JOIN THE BAND!

5th Grader / Incoming 6th Grader Band Checklist! 

FEBRUARY

1. The Wagner Band Directors will be coming down to elementary schools to talk about Band! 

   • We will go over all of the different instruments we offer and talk about all aspects of our program! 

2. Sign up for classes! 

   • Make sure band is 1 or 2 on your choice sheet! To ensure you get placed in band, make sure you put Band as your FIRST choice!

3. Fill out our Wagner Band Future Member Information form!

   • Submit the form below so we have all the information we need! 

     • FUTURE MEMBER INFORMATION FORM 

     • ***Click the link above***

MARCH/APRIL 

1. We will receive a list of all students that chose Band as an elective! 

   • We will be heading down to the elementary schools to let your students try out instruments and pick what they want to play next year! 

   • Once we have all of the instrument classes placed and balanced, we will be sending you an email with all of the information you'll need regarding your student's instrument! 

MAY

1. Attend our Beginner Band Information Meeting on DATE TBD!

   • We will be going over every aspect of our band program so it is very important that you attend so you can be 100% informed going into the school year! 

2. Make sure you have reserved an instrument from one of our affiliated music stores! Most stores will not make you pay until you pick it up in August. All local music stores have our recommend instrument models and required supply lists! 

FAQ: 

How do I sign up for band?

You must put band FIRST for electives on your choice sheet when you sign up for classes.  

Do I have to know anything about music to be in band?

NOT ONE THING! We start you from the very beginning and will give you all the tools necessary to be successful! 

Does band require a time commitment outside of the school day?

There are no regularly scheduled practices outside of the school day during the first year of band. Students do have to practice, but our students routinely tell us that it is their favorite type of homework! 

Can my child participate in band and also be successful academically?

ABSOLUTELY! Many of our students are top performers in their graduating classes! Band is a wonderful activity to teach time management skills while also giving your student a community of wonderful individuals who can help with homework and studying! 

Can my child participate in sports and other activities while taking band?

YES, YES, YES! We encourage our students to participate in band, athletics, theater, and many other activities. Many of our top musicians are also top athletes at WMS! We work as one big team at WMS and share students with their best interest in mind! 

Where/How do I get an instrument?

Depending on what instrument your student plays, they will either rent from the school or a local music store. 

School Rented Instruments: ($100 for use of the instrument for the year) 

• Oboe 

• Bassoon 

• French Horn 

• Euphonium 

• Tuba 

• Percussion

Store Rented Instruments: ($15 - 30 a month when renting for year)

• Flute 

• Clarinet 

• Saxophone 

• Trumpet 

• Trombone

What if I can't afford to rent an instrument?

If you are worried that finances may be an issue, don't let that stop you from joining! We have a limited inventory of all the instruments that we teach in the band. If you are in a financial situation where you need to rent a school instrument, we rent those out on a first come-first served basis. Just reach out and we can get you set up! If your student is on free/reduced lunch, the district will waive the instrument usage fee. 

What if I think that I can't afford to be in band? 

While there are some costs associated with our activity, we work hard to be mindful and only ask you to purchase supplies that are critically needed for your students success! If you feel that finances may be an issue, PLEASE REACH OUT! We will ALWAYS work with students & families to ensure they can be successful and have fun in this acitivity. Don't let a financial state stop you from picking BAND! 

What are the advantages of being in band?

There are almost too many to list here! Band students LOVE playing their instruments and finding a sense of belonging within our community! Your student will develop a sense of pride in their work as they perform concerts, compete at contests, and learn how to play many types of music for their family and friends!