An important message to YOU from the Directors,
It is that time of year when we are getting ready to look for and start new musicians into our band program. This is an important decision for you and your child. This is not a decision just about band, but rather a decision which will determine, in part, who your child’s friends and associates will be.
Band is much more than learning how to play an instrument, it is the development of a family of friends that lasts a lifetime. It is also the establishment of profound skills that can help your child succeed in all aspects of education. Through the study of music, your child's social, communication, and cooperation skills will be refined. Furthermore, their cognitive reasoning, self-discipline, and creative mind will be nurtured. These life skills will serve as an important foundation that your child can build off of for the rest of their life.
We look forward to welcoming you as a BAND PARENT!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email the Junior High Directors, Zac Shearer zshearer@gobsd1.org or Al Clevenger aclevenger@gobsd1.org
"My daughter will be a senior next year and her closest friends are in band. Marching band, the concerts, all the practice and growth together over the years has made a positive impact on her social life and interaction with peers. It’s not only a class, but a wonderful extracurricular activity and hobby."
-Patty
"Encourage your child to join! Music education will allow your child all kinds of opportunities in many areas! Music allows children to develop improved memory skills, persistence, practice, social skills, and leadership skills. It gives them a purpose and a belief that what they do matters to society!"
- Bryon & Shelley
Music education should be experienced by every student. We, as a culture, will be best served if the hearts and minds of our youth are filled with the knowledge and understanding of music.
Research shows that students who participate in Band are more likely to:
🎵 Score higher on all standardized tests.
🎵 Develop teamwork skills.
🎵 Have fewer discipline issues.
🎵 Show a higher level of focus in all classes.
🎵 Make friends that will last a lifetime.
🎵 Have more FUN!
"Band is an amazing experience. I can't imagine my daughter thriving in school without it. If your child is considering band, please let them. It will build confidence, creativity, and beautiful friendships."
-Kathryn
"Band has been wonderful for my daughter. It gave her a good group of friends that kept her safe throughout High School. She learned to be part of a team, a leader, and how to work hard. (Oh yes and how to play an instrument.) She also had a lot of fun! Academically it helped her also because there are smart kids in band, which encourages her to do her best."
-Laynette
"Give your child the opportunity to try band. It has so many positives: confidence building, a great extracurricular to help keep them out of trouble, and the making of lifelong friends. "
- Patty
Ethan Clay, 12th G, Percussion
"Band has taught me how to be extremely patient. The process of learning a new piece of music can be quite lengthy, however, one must be patient if want to bring the magic out of the pages."
Samantha Slisher, 12th G, Color Guard
"I enjoy band because I like hanging out with the people, they make it so much more fun. Band taught me to never give up, no matter how much I want to. "
Colby Puckett, 11th G, French Horn Player
"The band has taught me to be responsible for myself and what I am involved in. I like to believe that a certain maturity has been instilled upon me as well. I give this credit to my band directors as well as past section leaders."
Data collected by the National Association for Music Education indicates music students are less likely to be truant, less likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol, more likely to graduate on time and more likely to go to college.
Music students outperform their peers on the SAT, scoring on average 57 points higher (verbal) and 43 points higher (math) according to reports by the College Entrance Exam Board.
Music is a creative outlet. Learning to play an instrument promotes the development of the parts of the brain associated with sensory and motor function.
Research demonstrates that musically trained children have better fine motor function than non-musically trained children.
Being a part of a music program can help your child build their social skills. It can help shape self-confidence, gives a sense of self-accomplishment, fosters teamwork and provides children a safe social setting to make lasting friendships and a feeling of belonging.
Music teaches discipline, commitment, and perseverance: Learning an instrument is not easy. It takes patience and work. To rise to the challenge of mastering their instrument, students will be taught how to handle mistakes and to keep on going. Students will learn the discipline of practice and the commitment it takes in order to be a successful musician.
Who can participate in Band?
Everyone is welcome! Join your friends in Band and make new friends. Have fun and make memories, all while learning how to be musicians together!
You will become an important member from day one of rehearsal.
My child has never learned a musical instrument. How can they be in band?
99% of all beginners have never played a wind or percussion instrument in their lifetime. Beginning band is designed to teach you everything you need to know to play an instrument and be in a performing band.
What are the instrument choices?
The Batesville Band offers many instruments for a student to play!
For more information about the different kinds of instruments, please click here.
How are the instruments chosen for students?
Your child will try out the instruments that interest them. Most students will get to play what instrument they wish, but sometimes physically there is a need to choose the recommendation of the director.
I know what instrument my child wants to play, should I purchase or rent that instrument before classes start?
We highly recommend waiting until instrument fitting has occurred. Nothing is more frustrating for children than trying to learn an instrument that they are not physically suited for.
What if I can not afford to buy or rent an instrument?
Renting certain instruments from the school is available, depending on financial need.
Do you only have Concert Band?
If your child continues through high school, they will have the opportunity to participate in the Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, and Solo & Ensemble. These opportunities will enrich artistry and teach the importance of commitment and diligence.
There are many activities that my child is involved in. How can they be in Band and all of those other activities?
We encourage our students to do a variety of activities. We will have many students who are also in other activities such as football, cheer, basketball, and school clubs. Since the majority of learning in band occurs during the school day, conflicts rarely arise. And when they do, we can work them out.
The Band Boosters are our most valuable support system. Their contributions are essential to our tradition of excellence.
Our Band Boosters are the backbone of our program, providing vital support at events and behind the scenes. Their dedication ensures that every dollar earned goes directly back into our band program, funding instruments, maintenance, music, trips, and more.
Your involvement as a Band Booster not only strengthens our community but also demonstrates your support for your child's musical passion. Whether you lend a hand at events, assist with fundraising, or spread the word, your contribution matters.
Reach out to our Band Boosters committee to learn how you can get involved and make a difference in our students' musical journey.
Thank you for considering joining our Band Boosters and supporting our band program!
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"Join the band booster and help in the concession stands to continue to support our students, directors, and growing band program! It takes parent involvement to keep the program financially sound!"
- Bryon & Shelley
"Parents need to be involved. Not only do kids find their group but band parents find friends by participating also. I have some great relationships with other parents that I wouldn’t have if I would not have gotten involved in band and I also have built relationships with some of the band kids too. "
- Candy
"When you support your child in their interests, you help build self confidence. Band is so good for kids in so many ways. Please support the band program."
- Laynette
Sign-up for the Try-out Remind to receive text messages about try-out dates and other information!
Text: @bandtryo
to: 81010
Have you or your child fill out the google form to let us know what try-out dates you will be attending!