Future Members

WHY BAND?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to play an instrument or know how to read music?

NO! We start every single student from the very beginning and we are here to LEARN how to play an instrument and read music together!

Does it cost money to be in band?

Yes, but most of the cost are upfront their 6th grade year and most of the supplies will carry them through all 7 years of band. We also never want cost to hinder a students ability to be in band and there are some LISD fine art scholarships available to help.

Are there performances after school in 6th grade?

Yes, we have two concerts a year (Winter and Spring) at CPMS or the CPHS South Performing Arts Center after school. There is also a Solo & Ensemble contest that is held the first Saturday of May.

How much time after school is required for 6th grade band?

There are no regularly required after school rehearsals for 6th graders. We have two concerts (winter and spring) as well as the LISD Solo & Ensemble contest the first Saturday of May that are required.

I already play piano, or another instrument, why join band?

Being in band can give you benefits that a solo instrument cannot. In band you will learn how to play in a group and how to work with your friends to make beautiful music together.

How do I sign up?

Mark band as your first choice on your choice sheet when you register for classes. We will take it from there! Sign up with a friend and have twice as much fun!

How often will I go to my elective course?

Band will meet everyday, during the day, just like math, science, and language arts....

Can I be in band and be in athletics at CPMS?

Yes! Many of our band students are also involved in sports—basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, track, soccer, dance, cheer etc. All CPMS athletic teams start in 7th grade.

Beginner Band Parent Interest Meeting

Monday March 31st, 2025

6:30 PM in the CPMS Band Hall

This meeting is designed for parents but we are more than happy if kids want to come and check out the band hall and visit with us as well. This meeting will talk about requirements, instrument selection and give you a general scope of what beginner band class looks like!

INSTRUMENT SELECTION

Each spring, we host instrumental placement fairs for incoming band students to select their instrument. This is an opportunity to meet the band directors, some of the private lesson teachers, and see all of the instrument possibilities! No music experience is necessary! All you need is an open mind! Many times, the instrument you come in wanting to play is very different from what we realize will work best. You always want to choose an instrument that will be the easiest for you to play. Most of the students get their first or second choice based on class sizes but it is not always guaranteed.

INSTRUMENT SELECTION FOR 2025-2026

We will be setting up times for our instrument selection drive this year on April 12th and 13th!! If your student would like to join band and has any questions, please contact Mrs. Hummel at britni.hummel@leanderisd.org.

All students must be placed on an instrument by a band director before they will be scheduled into a band class. This placement will occur at the end of the current school year. Parents and students will be notified by a letter in the mail and via email what instrument your child has been selected to play. This instruments offered by the band program are: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and classical percussion.

Remember that physical abilities and class size will determine the instrument your child is placed on, ensuring they are on the instrument they will be the most successful on.

Instrument Selection Dates and Information for 2025-2026

We would like to invite all incoming 6th grade students zoned for CPMS to attend our Leopard Band Instrument Drive! The Drive will be held at Cedar Park Middle School in the CPMS Gym on April 12th 8am - 5pm and April 13th Noon - 4pm. Check out the attached flyer!

Instrument Drive Sign Up!

This instrument Drive is for ANY incoming 6th grader whether they are signed up for Band or not and it’s not too late to be a part of the CPMS Leopard Band Family! The drive is a great opportunity to come see the campus, meet the band directors, private lesson teachers, find out what band is all about and get to try out all the instruments! You don’t need any musical background experience at all! Don’t forget that we only offer Beginner Band classes in 6th grade so even if they are only the slightest bit interested we encourage you to come check it out!

Below we have a pretty awesome video from the United States Army Field Band that demonstrates all of the concert band instruments for beginners. We will get to show off some of our current 6th grade beginners this coming April but these are some pretty awesome musicians who are at the top of their craft!

Instrument Demonstration!

INSTRUMENT/MATERIALS FOR THE FALL

Students and their families are responsible for supplying the materials listed on their supply sheet, emailed this summer, after they have been placed on an instrument by the directors. WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We will be setting up a Virtual Music Store where you will be able to rent all of their supplies and they will be directly delivered to CPMS. Students are expected to have all materials on the second day of school. Local music stores are listed on our links page. Please contact us with any questions.