Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for band?
Mark "Band" as your first choice on your elective choice sheet! Once you are registered for band, we will begin reaching out to you after Spring Break about Instrument Selection Day on April 11, and other information for band next year. If you aren't getting emails from us after Spring Break, please reach out and let us know.
How do I figure out which instrument I will play?
There are 11 different instruments that you can play in Beginning Band including the flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. Once you are registered for band, we will begin reaching out to you after Spring Break about Instrument Selection Day on Saturday, April 11, at Gus Almquist Middle School, from 9am to 1pm. Here, you will have the opportunity to test out all 11 instruments with a professional on that instrument and meet with one of the band directors to help you select your top instrument choices. We'll also give you a free "Future Gus Almquist Band Member" t-shirt! The following week, we will deliver a folder to your school with your instrument placement and more information about band!
What if I already know which instrument I want to play?
We encourage all students to go into Instrument Selection with an open mind when choosing an instrument. Many students are very familiar with the sound of a saxophone or trumpet, but may have not ever thought about trying the bassoon or euphonium. Different physical characteristics will make producing a sound easier on some instruments than others for each person. Our goal is to find the instrument that each student will have the most natural success with. All students are required to screen for an instrument with a band director present.
I've never studied music or played an instrument before. Will I be able to be successful in band?
Absolutely! Most of our students have never played an instrument before they start in band. We start every student from the very beginning and teach all of the fundamental skills necessary to be successful in playing and reading music.
Should we go buy or rent an instrument now?
Not yet! When you get your instrument placement folder, it will have the supply list that is specific to your instrument, which will include the specific instrument brands and models that are approved. It will also include information about Instrument Drive in May, where we will have representatives from local music stores will be on site so you can go ahead and order the instrument and supplies you need for band. They even deliver it straight to the school so you don’t have to make a trip to the music store if you come that night.
Do we have to buy an instrument?
Absolutely not. No one is asking you to purchase an instrument for band. Depending on the instrument, the best options are to rent an instrument on a "rent-to-own" plan at a local music store for $30-$60 per month, or rent a school-owned instrument for $100 per year.
What is the time commitment of band?
Beginner Band is a class that meets everyday, during the school day, and students do not have rehearsals outside of their class period, with the exception of one after school rehearsal and one evening concert per semester. Students do not have any regular band commitments outside of school during their first year of band.
Are all of the band students together in the same class?
We have a separate class for each of the 11 instruments in Beginning Band. We teach each student in a smaller group in Beginning Band to maximize their individual instruction and focus on just their instrument. After successful completion of Beginning Band, you will be placed in a full band class with all of the instruments combined. There are a few opportunities throughout the year for beginners to play with other instruments, including at our winter concert and our spring concert!
Will I perform in concerts as a Beginning Band student?
Yes! Beginning Band students will perform two concerts during the school year (one in December and one in May). Your family and friends will be amazed at the level of musicianship that you are able to display from after just a few months of learning your instrument!
Will I have to carry my instrument around school?
Each band student is given a locker in the band hall to keep your instrument during the day, so you do not need to carry it to each class.
Will I get to take my instrument home?
Yes! Practicing your instrument is very important so that you can review the new skills and songs that we learn in class. You will be expected to practice about 10-15 minutes per day, for at least five days each week. You can also practice in the band hall before or after school!
Can I be in band and still do other activities at GAMS?
Absolutely! Many band students are also involved with football, robotics, cheerleading, choir, soccer, theater, basketball, dance, cross country, art, orchestra, student council, and every other activity GAMS has to offer.
Can I play a sport and be in band?
Yes! Beginner Band is a class that only meets during the school day, so many of our band students are also involved in sports—basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, cross country, soccer, dance, cheer, and many others. All GAMS athletic teams start in 7th grade.
How many electives do I get in middle school?
Every 6th and 7th grader gets to take two elective classes and are required to take PE. If a student does Pre-Athletics, Cheer, or Dance, those classes are able to take the place of the PE requirement, allowing the student to still take two other electives. 8th graders do not have the PE requirement, and therefore get to take three elective classes.
Do I have to put band as my first choice to get into band?
The only way that we can guarantee that you will be in band is if you put it as your first choice. You are filling out a "choice" sheet, so of course you can put it as your second or third option if you prefer, but the only way we can guarantee that you will be in band is to put it as your first choice.
How much does it cost to be in band?
While there is of course some financial commitment associated with playing an instrument, we have financial aid available for families in need, and are highly committed to making it possible for every student to be in band. Most instruments are available on a rent-to-own basis from a local music store for approximately $30-$60 per month. Other instruments are owned by Hutto ISD, and are rented to each student for $100 per year. The remaining costs would be supplies and materials, which are typically around $100, and these costs cover materials that can last the student through the end of high school. The GAMS Band Staff are highly committed to making it possible for every student to be in band, regardless of any financial need. We never want finances to be a reason for a student not to be in band.
What are private lessons?
All GAMS band students are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in private lessons on their instrument. Private lessons provide students the opportunity to receive one-on-one, individualized instruction by a professional on their specific instrument on a weekly basis. All lessons are specifically tailored to that individual student giving the student an added opportunity for growth and success on their instrument. It is incredibly helpful for a beginner student to have an individualized lesson every week that works at his or her own pace. Private lessons take place at GAMS typically during the student's band class period, or before school or after school. You can find out more information about Private Lessons here.
Do we get to take any cool trips in band?
Yes! We take every eligible band student on a reward trip at the end of the spring semester! Previous destinations for this trip have included Kalahari, Typhoon Texas, Schlitterbahn, and Fiesta Texas.
Please contact Mr. Cremer if you have any questions about joining band at bryan.cremer@huttoisd.net.
