Learn More About 6th Grade Band at Thompson!

If you were unable to attend our Virtual Band Parent Meeting, we recorded it:

Video of May 17 6:30PM Thompson 6th Grade Band Parent Meeting

The study of music is much more than simply learning to play an instrument. Music benefits young people in many areas of their lives. Communication and social skills are strengthened, and creative and analytical skills are nurtured. Learning to play an instrument and participate in an ensemble are valuable experiences for all students.

Band is also a place of belonging. For many students there is a level of comfort and support when they are in the band room with other band students. We enjoy our time together every day and always make it fun! Many wonderful friendships develop due to working together as a team and playing great music together.

The band teachers at Thompson are committed to providing students with meaningful learning opportunities and positive musical experiences. We look forward to sharing our love and enthusiasm of music with your child!

How to join 6th Grade Band at TMS in 4 easy steps...

1. Choose your instrument. See below!!

2. Complete this Registration Form (needs to be done by a parent).

3. Get your instrument by contacting Quinlan and Fabish. It will be delivered to Thompson at the end of July. They offer a low-cost introductory period, it's rent-to-own, all repairs are FREE (yes, ALL, and remember these are middle schoolers!), and their instruments are GREAT quality. (See the flyer below) Please avoid buying a generic brand online.

4. Come to "band camp" August 2-6 (the week before school starts) at Thompson. It's free and really important! It's just an hour each day (different times for each instrument). Students will put their instruments together for the first time and play their first notes! Details for this will be sent to you during the summer.

**If you have any questions, please email Mr. Blank john.blank@d303.org (one of the Thompson band teachers) and I will reply (probably the same day!) No question is too small!

Did you know?

• ALL 5th Graders can still join band for 6th grade! Even if you didn’t put it on your form back in February! Use the "Registration Form" link above.

• ALL students will be at the beginner level in 6th grade, because NO ONE was allowed play any instruments this year (other than percussion). So don't be afraid to join! Everyone is starting from scratch!

• Band is a daily class at Thompson! (no early mornings or staying after school!)

• Students are allowed to do TWO music groups in the SAME class period. They alternate days between the two. This may sound busy, but the students who do two music classes tend to be our strongest musicians.

• We have TWO band teachers at Thompson! One teacher works with the full band while the other provides small-group instruction to a group of flutes or trumpets etc. in a separate space.

• LOTS of students do band! We have two 8th grade band classes, two 7th grade band classes, and three 6th grade band classes!

• If you play a bigger instrument, you only need to bring your mouthpiece each day, which is small (applies to french horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba).

• If you did band this year in 5th grade, it’s time to pick out your instrument! (Use the "Registration Form" link above)

• There is a FREE band camp the week before school starts (August 2-6) at Thompson to get you started -- only an hour each day!

Which Instrument Should I Choose?

(These people in the example videos are all adults who are in the U.S. Army Field Band. You won't have to wear any kind of uniform for band!)

See you next year in Band!!!