What are the PRACTICING EXPECTATIONS for middle school students?

Students in middle school through high school are encouraged to practice as much as they can, but they are not academically obligated to practice.  Rather, students are expected to practice at home as much as they need to, in order to play the music that I provide.  If a student is capable of learning their music in time for the concert with no at-home practice, well done!  They are ahead of the curve.  However, when this becomes the case for most students, I take that as a sign that the students are ready to take on the challenge of harder (and more fun) music!

What are STEP-UP/INTERMEDIATE INSTRUMENTS, and why are they important?

There are three tiers of instruments you can buy:  (1) student, (2) step-up/intermediate model, & (3) professional model.  All instruments are broadly grouped into one of these three categories.  As students venture from elementary to middle school (and especially high school), student-level horns will begin to limit their musical growth.  While student-level horns are great for the price to get students started, they are lacking in some key areas.  

Most notably, intermediate horns are made from better materials and from better processes.  Better materials and build quality contribute to a fuller, richer sound as the student matures.  It also means that the horn won't experience many of the little, yet irritating, inconveniences that cheap horns present, such as valves that refuse to move smoothly no matter how much oil you put on... or a horn that is out-of-tune with itself (which can't be fixed).  These issues may be minor while the student is in elementary school, but they will be severely limiting as they advance to the next level.  ALL STUDENTS AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL AND BEYOND ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO UPGRADE TO AN STEP-UP/INTERMEDIATE HORN.  

For questions on what horns qualify as intermediate horns and where to purchase them, please contact the Band Director.