The band program is made up of children just like yours! Most have never played a band instrument before and read very little music. The basic instruments most beginning band students learn to play are flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. During the first year or two of band, some students begin to switch to other instruments. These instruments include oboe, bassoon, tenor/bari saxophones, bass clarinet, horn, euphonium, and tuba.
Many people think of band as a class on learning to play an instrument, but it is truly much more than that. It teaches students responsibility, self-discipline, and good decision-making, which will help your child succeed in all classes and in life. It also develops a family of friends that will influence good decisions in the coming years. It provides many experiences that are just not taught in other classes.
Research studies for the past 40 years have shown that music education greatly increases brain development by engaging multiple areas on both hemispheres of the brain, so band makes students smarter. Band students represent the top of the academic scale in our schools and they average 62 points higher on SAT scores, which indicates they are stronger in verbal and math scores than other students. Band students often enjoy a successful high school and post-secondary career in college or the workplace, and they become leaders in our society.
One of the best experiences you can offer your child is the chance to be in band. Their social skills, communication skills, self-concept, cooperative talents, and creative mind will all be nurtured through the study of music. These life skills serve as an important foundation as they take on new responsibilities in the future.
To register your child for band, you’ll just need to do the following:
Talk with your student about the best instrument choice for them
Review the attached information for more details about when and how to participate
Fill out the front page of this packet and return it to your student’s homeroom teacher or the front office of your student’s school
We hope that the information attached will answer many of your questions. If you still have questions or concerns please contact us. We look forward to getting to know you and hope that you and your student discuss beginning an exciting and rewarding musical journey!
Thank you,
Scott Benhart, Band Director Michelle Bovenkamp, Band Director
Fillmore and Harrison Elementary Schools Truman Elementary Schools
benhartsc@davenportschools.org bovenkampm@davenportschools.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do we need to participate in band?
You’ll need just a few basic supplies to get started, including:
Instrument
Instrument accessories
Lesson book
Does it cost a lot of money to be in band?
NO! The main cost is for the instrument. High quality new and used instruments are available from area music stores. Most students rent an instrument on a rental-purchase plan at a low monthly cost, typically between $25 to $35. The school will often provide the bigger, more expensive instruments. We also have an inventory of all instruments at school if you have financial constraints. These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and may be subject to an annual $40 fee charged by the school district; reach out to your student’s band teacher to check availability.
The bottom line is if you want to play, we will find a way. PERIOD.
When does my child participate in band?
Band lessons take place during the school day. We work with your student’s teachers to make sure they get all of their classroom learning and their band time! There are a few concerts and events that take place outside of the school day, and we will communicate those dates and times through our band handbook after you sign up!
Can my child participate in band and other activities?
YES! Band students from 5th grade all the way through high school participate in orchestra, choir, clubs, athletic teams, and other organizations, both inside and outside of the school. Band fits in EVERYBODY’S schedule, no matter how much time you have to put toward your instrument!
Where should we get an instrument and supplies?
We have an excellent local music store in our area which is large enough to provide any needs our program has, and yet small enough to provide timely service. We have found the instruments and services provided from West Music to be an excellent value for your money. They provide brand new or gently used instruments (either is absolutely fine) along with the needed accessories and books, and also provide a repair service agreement with rental (a definite plus).
WEST MUSIC
3849 Brady St
Davenport, IA
(563) 391-9000
Click “Rent Online” at the top
Many online sites (such as Amazon and eBay) or discount stores (such as Walmart and Sam's Club) may sell musical instruments. These are not music stores, and their inventory is usually of very poor quality! These are cheaply made instruments that are not made according to industry standards, which means that instrument repair technicians cannot fix them.
What type of instrument should we get? How do we know it’s a good deal?
An instrument is an investment, and with every investment, you get what you pay for. Many stores, including West Music, have “rent-to-own” programs where rental money goes toward the purchase. Below is a list of quality brands if you wish to get an instrument on your own.
Flute: Yamaha, Armstrong, Jupiter, Artley, Selmer, Gemeinhardt Must be silver
Clarinet: Buffet, Yamaha, Jupiter, Selmer, Bundy, Conn, Vito Must be black
Alto Saxophone: Yamaha, Selmer, Jupiter, Bundy, King, Conn, Vito Must be gold
Trumpet: Yamaha, Bach, Jupiter, Conn, King, Getzen, Holton Must be silver or gold
Trombone: Yamaha, Bach, Jupiter, Conn, King, Getzen, Holton Must be gold
Percussion: Pearl, Ludwig, Yamaha Should include a drum pad and a bell kit
What supplies do we need to get?
In addition to the instrument, students need the appropriate accessories, listed below for each instrument. Without these, your instrument won’t work properly, and we won’t be able to keep the instrument in good working condition!
Flute: Tuning rod, swab
Clarinet: Reeds (at least 3 at all times), swab, cork grease
Alto Saxophone: Reeds (at least 3 at all times), swab, cork grease
Trumpet: Valve oil, slide grease
Trombone: Slide oil, slide grease
Percussion: Snare drum sticks (Vic Firth 2B or similar), plastic bell mallets (Vic Firth M143 or similar)
What book do we need to get?
All students need a lesson book. This book will be different depending on what instrument the student plays, and students may need different books as they progress over the years!
Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone:
Essential Elements for Band, Book 1
(make sure it’s the version that matches your instrument!)
Percussion:
A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum, by Mark Wessels
A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion, by Mark Wessels