Mrs. Hutson's Sixth Grade Band Information

Hello Incoming 6th Grade Band Families!

My Story

This year is my 13th in Lakeland. I’ve taught Music, Band, Choir, Art, and Drama. I've taught at Garwood, John Brown, Twin Lakes, Betty Kiefer, and Lakeland Junior High. I’m passionate about the arts and strive to inspire students to share talents with friends and family for years to come.

All Sixth Graders can Join Band

Everyone can experience beginning band! Joining is easier and more affordable than you may think. Instrumental rental programs make quality instruments accessible. Rehearsals are during the school day to eliminate conflicts.

Why Join Band?

It’s fun playing music together as a team! Students learn how to read music, play an instrument, practice, perform, and develop self-discipline. These skills can be used in more advanced music classes as well as enhance other academic areas and life outside of school. 6th grade is the time to join! It is much harder to catch up later. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t know how to ready music very well yet, I will teach them everything they need to know to be successful. We start off with how to read music and basic music theory then learn how to put the instrument together, how to hold it, how to make a sound and play different notes, and how to clean it.

Picking an Instrument

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t know what instrument they want to play yet. A successful experience starts with an instrument they love that plays well. Most 6th graders play Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, or Percussion (Snare, Bass Drum, and Bell Set.) Some play Oboe, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone, or Horn. Our band book does not include Violin, Guitar, or Piano. Percussionists must try out. Please wait to purchase until your child can show me they can keep a steady beat and read basic rhythms. Wondering what instrument would be best? I’m happy to help and always suggest picking an instrument they love the sound of. If they’re undecided, watch youtube videos together, check out CDs from the library, or attend local concerts. There are some wonderful free concerts in Rathdrum, Hayden, Post Falls, and CDA over the summer. You can also check out my picking an instrument website or this recruitment website that also is about picking an instrument.

Already own a band instrument that hasn’t been played in a while?

Have it looked over to make sure it is playable and get it into the shop early in the summer. Music stores are busy and it is much harder to get an instrument back in a timely fashion once school starts.

Looking to purchase a new or used instrument?

Contact me before you buy. If it seems too good to be true, it often is. There are many good deals, but it’s hard to be sure. If it is cheap, it may not be good quality, need hundreds of dollars of work, or be beyond repair.

How do I join?

I meet with all 6th graders the first week of school. The first few weeks of band allow students to decide what instrument they want to play, ask questions, and build a basic foundation of music theory. Band class will officially start around the third week of September. Students will get a band handbook (outlining expectations) and a band contract to sign. (Band is a full school year commitment.)

Band Parent Information Night in September (TBA)

I will discuss the band handbook, instruments, and accessories. Burt’s Music and Northwest Academy of Music, both located in CDA, will talk about their instrumental rental programs.

Links

You will find my links for my different classes, band paperwork from the 2019-2020 school year (I will update this paperwork for next school year), and 6th Grade Band resources listed in the navigation menu in the top left corner.

Contact me any time! I check my email over the summer.

Mrs. Lindsay Hutson

lhutson@lakeland272.org