Welcome to 6th Grade Band!
Welcome to 6th Grade Band!
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My child has been assigned their instrument, now what?
My child has been assigned their instrument, now what?
Congratulations!!! This is a start of an exciting journey for your young musician! After learning about and then testing on each of the instruments, he/she created a wish list of instruments. Much consideration has been put into their assignment, with their desires, natural ability and the necessity of a balanced instrumentation taken into account. Our goal is to place your child onto an instrument on which they can find success and enjoyment. Please feel free to contact Mrs. Isenhour if you have any questions or concerns about any of the information in this letter!
STEP 1 (Complete by Aug.19, 2025)
Provide your student with a quality, fully functioning instrument and required accessories.
An instrument of poor quality is similar to trying to play basketball with a flat ball. It won’t matter how good they are or how hard they work if their instrument is working against them. It can be very frustrating and lead them to become discouraged or quit.
FLUTE, CLARINET, SAXOPHONE, TRUMPET, TROMBONE & PERCUSSION FAMILIES:
These instruments are not school-owned and need to purchased by the student's family. If there is a significant financial concern, please reach out to Mrs. Isenhour to discuss possible options.
The best way to get your child set up with a quality instrument is to talk with the folks at Roper Music Company. They have been servicing the bands of the Fort Mill School District for over 20 years and are outstanding in the customer service and quality. While they are based in Spartanburg, SC, a representative visits GHMS each week. Click on the button below to sign up for a time slot to talk with a representative about rental/purchase options. We know that Mr. Roper and his company will make sure that your child is set up for success with a quality instrument and the necessaries supplies!
IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO USE ROPER MUSIC COMPANY
IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO USE ROPER MUSIC COMPANY
Make sure you purchase a trusted brand!!! Other brands may look like a great deal, but they don't work and fall apart. Because of the poor quality, repairs shops can't work on them and you have to purchase an entirely new instrument.
If you purchase an instrument from another local music store, Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, or a similar site, please take it to a repair technician ASAP. I recommend Music & Arts Center in Rock Hill. I've had many students struggle because they got an instrument that wasn't in good playing condition. Factor repairs costs into these prices.
ALL FLUTES SHOULD BE SILVER. ALL CLARINETS SHOULD BE BLACK. ALL OTHER INSTRUMENTS SHOULD BE SILVER OR GOLD.
Below are the trusted brands, cleaning supplies and accessories needed for each instrument!
OBOE, BASSOON, HORN, BARITONE AND TUBA FAMILIES:
Your instrument is a school-owned instrument due to the extremely prohibitive ($4000+) cost of your instrument.
Your child will receive a GHMS Instrument Use Agreement in AUGUST.
You will then pay the yearly use fee ($100) on the FMSD "Pay Fees" website and sign/return the Instrument Use Agreement.
In the spring, you received an email from Mrs. Isenhour with an order form for the cleaning supplies and accessories below.
If you wish to order these through Roper Music Company, you can drop the order form off at the GHMS Front Office or bring them to one of the Roper Music Nights (no time slot needed)!
What does a normal year of beginning band look like?
What does a normal year of beginning band look like?
During a normal school year, beginning band starts with an introductory unit on music reading and pre-instrumental skills. Students learn to identify notes on the treble and bass clef staff, how to write and count basic rhythms, demonstrate proper playing posture and breathing techniques, as well as understanding the band room expectations and procedures.
Once instrumental instruction begins, students learn how to assemble, care for and play. This time is integral to their success as we set up the absolute best habits and beginning sounds. After initial sounds, hand positions and playing positions have been established, we work our way through our method book and eventually move toward more independent playing. The year culminates in a performance for parents in which students perform full band pieces. The progress students make in just one year is astounding!
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