FAQs

1.  When is my student's next performance?

      - A complete performance schedule can be found on the band calendar.  A list of performances for Beginning Band can be found here and Concert/Symphonic bands here.

2.  Why is my student's grade so low?

          - missing a score

3.  What days are playing exams usually on?

          - Thursday or Friday (but not always)

4.  When does my child make up a playing exam if they were absent?

         -  Before or after school is best, or during Prowl if they are able to come.  Students can also record their playing evaluation (even before the evaluation) and send it to Ms. Johnson.

5.  May students retake a playing exam if he/she would like to improve the score?

        - Of course!  See the answer to question 4.

6.  How much of my student's grade is outside of school practice and enrichment worth?

        - 20 percent

7.  Where is the online practice/exploration form where my student enters in practice time?  Click here.

8.  What happens if my student loses their Practice Tracker?

        -  A blank Practice Tracker can be printed here.

9.  Can I buy supplies (reeds, oil, etc.) from the school?  

 -  Yes!  Reeds, valve oil, slide grease, slide oil, clarinet swabs, mouthpiece savers, thumb savers, and reed guards can be purchased at the school.  There are two ways to pay for supplies: students can pay ahead of time in the office and then bring the receipt to Miss Johnson or students can pick up the item(s) first from Ms. Johnson and she will then place it on their account for parents to pay online.  Parents, please let Ms. Johnson know ahead of time if you ONLY wish your student to pay ahead of time.  Prices for everything I sell can be found here.  

10.  I want to buy a new instrument for my student.  Where should I go?

-  Your best bet is to ask Ms. Johnson.  She can point you in the direction of a reputable music store representative or a musician selling used instruments.  Please AVOID large discount stores. There have been many problems with these instruments. They break easily and often times cannot be repaired. Also, while ebay is a great place to find things to buy, experience has taught some parents that this is not the best place to shop for a musical instrument if you do not know exactly what to look for and what to avoid. Use EXTREME caution.  Ms. Johnson is happy to talk to you about it and get your student all set up.   For more information click here. 

11.  Which instruments are school rental instruments?

-  Oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, tenor sax, bari sax, French horn, baritone/euphonium, tuba, and percussion are rented by the school.  Oboe, bassoon, French horn, baritone, and tuba are beginning instruments.  All the other instruments the student will switch to after playing another instrument for a period of time.

12.  What about if my student is NOT playing a school rental instrument?  What do I do then?

-  If you'd like information on where to go and what to get for your beginning student NOT playing a school rental instrument, click here.  Music stores salespeople will usually be able to pick out a good instrument for you.  BE SURE TO TELL THEM YOU'RE FROM SOUTH JORDAN MIDDLE!  We sometimes get deals other schools don't.

13.  How do I rent an instrument from the school?  

-  If it's a school rental instrument, pay $80 to the front office and have your student bring Ms. Johnson the receipt (due October 1st).  Ms. Johnson will give your student the instrument and a sheet you will need to fill out, sign, and return to her.  Then you're all set!!