Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I am not sure if I want my child to do band?
Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Music is the same way. Your child should sign up for band even if you or they are unsure. If at some point you decide that music is not for you, drop the class. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when everyone else has already started.
What if I don’t know anything about music?
That’s ok! I will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes and rhythms, I will guide your child through the process. All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sound.
How much out of school time is required?
Music is no different than any other curricular area. I ask that your child spend some time with their instrument each and every week. Think of it as musical homework, but much more fun.
Can my child do both elementary choir and band?
Yes! Band and choir offer district musical experiences. Band typically involves playing instruments and learning to read music, while choir focuses on vocal performance and harmony. Being a part of both groups allows children to develop a broader range of musical skills and knowledge. Both Mr. Leer and Mrs. Sczepanski LOVE IT when kids are involved in both.
What are the costs?
The costs associated with music depend on which instrument your child chooses and if you already own an instrument. I wish funds were available for us to provide every child with an instrument, however, this is simply not possible. The school has a limited number of instruments available for rent. If we don’t have the instrument you need, you can rent a quality instrument from a local music store at a very reasonable price. If financial constraints prevent you from being able to do this, please contact me and allow me to help. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating.
What instrument should my child play?
Sometimes the instrument I recommend is not the instrument you envisioned your child would play. Keep in mind that each child’s physical features play an important role in my recommendation. To choose the flute simply because your child desires to play one or because their friends have chosen the flute does not necessarily mean your child will experience success in producing a good sound on one.
I also strive to maintain good balanced instrumentation throughout our school district. Just as a baseball team couldn’t function with six catchers and no outfielders, a good band depends on all instrument sections being filled and not overloaded. I certainly do not want your child to play an instrument they don’t like, but I appreciate your cooperation and support of my recommendations whenever possible.
Instrument choices are flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, electric bass, or percussion. Due to the limited amount of percussion parts and the need for balanced instrumentation, I am only able to take four percussionists and one electric bass player for each band. If your child is interested in percussion or electric bass, I will assess their rhythm and note reading skills. The top four percussion scores will be asked to play percussion and the top electric bass score will be asked to play electric bass. Please note that students that have had at least two years of piano/ /string experience generally test higher so it is good to have a backup instrument choice.
If you are struggling with your decision on which instrument your child should play, please feel free to contact me. Click here to watch a video of all the instruments or copy and paste the link. https://www.bepartofthemusic.org/group/index.php?id=4334
How soon do we need an instrument?
Everyone should plan to have an instrument, supplies and lesson book by Sept. 18
Should we rent or buy an instrument?
I always suggest renting for a few months to see how well your child likes the instrument and how well they progress. Yet sometimes renting can be cost prohibitive. You may be able to find a used instrument on my preferred brand list for a cost equivalent to four or five months’ instrument rent.
Where can we rent or purchase an instrument & supplies?
Most music stores offer instrument payment plans of some kind. Groth Music offers a rent-to-own plan as well as repair and maintenance coverage. When searching for an instrument, you will want to search for “Beginner level” or “Student Level” instruments. Intermediate level instruments will serve the student longer; however, they are not necessary for the first few years.
Due to extreme pitch problems, lack of durability and repair policies of the music stores concerning generic/off-brand instruments, please see my recommended list of instrument brands before searching for an instrument. Some of the popular music stores who sell these preferred brands are listed on the next page.
· Groth Music: 8056 Nicollet Ave S., Bloomington, MN 55420, 1-800-969-4772
· The Music Mart: 550 Wilson Ave. Suite 102, Faribault, MN (507) 409-9900
· Schmitt Music: Nicollet Ave. S, Burnsville, MN 55337, 952-435-2454
Are there school instruments to rent?
The school has a few instruments that it can rent out to students. The rental fee is $80.00 per year. Preference is given to students on free and reduced lunch first for these instruments. See Mrs. Sczepanski for more information.
Can I use an old family-owned instrument?
Often times it is an advantage to use an old family-owned instrument for the initial year(s) of band experience. I prefer that these instruments are one of the recommended brands. I suggest that you take the instrument to a local music store to make sure it is in good working condition. There is nothing more frustrating for a beginner than trying to progress on an instrument that does not work properly. If you are not sure if it will work for school bring it in to me and I will look it over.
Can I buy an instrument from a newspaper add, garage sale or online auction?
Sometimes you can find good buys from these sources. However, I urge you to use great caution in these kinds of purchases. Many “off-brand” or “problematic” instruments are sold this way. Nothing is more frustrating for your child than trying to learn how to play an instrument that doesn’t work properly or play in tune. Please refer to my list of preferred instrument brands. All brands listed can be serviced by Groth Music. Be sure to have the instrument checked over and brought into good playing condition before the first day of band.
What if my child changes their mind and wants to try a different instrument?
I generally discourage switching instruments during the first year, as it takes much time and effort to master the technical challenges of playing an instrument. However, I understand that there are exceptions. If your child has been unable to progress or has become extremely frustrated, please consult me. I may have some additional ideas that could help your child improve or thoughts on another instrument which might fit your child better. Switching instruments is allowed only with my approval to ensure proper balance in the band.
What are the Preferred Instrument Brands?
Flute: Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Artley, Jupiter
Clarinet: Yamaha, Selmer, Buffet, Armstrong, Bundy, Noblet, Vito, Le Blanc, Jupiter
Alto Sax: Yamaha, Selmer, Bundy, Jupiter, Cannonball, Vito
Trumpet: Yamaha, Bach, Getzen, King, Conn, Holton, Jupiter
Trombone: Yamaha, Bach, King, Conn, Jupiter, Holton, Getzen
Baritone/Euphonium: Yamaha, Bach, King, Conn, Jupiter, Getzen
Please note: Due to extreme pitch problems, lack of durability and repair policies of music stores concerning generic/off-brand instruments, please make sure you acquire an instrument from the preferred brands list above. A variety of non-music stores offer substandard quality instruments, but the pitch problems and lack of repair options can jeopardize your child's band experience. When you rent/purchase a quality instrument for your child--that can be repaired if needed---you are giving them the best chance for success. Instruments do not need to be new, used ones are perfectly acceptable.
What if I have other questions?
Please know that I am here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Contact info for Mrs. Sczepanski: sczepanskij@district195.org or 507-263-2151 or 507-645-4773.