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Hello band families!
Welcome to the WMS Band Program! We are looking forward to getting to know you and your family, and can't wait to start playing music as a band when school starts. Below you will find information about the beginning band program and everything you need to know to have a fun and successful year!
If you have any questions please contact Mr. Finkbeiner at jfinkbei@gbcs.org.
What is needed for beginning band?
What is needed for beginning band?
Instrument (read below how to get an instrument)
Black 3 ring binder (1" preferred)
Chromebook
Pencil
Combination lock - optional (if a student chooses to use a school band locker - more information below)
How do I get an instrument?
Rent from Marshall Music - More information at the bottom of this page
Recommended way to get an instrument
Great rent to own program.
Insurance and maintenance program. They will repair any damage to the instrument for free as part of your rental.
Quality instruments.
Rent online and instrument will be delivered to West Middle School free of charge!
Use your own instrument
Many families have a working instrument or relatives's instrument that can be used for band
School Instruments
West Middle School owns a limited number of instruments available to use for students who cannot afford an instrument
Cannot guarantee student will get their first choice of instrument
All students will be able to participate in the band regardless of any financial difficulties. Please contact Mr. Finkbeiner if you will need any assistance getting an instrument. jfinkbei@gbcs.org
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
Please do not purchase an instrument on Amazon or other online retailers without contacting Mr. Finkbeiner first! New instruments that are relatively inexpensive ($150 or less) are often not a worthwhile purchase and typically break within the first few months of use. If you want to purchase an instrument rather than rent, I would highly recommend buying a used quality instrument.
Please contact me if you have any questions about the quality of an instrument! If you want to purchase a used instrument (Facebook Marketplace for example) feel free to send me a link to see if that instrument might be a worthwhile investment. jfinkbei@gbcs.org
What instrument should I play?
What instrument should I play?
All students should have had the opportunity to test the instruments when Marshall Music came to the elementary schools in April, and students should have received information about what instrument was the best "fit". Please email Mr. Finkbeiner if you need lost or misplaced your fitting results.
Students that did not get a chance to try the instruments at their school can talk with Mr. Finkbeiner about what will be the best option for this year.
What instruments can I play in the beginning band?
What instruments can I play in the beginning band?
Students in beginning band will start on the following instruments:
Flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone
If a student is interested in playing percussion they will start on one of the instruments listed above, and we will audition percussion students around December after our first performance. We will go over the audition process in class and information will be sent home to students.
Students will also have the opportunity to audition and try other instruments mid year as well. Those would include:
Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Bari Saxophone, French Horn, Tuba
Band Lockers and Locks
Band Lockers and Locks
Band lockers are available for most instruments in the band, and students who wish to use a band locker will need to provide their own COMBINATION LOCK for the locker. NO KEY LOCKS!
Instruments that use band lockers:
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn
Larg instruments will use the instrument storage room and will not need a band locker. Those include:
Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Tenor saxophone
Students can also choose to keep their instrument in their school locker, but most students like having their instrument in a band locker.
When renting from Marshall Music, here are some helpful tips. I'm including some images below that you will see on the Marshall Rental website.
You do not need to get the music stand or Marshall Music instrument Care Kit. You are welcome to add them if you want, but not required.
You do not need the Essential Elements for Band BK 1. I will provide a method book for students that will go into their black 3 ring binder. If you already ordered from Marshall and included a book please let me know. I can help you return that for a refund.
School Delivery is your best option. It's free, and it ensures that I can help students if they have questions about their instruments before getting them out. You are welcome to pay for the home delivery, but it is not necessary.
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