UPCOMING CHANGES:

Hello band parents and students

I want to give you some info for this school year (25-26)

INSTRUMENT RENTAL: 

There will be changes this year in how instruments are assigned. In order to ensure the band has the best possible instrumentation for a quality learning environment, 6th grade students can list their top 3 instrument choices with the understanding that they may not get their first choice. 

The band program has a limited number of instruments for rent. Preference will be given by grade with seniors being first in line. It is strongly recommended that students rent through a local music store in order to increase their chances of securing an instrument. 

Beginning band students who chose a woodwind instrument can learn to play flute or clarinet, and will have the ability to audition in semester two to learn alto, tenor, or bari sax, oboe, or bass clarinet. Students who chose a brass instrument can learn the trumpet or baritone (euphonium), and will be able to audition in semester two into trombone, tuba, or french horn.

Rental fees are $110 per instrument. Instruments will not be rented to students with unpaid fees. Percussionists do not have to pay a rental fee but will need to pay a fee for lost or broken mallets/instruments.

PERCUSSIONISTS:

Because of the limited amount of percussion equipment and parts, the percussion section for each band will be limited to 10 students.  All students interested in percussion will be required to audition. Beginning students should have an alternate instrument chosen in advance in case they are not accepted into percussion. Preference will be given to students who have had a piano background. Students who played percussion last year (24-25) will have to pass a proficiency test to continue with percussion. Students will be required to provide their own drumsticks. The band program has mallets for the various keyboard and pitched instruments. 

PRACTICE LOGS/PLAYING TESTS:

Practice logs will NOT be required this year. However, weekly in-class playing tests will be required to demonstrate proficiency. Please understand that individual playing tests, outside of classroom instruction, will be the exception, not the rule. 

FUNDRAISERS: The music department will be participating in several fundraisers this school year. Students are not required to participate. For students who choose to participate, the funds can be used for rentals, band clothing, music camps, and trips. 

More information will be added soon.

Update 07/25

Meet the Teacher Night: Thursday, August 14 4:30-6:30 Dunkley and Dorsey Music will be in the band room for students to try out and rent instruments.

Percussion Auditions: Thursday and Friday, August 14-15 See Sign-up Genius link

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549A5AD2AA3FCC07-57667948-percussion

The overview handbook for the band program is below.

Under my name in the menu, select your band/class for more specific information.

There are many resources on this site! If something is missing, please reach out and we'll see about adding it.

Additional useful links will be posted below in time.

For the school event calendar, click here (always check the band calendar on this page first - please let us know if there are any conflicts or discrepancies!)

Quick Notes:

Students are encouraged to take their instrument home daily. Practice logs will be not required this year but there will be weekly, in class playing tests. Daily practice will help them improve.

• Concert Dress (ALL groups)

  • Concert Black: Black dress shoes, black socks/stockings/tights, black slacks/dress pants/long skirt (black bike shorts underneath is helpful for certain instrument types), black button-up shirt/blouse or long black dress. (See this site for more detail)

Contact

e-mail: riqui.peterson@idahoartscharter.org

phone: (208) 463-4324 ext. 429