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Welcome to the Beckendorff Junior High Band!
We are excited that you have chosen to be a part of the band! Please read through all of the information on this page to learn about the band, complete our Instrument Selection Survey, and sign up for a meeting with the band directors to be placed on an instrument.
How Instrument Selection Works - Beginner Band
The first step in joining the band is selecting BAND as FIRST CHOICE when you complete your course selection for 6th grade.
The counselors will provide the directors with a list of all the students who chose band as first choice. We will email only the families of those students to set up a time to choose an instrument. Instrument choice is one of the decisions that will have the greatest impact on a student’s success in band.
Many factors, such as hand size, jaw shape and size, structure of the teeth, shape of the lips, coordination, etc. play an important role in determining which instruments would be most suitable for each student. We also take into consideration the instrumentation needs of the band (because a band can't be all one instrument, just like a football team can't be all quarterbacks!) and the student's academic schedule (because some classes only meet at the same time as certain beginner classes). CLICK HERE for more information regarding our instrumentation philosophy.
After selecting what instruments they might like to play, students and parents will fill out a survey to give us information that will help us know which instruments might work for each child. Then, each student must meet with a band director to be evaluated for an instrument. No student will be approved without meeting with a Beckendorff Junior High band director. We'll help you choose the best instrument for you at your Instrument Selection Meeting!
#1 - The First Step: Learning About the Instruments
Check out the different instruments available in the band and see which ones you think you might like! As you look them over, keep in mind that you'll be asked to choose a first, second, and third choice instrument in the Instrument Selection Survey. Click here for our online instrument resources.
#2 - Fill out the Instrument Selection Survey
Once you have an idea as to the instruments you wish to be considered for, fill out our Band Instrument Selection Survey. Some instruments have a limited class size, so be sure to have those first, second, and third choices ready!
This survey asks questions of parents AND children, so please be sure you're together when you click below to go to the survey. It should take about 5-10 minutes of your time.
CLICK HERE for Band Instrument Selection Survey
#3 - Select an appointment for an Instrument Selection Meeting
At the end of the Instrument Selection Survey, you'll find a link to the Sign-Up Genius to sign up for an in-person meeting with the band directors.
At this meeting, we will speak with each student to find out which instruments they're interested in playing, let them see the instruments and try out different mouthpieces, and evaluate them to see which instruments they can be the most successful on. At the end of your meeting, after you've had a chance to see and try out different instruments, we'll ask for your official first and second choice instruments!
#4 - Email Confirmation
After we've met with all the incoming beginners, we'll send parents or guardians an email with information about what instrument their child will play next year, along with supply lists and information about instrument rentals. Stay tuned- we'll let you know your instrument as soon as we can! We are typically able to distribute this information at the end of May/beginning of June.
We're excited to have you and your child join our Bear Band family, and we look forward to meeting you soon!
Frequently Asked Question about Band:
Frequently Asked Question about Band:
1) How do I join? Simply select BAND as your first choice when submitting your course selection. After you have signed up, we will have a meeting to select your instrument.
2) Do I need prior experience? No, we will teach you everything you need to know.
3) How many concerts are there? The Beginner Band will perform a Winter Concert, usually in December, and a Spring Concert in April/May.
4) Can I be in other activities and be in band? YES! As a matter of fact, most of the students in band also participate in other activities. We have athletes, cheerleaders, Science Olympiad, Math & Science Team, Theatre, Choir...the list goes on. We believe in a well rounded education!
5) How much time does band take outside of school? The time commitment for beginner band is minimal, just one after school rehearsal right before our major Winter and Spring concerts. When you get in the advanced bands the following year, there is one 1-hour rehearsal per week outside of the school day.
6) Can I be in athletics and band? Yes! Many of our members are also athletes. The coaches and band directors work together so students are able to do both activities.
7) Is there a fee to be in band? Yes, all of the music electives have a course fee (currently $50) and you will need an instrument. Most families will rent their instrument from a local music store for the beginning band year. Instrument rental prices vary by store and instrument.
Click the image below for the video "What is it like to be in band?"
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