6TH GRADE BAND

So your child is in band, now what?

Welcome to the Springfield Band Family! You are going to see amazing things from your child this year. From opening the case and making our first sounds, to putting on a fantastic concert in the spring; the growth from your child will be A-MAZING!! It is our joy to introduce your child to instrumental music and we look forward to a wonderful year of making memories and music! 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 Mr. Hoke or Mr. Wall if you have any questions or concerns about any of the below information!

One of the best things you can do to set your child up for success in band class is to provide them with a quality, fully functioning instrument.

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.

Below you will find the approved and highly recommended brands, with specific models, used by students in the Springfield Middle School Band Program. All these instruments are of quality and tend to play easier, last longer, sound better, and we have seen many students have success with these instruments - all the way into college! There are other good brands (listed on the next page), and some you will want to avoid. 

It is common for parents to wonder, “Will my student enjoy this? Should I spend much money on an instrument until I know?” To start, we always recommend the rental option so your child can start on a great instrument, but you don’t have as much money invested.

ATTENTION: ALL FLUTE, CLARINET, SAXOPHONE, TRUMPET, TROMBONE & PERCUSSION FAMILIES:

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 Springfield Middle each week.

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!!

ATTENTION: ALL OBOE, BASSOON, HORN,

BARITONE AND TUBA FAMILIES:

Your instrument is a school-owned instrument due to the extremely prohibitive cost of your instrument . Your child will receive a Springfield Middle School Instrument Use Agreement in AUGUST. You will then pay the yearly use fee on the FMSD "Pay Fees" website and sign/return the Instrument Use Agreement.

Your child's instrument letter included THIS ORDER FORM for the cleaning supplies and accessories below if you wish to order these through Roper Music Company, just drop them off at the Springfield Middle School Front Office or bring them to the Band Open House (no time slot needed)!

IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO USE

ROPER MUSIC COMPANY

Make sure you purchase a trusted and approved 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 Facebook marketplace, pawn shop, neighbor, Craigslist or a similar site, please take it to a repair technician ASAP. I recommend Grobusky Music 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.