Frequently Asked Questions & Band Handbook

So we’ve decided that we’re going to be in the band. What are we supposed to do now?

Make sure that you put band as your top choice on your elective sheet. That way we know to send you an invite to our instrument interviews!

When does band class meet?
​Your student gets to have their band class every day! Beginning band meets as a regular class throughout the school day for the entire school year. Students are grouped in classes according to what instrument they play. Skills developed during beginner band are to prepare students for 7th and 8th grade band, so diligent practice throughout the year is a must.

Is it time consuming to be in band?

All new band students only have four before school rehearsals and three concerts after school the entire first year. You do have more rehearsals in band after that first year, but not a lot- just one weekly practice outside of school. 

My child is really into sports. When I was a kid, you could only pick one thing to be a part of. Is that still the case?

Not true any more. At the junior high level, we all really encourage our kids to be a part of as many things as possible. In fact, at the high school level, there are often students who are playing on varsity sports that are also involved in band. We work closely with the athletic coaches and other fine arts teachers to ensure that students are easily able to be a part of both programs. 

Is this something we can look at joining later? My child is wanting to be in band, but we’re thinking of waiting a couple of years.

It’s going to be best for your child to join when they’re in 6th grade. That’s because your child’s first year will be in beginning band, and the vast majority of students in those groups are 6th graders. Although we do have 3 or 4 7th and 8th graders every year in beginning band, your child will want to join in 6th grade if they can so that they can experience beginning band with kids their own age.

What instruments are offered?
Beginners are started on flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion.  There is no prior experience required. We will help you choose the instrument that is best for you at our Band Interview.

Do the kids get to pick what they’ll play?

Student choice accounts for quite a bit when it comes to assigning students an instrument. We have them select their top choices and try our best to give them one of those three. We also evaluate the students to help place them, in our professional opinion, where they’ll do best. There are some classes that tend to be a little more in demand than others, like percussion (drums and keyboards) and saxophone. 

Isn’t owning an instrument expensive? I’m not sure we can do that right now.

First, we definitely recommend that you rent an instrument that first year. Not all of the instruments cost the same. In fact, we can usually make it work for everyone. We certainly don’t want anyone to feel left out because of cost. We will do everything in our power to make band work for you!

​Is any previous musical training necessary?
No. We teach the basics of reading music as well as the fundamentals of playing an instrument.  As students progress, you will be able to recognize familiar tunes that they play for you.  Their progress culminates in the Spring Concert at the end of the year.

Should I rent or purchase an instrument?
The easiest thing to do is to rent an instrument through a trusted local music store. We set up a rental night with Music and Arts so that you can have all of your supplies ready to go on day one for you. Your child will have the instrument and mouthpiece recommended by the band directors.  After their beginner year, most instruments can be upgraded to a professional level model. All rental payments are applied towards the purchase of the instrument.

How do I purchase supplies or rent an instrument?

All students and parents will recieve fliers with information on which materials to get and how to get them when they have been fitted for their instrument at school. Please visit the instrument materials page to find the items needed.

What about buying used instruments?
Some used instruments are good bargains.  However, you could possibly end up spending more money on repairs than the instrument is worth.  For this reason, we ask that if you do purchase  a used instrument, try to let a band director examine it prior to purchase.  Local music stores and former band students are excellent sources of used instruments.  Outside of these sources, purchasing an instrument could be a gamble. We'd love to talk with you about any used instruments you may be looking at using.

Are there any school owned instruments available?
Yes. The school will lend out the more expensive instruments to the student (tuba, euphonium, french horn, oboe, and bassoon). Parents whose child is selected to play one of these school owned instruments are required to pay a $50 per year usage fee.  They will also be required to purchase necessary accessories such as a mouthpiece, reeds, books, valve oil.  Due to the unique nature and difficulty of the oboe, bassoon, and french horn, it is critical that they take weekly private lessons.  

Are there any extra rehearsals required?  Concerts?
Beginners are required to attend only three performances outside of school.  There will only be two before school rehearsal prior to the Winter Concert and two prior to the Spring Concert, as well as a Solo Contest after school in March. Other than these few performances and rehearsals, there are no after school responsibilities.  We also have a variety of fun/social events throughout the year and even more in 7th and 8th grade band!

Will my child be required to practice at home?
Yes.  Students are required as part of their grade to practice outside of class.  As with all things, communication is key if your student has a "busy week".  We don't want anyone to worry or get stressed out, but there is homework in every class, including band.  They record their time on a "Practice Record," which is turned in and graded weekly.  For home practice, students must use a folding music stand and a metronome.  These items come with your initial rental from our music stores.  Parents are encouraged to give positive support to the student as he/she progresses.  All instruments are required to be taken home every day even if they cannot practice that evening.

Are private lessons available?  Are they required?
Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students, but aren't required.  If your child takes private lessons, he/she will get one-on-one instruction from a professional musician/educator. Lessons are held once a week and can help challenge faster-paced students and strengthen slower-paced students. Lessons are very important and are one of the backbones of our program.

What other costs can we expect throughout the year?
Students will be required to purchase their band books, proper accessories to maintain their instruments, and to pay the yearly course fee. Private lessons are strongly encouraged and information regarding private lesson costs will be sent home. We ask that all students participate in band fundraisers since the cost of many paper, music, supplies, clinicians, master classes, etc, come out of our yearly budget that we must raise funds for.