Frequently Asked Questions

Is band just a class?

No!

Wouldn't it be nice to things with 200 of your closest friends. That's possible as a member of the band since it's the largest organization at Watkins Middle School. In addition, we teach our students for three years so we get to know you and your family on a more personal level that most teachers who only have you in their class for one year. Being a member of the band is like having on big family.

Although most of your class time is spent learning to play your instrument and preparing for concerts, contests, and other performances, we also have many social acticities to help build a sense of camaraderie among the large group of students who are members of the Watkins Middle School Band.

How do I sign up for band?

1. On your course selection sheet mark band as your first elective choice

2. Turn in your course selection sheet now

3. Sign up for an appointment for an individual interview to match you with an instrument

4. At the interview, we will find out which instruments you are interested in playing. We will then try you out on several of these instruments to see which will work the best for you. In addition, we will give your parents information about how to obtain an instrument. We will provide you the recommended instrument list which includes reliable and compatible brand or instrument as well as other information concerning your upcoming year in the Watkins Middle School Band

5. Do not make arrangements for an instrument until after your interview.

How can I be in band if I can't play an instrument?

Absolutely no previous musical experience is necessary to be in band. Band begins in sixth grade and we will teach everything that you need to know in order to be successful.

Do I need to take private lessons this summer in order to be prepared for next year?

No. In fact, we would prefer that you do not have any previous experience with the instrument when we start in August. We are very detailed when teaching the fundamentals of learning to play an instrument and it is best that you learn the methods we use. In addition, it is easy to get bad habits when you don't get the daily feedback that we are able to provide in the beginning band classes.

Taking private lessons is highly encouraged once we have begun instruction at the beginning of the year. We will provide more information concerning this enrichment opportunity in August.

Can I participate in sports and band?

Yes! In sixth grade there are no school-sponsored sports.

In 7th and 8th grades 50%-60% of the Watkins Middle School Band students participate in some type of athletic activity and do well in both sports and band.

May I choose any band instrument?

Yes, but we will meet with you individually to help you with this decision in order to make sure you are on an instrument at works easily with your face, teeth, hands, etc. Most beginning band students play trumpet, trombone, flute, or clarinet. There is a limit to the number of students who play percussion, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, french horn, euphonium, and tuba.

What will I learn in band?

You will learn how to read music and how to play many songs on your instrument. You will be able to use the skills you develop in band throughout middle school, high school, college, and even as an adult.

In Beginning Band do we have after school practices?

Beginning Band students do no have any required rehearsals outside of the school day, except for three rehearsals in preparation for the Spring Concert in May. Additionally, private lessons are offered after school to all students, but they are not a requirement for being a member of the Watkins Middle School Band.