Program Outline
The RAMS Instrumental Program consists of a 6th grade band and a 7th/8th grade band.
It is a year-round Unified Arts class with four primary components.
Group Lessons (In-School) - Each student enrolled in Band class will meet once every 6-day cycle for group lessons, typically with like-instruments. Classes are the same grade only.
Rehearsal (After-School) - The full bands meet once a week for a one hour rehearsal after school (late bus available). 7th and 8th grade have a combined rehearsal.
Practice (Homework) - Students are asked to practice at least 10-20 minutes a day, 4-5 times a week. This serves as homework between class meetings and preparation for our concert programs.
Concerts (After-School) - There are two yearly concerts where each band performs, as well as the Jazz Lab and Jazz Ensemble.
After-school extra help (individual or group) is available on non-rehearsal days by appointment. Appointments can also be made during the student's lunch period.
Additional private lessons with a private teacher are encouraged but not required for continued musical development. Students interested in participating in the audition-based Junior Districts Festival (7th/8th grade only) are further encouraged to pursue private instruction.
FAQ:
Can I participate in both Band and Chorus?
YES! You will sign up for one OR the other for your in school music class, and can then attend both after-school rehearsals on different days.
Do I have to attend after-school rehearsal?
Yes, to ensure adequate time on learning, students must attend the after-school portion.
What if I need extra-help in a different subject after school?
Students are asked to schedule extra help around our rehearsal time as much as possible. Students can miss up to half of rehearsal and still receive attendance credit with a pass from the extra help teacher. Accommodations can be made for students requiring recurring extra help with teacher approval.
What if I have athletics after school?
Students should not skip rehearsal for athletics practice. Instead, please change for athletics but attend rehearsal first. Students traveling to "away games" are excused from rehearsal no more than 5-10 minutes before their bus departure.
Can I still take band if I have a weekly conflict with after-school rehearsal?
Accommodations can be made for recurring after-school absences on a case-by-case basis with teacher approval.
Instruments/Rentals
Students are required to have an instrument of their own to play both in school and at home. There are 3 options available:
RENT
Holliston Public Schools instrument rentals are handled by the David French Music Company, located in Westborough, MA.
BUY
If purchasing an instrument, we recommend a student or intermediate model from one of the below manufacturers.
*Please note that "discount brands" found on Amazon (such as Mendini, Jean Paul, Eastrock, Eastar, etc.) are not recommended*
Yamaha
Conn-Selmer
Bach
Buffet
Vito
Armstrong
BORROW
Students may borrow school-owned instruments if the need arises:
1) If a student is unable to rent or buy an instrument
2) If it is a secondary instrument (Bass Clarinet, Tenor/Baritone Saxophone, Euphonium, Tuba)