Frequently Asked Questions

What is the schedule like for band in 5th grade?

5th grade band meets one day a week for morning full band rehearsal (45 mins, before school) and lessons (25 mins, during the school day). We are on a cycle day schedule, so our weekly schedule changes depending on the cycle day. We will provide a monthly practice calendar for each of the students to take home and update the schedule via ParentSquare with band days for planning. 

Full band rehearsals in the morning do not typically start until after Thanksgiving break, once the students have become comfortable playing on their own. 

Students and their families will need to set aside individual at home practice time. It is SIGNIFICANTLY better to have students practice every day for 10 minutes rather than practicing once a week for an hour. Consistency is KEY! They have not built up the endurance to play for long periods of time (yet!). 

I’m in sports, can I do band?

Students can be well-rounded and be in both band AND sports! Athletics and the arts contribute to the development of different parts of the brain and body. Also, both teach the value of teamwork, effort, and grit. Sports and band go hand in hand! Almost every high school sport is represented in the bands at Lakeville North and South!

I saw a $100 saxophone on Amazon, should I purchase it for my student?

No. Just like any product, there are good musical instruments and others that might not be worth the investment.  With new instruments, you usually get what you pay for. Many of the “too good to be true” brands on Amazon are poor quality instruments that break immediately, are unable to be repaired, and cannot produce a good sound. Parents, please consult our instrument brand form music teacher before purchasing a new or used instrument. The music stores we work with will always have quality instruments available and many of them carry gently used instruments that are more cost effective. 

Can my child play an instrument we already own?

Yes, hopefully! The instrument needs to be in good working condition and we prefer that the instrument follows our recommended instrument brand list. You will still need to purchase the instrument specific lesson book and a music stand for practicing at home. 

Are private lessons a benefit for my child?

Yes! A student having 1:1 weekly private lessons is a tremendous asset to every student. Not only will your child have significant more instructional time, but in private lessons that instructional time is completely devoted to them and only them.

How do I set up private lessons for my child?

Private lessons are easy to set up! We have a fantastic set of lesson teachers through the Lakeville Lesson Academy that are eager to work with our kids! The lesson teachers are professional musicians who teach lessons and perform as musicians.  Visit our private lesson page for more information and to set-up lessons with your child’s recommended teacher. Please note, private lessons are private pay. If you would like to sponsor another student in private lessons contact your student's band teacher.

Are private lessons the same thing as school lessons?

No. Private lessons are 1:1 lessons with professional musicians outside of school. School lessons are small group lessons with the band teachers during the school day. 

What is the lesson book and how do we get it?

The lesson book we are using for this year is the Tradition of Excellence Book 1 (red cover). It is instrument specific so it will have the instrument displayed on the cover. It can be purchased at any of our local music stores. See the instrument/materials rental guide for more information.

**Percussionists will also need the Alfred’s Drum Method Book 1 (blue cover).  If you are renting an instrument from one of our recommended music stores, the book and music stand will be included with your rental.

Do we have to be in band in middle school?

Students in Lakeville get to choose either band or choir for their music elective in 6th grade. We highly recommend trying out band in 5th grade to better prepare and understand that decision. This is the best year to try band,  if you think you might not be in band in 6th grade. 

Can I be in middle school band if I am not in 5th grade band?

Although it could be possible, it would be quite difficult to be a beginner in a class that is taught for second year members. The best bet is to start band in 5th grade so you can be in band at the same level as the other students in middle school.