Why join the band?

As a sixth-grade student at Brown-Barge Middle School, your child finally has the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before them – Be Part of the Music!

We know that for some of you, this will be your first exposure to music education, and we wanted to take a brief minute to share some information with you. Absolutely No Musical Experience Is Necessary!

Below is information regarding our program and the different opportunities it provides for your child. This is a time where both of you can explore the different options and get help choosing the experiences and classes that will help them be successful in middle school and beyond.

Please remember the following:

• Any student can play any instrument. 


• No musical experience is necessary. 


• Students involved in public school music scored an average of 107 points higher on the 
SAT college entrance exams. 


• Students who participate in music have the lowest levels of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit 
drug use among any group in our society. 


Students involved in music have high test scores and graduation rates. 
Participating in Band is not as expensive as you might expect. Class lessons are free of charge, and are provided during regular school hours. Through the cooperation of a local music store, a special Rent-to-Own program has been developed as an alternative to the outright purchase of an instrument. This program allows you to make affordable monthly payments toward the purchase of the instrument, but allows you return and exchange options as well, making Band a safe and wise investment in your child’s future. 
For your convenience new and used instruments will be available for you to reserve at the time of sign-up. All interested students are encouraged to sign up, regardless of musical background.