS Gym)

• All grade levels will be presenting our Winter Concert this evening.

December 2025/January 2026- Instrument Diversification Begins

• Information letters and interest forms will be sent home with students interested in switching to some of our more specialized instruments. This process can take up to 4+ weeks.

March 21, 2026 (Saturday)- Beginning Band Clinic (Georgia Music Educators Association, District Ten sponsored event) 

• The Georgia Music Educators Association- District Ten, holds many extra opportunities for students throughout the year. In 6th grade- a small number of students are selected from each of the district's participating band programs to represent their schools at this one day clinic. Only about 5-8 students are chosen from each program. Students will spend only one day preparing a concert with a guest clinician. 

*April 23, 2026 (Thursday)- 6th & 7th Grade Spring Concerts (5:30pm, SIMS Gym)

*Dates marked are mandatory dates for all beginning band students. Performances are a part of our state standards for Fine Arts and participation is required/graded. Any students missing a pre-scheduled performance event, will be required to make-up that performance grade via an alternative assessment. All performances count as Summative Assessments. Anytime a student misses a scheduled performance, please notify Mrs. Norwood as immediately as possible.