Join the Hutto Middle School Band!

How to join:

Select BAND as your first choice on your Course Selection Sheet

Contact Mrs. Champion or Mr. Acuff  for an instrument screening appointment:

jo.champion@huttoisd.net

brent.acuff@huttoisd.net 

What instruments can I learn to play?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for band?

Mark "Band" as your first choice on your choice sheet when you register for classes, and come to Instrument Selection Day on Saturday, February 1st, in the Hutto High School Band Hall. Sign up with a friend and have twice as much fun!

How do I decide 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, or percussion. When you meet with Mr. Acuff and/or Mrs. Champion, you will have the opportunity to test out any of the 11 instruments and receive specific feedback on each instrument.  After you have tried out each instrument, you and your parents will meet with one of the band directors to help you decide on your final choice. Then we will give you information on how to register for band and a "Future Hippo Musician" t-shirt!

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 an instrument now?

Not yet! Purchasing, or renting an instrument can be complicated. Instruments come in a variety of brands and models with different options and accessories. Once we help you choose which instrument you will play, we will give you and your parents all the information you will need and guide you through the process of getting your instrument and the supplies that you will need for band. Also, later in the Spring, we will have a night where you can come to the school and our local music vendors will be there to get you everything you need without having to go to the store.

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 small, like-instrument classes in Beginning Band. We teach each child in a smaller group in 6th grade and 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 for your 7th grade year with all of the instruments combined. There are a few opportunities throughout the year for 6th graders 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.

Can I be in band and still do other activities at HMS?

Absolutely! Many band students are also involved with football, robotics, cheerleading, choir, soccer, theater, basketball, dance, cross country, art, orchestra, student council, FCCLA, NJHS, and every other activity HMS 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 HMS 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 thus get to take three elective classes.

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/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 HMS 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 HMS 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 HMS 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.

Additional Questions?

Please contact Mrs. Champion if you have any questions regarding beginning band at jo.champion@huttoisd.net.