This fall your 5th grade student will get to choose either general music or beginning band.
To register for band, please fill out the attached registration sheet.
Students have many instruments to choose from: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, french horn, baritone, trombone, Bass Guitar, and mallet percussion (bells).
Percussionists will be chosen via a short test. The test is simple. Can they clap along with a rock beat? Yes, they can play drums. No, they will need to play something else. Pick any good rock song to have your student practice at home. Please note. Percussionists are on bells until the end of February.
Bass Guitar is limited to only a couple of students per year. If more than that want to play bass guitar, students will be chosen by random draw.
STEP 1: Which instrument do you want to play?
Students will watch beginning band demonstration videos to see and hear the various band instruments. They will need to decide what they want to play.
STEP 2: Where do you get an instrument?
Band will be starting on Monday, September 11, 2023. It meets during the time that your student currently has music. Please try to have your instrument and book by that time. Students who do not have an instrument will be sent to music class.
I always suggest that you rent an instrument before buying. This gives the student a chance to decide if they are really going to enjoy the instrument they have chosen.
There are currently two local places you can rent band instruments: Haggerty’s Music Works and Taylor Music/BJ’s Instrument Repair.
Parents may drop by Haggerty’s Music Works anytime to rent or buy instruments, lesson books (students need to purchase a copy of Standard of Excellence Book 1 for their instrument), music stands, and other necessary instrument supplies. Their phone number is 605-348-6737 and their website is https://www.haggertysmusic.com.
BJ’s instrument repair is selling instruments through Taylor Music in Aberdeen, SD (also known as 1800USABAND.com) Taylor Music is a great company who I have dealt with for years. Bruce Lutz of BJ’s instrument repair is working for them and handling all their repairs and returns in this area. Call Bruce directly at 605-390-9627. Alternatively, I have pamphlets and brochures available for this program.
The Club for Boys of Rapid City has a program to give instruments to students with financial needs. I have had both boys and girls receive instruments from this program. Contact 605-343-3500 for more information.
Remember to purchase the necessary accessories:
Standard of Excellence Book I - FOR YOUR CHOSEN INSTRUMENT and a notebook with 5 Page Protectors in it or a folder used only for band. Music will only be handed out to students with a personal band folder.
Clarinet and Saxophones: 4 extra reeds
Reeds: Students will be required to rotate their reeds every time that they practice. If a reed is chipped, split, cracked, or broken, it is of no use and must be thrown away. Remember that reeds are fragile, so handle with care and store properly!
Trumpet, french horn, and Baritones: one bottle of valve oil/key oil and tube of slide grease
Trombones: one bottle of slide oil and tube of slide grease
Oil and Grease: Valves and slides will get stuck without the use of these.
If your family has access to an instrument that has been previously used, please make sure it is in complete working order.
Used instruments are great. Please make sure it is in complete working order.
Be careful with online purchases from Amazon. You get what you pay for.
If you have any questions or concerns, my email is richard.hamil@k12.sd.us. Please do not hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns. I am really here to help. I want your student to have the best possible experience in band.
Mr. Hamil
Director, 5th and 6th Grade Bands
Douglas School District 51-1