Welcome to Chorus and Band!
Beginning Chorus 3rd, 4th, 5th,
Beginning Band 4th & 5th
Concert Choir 6th - 8th
Concert Band 6th - 8th
Hello and welcome to the Chorus and Band program at Gibbsboro Schools! I am excited to be your new music teacher and be part of the Gibbsboro family. There are many questions that I receive in the initial stages of deciding whether or not to join a chorus or band and which instrument to play. Below, I hope to provide answers to some of the more common questions. If you have questions or concerns not addressed here, PLEASE contact me! Email is the best way to contact me.
Why should my child be in Band? Why is music important?
Beginning band will enrich your child’s basic education and help develop greater self-confidence, responsibility, dexterity and self-expression. Participation in band encourages teamwork, self-discipline, cooperation and goal achievement. Most importantly, playing in the band is fun! It’s a lifelong skill that is valuable to communities, colleges and people everywhere.
When does my child do Band? Do they have to miss school?
Band and chorus are elective classes for all students. Beginning band is offered to 4th & 5th grade students. Students do not miss any classroom instructional time or any other class projects. We have two concerts per year that will occur outside of the normal school day. *I want to make parents aware that beginning band is NOT offered at the middle school. If you and your child have even a slight interest in band, this is the time to join! Beginning chorus is 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. Once we establish the schedule, please be sure your student brings their instrument on their band rehearsal/lesson day.
Third to fifth grade chorus students will meet after school one day every other week. Additional rehearsals may become necessary as we get closer to concert time. You must pick up your child or arrange for transportation after school on rehearsal day. Beginning band will also meet after school one day per week. Transportation must be arranged for the beginning band as well. All efforts will be made to coordinate schedules with other extracurricular activities.
Are concerts required or optional?
Yes, concerts are required and your child's attendance is mandatory. Concerts are like the final test of Band class, but they are also the culmination of everything we work for in class and are the only chance to show our families and our community the fruit of our efforts in a large-ensemble setting. Your child will receive a concert schedule on the first official day of Band.
How do I get an instrument?
Unfortunately the school is unable to provide instruments or books for all band students. Instruments including Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion must be provided by parents. Our local Coles music store, offers these instruments on an affordable Rent (monthly/bi-monthly/annual) or Rent-To-Purchase program. I will have the beginning band book: Essential Elements Book I available for purchase at Instrument for your child’s instrument, or you may purchase the appropriate book on Amazon or from another retailer.
Can I do both?
Yes, I absolutely encourage it. It is especially important that band students learn to sing with proper technique. This enables them to be better musicians.
We simply cannot afford it.
If your son/daughter wishes to be in band but you feel that he or she cannot participate due to financial constraints, PLEASE contact me—there may be ways I can help. The school does have a
limited number of school instruments available for such circumstances and we will not exclude a student from participating in Band because of money.
What instrument should my son/ daughter play?
I recommend that students play an instrument that they think is “cool” with a sound they enjoy that they are excited about. If they start on an instrument they did not pick or are not excited about, it can be very difficult to keep him/her motivated throughout the year or in the years ahead. Certain students are more likely to be successful on specific instruments due to physical features (more info about that on the instrument selection page).
We already have a family instrument.
Great! As long as it is a flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone, AND it is in good playing condition, you’re set! (Beginning band does not have string instruments, guitar or piano.) If you have questions about the condition of your instrument, please take it to one of our reps; Natalie or Lauralee at Coles music in Sewell, BEFORE the start of band to have it checked out. Don’t forget to purchase the beginning band book: Essential Elements Book I for your instrument.
I found a cheap band instrument at Wal-Mart/ Costco/ eBay/ pawn shop.
Please beware of the band instruments that have started appearing in retail stores (Wal Mart, Costco, Ebay, etc.), their prices are certainly appealing, but remember the saying, “You get what you pay for.” These instruments are built with non-standard parts and are impossible to repair. Most music stores have stated they will not offer repairs on these instruments. In short, these are toys, not instruments and are not a wise investment. The best way to assure the purchase of a quality instrument is to work with a reputable instrument dealer and/or instrument repair shop – on-site repair facilities are an indication of expertise and commitment to customer service.
How to sign up; When does band actually start?
All sign ups, registration and permission forms are going to be done online through the website;
Rehearsals BEGIN IN FALL.
Beginning chorus meets every other Tuesday, beginning band meets every other Thursday. Rehearsals end promptly at 4:15.
Concert dates will be announced as soon as available. I am looking forward to meeting you! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions! I am happy to help.
JR HIGH Band Every Tues/Wed 8 AM sharp
JR HIGH Choir Every Thurs/Fri 8 AM sharp
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