My name is Mr. Belvin. I am the band director at Lincolnton Middle School. I am excited that you are considering joining the band. Use this website to help begin the process of selecting an instrument for the Wildcat Band!
If you have questions or inquiries, please contact me.
jbelvin@lincoln.k12.nc.us
How do I sign up for band?
During the week of registration, you will include on your classes ¨6th Grade Beginning Band¨. Band is a full year commitment so both of your electives for 6th grade will include PE/health and Band.
The reason we do this is so we have a 10 month uninterrupted time frame to fully learn our rhythms, note reading skills, and our instrument. Consistently having band everyday provides the opportunity for you to become proficient on your instrument!
How do I sign up for an instrument?
You have two options in completing the registration and instrument selection process.
1) Attend our Instrument Test Drive event in late April to try out the instruments. The date of this event will be communicated in late March.
2) Complete the registration Google form (below) that includes instrument preferences.
Either of these options help us to learn what instrument you would like to play so that we know which class to place you in. Please pick your top 3 choices of instruments based on your review of the videos below. You will most likely start off with your top choice, but a balanced band is a happy band so we may need to move forward with your second or third choice.
Mr. Belvin will be in frequent communication with parents/guardians over the summer as information is released about the start of the school year at Lincolnton.
We want EVERYONE to have an opportunity to be part of the band!
Step 1: Check out your instrument options! Decide on your top three choices.
What Instruments can I play?
Woodwinds: Flute, clarinet, alto saxophone
Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium
Percussion: All percussion take mallets and drum sticks. (Piano background is highly encouraged)
*More instrument choices are available in 7th and 8th grade
Part of enjoying the band is being successful on your instrument. This isn't a test, and you can't fail. The Instrument Matching Tool will help match you with the right instrument! EVERYONE can be in music. At the end, you will be asked to list your instrument preferences in priority order. Click on the button to begin.
How many students do we need to play each instrument?
Flute 12
Clarinet 22
Alto Saxophone 10
Trumpet 20
French Horn 8
Trombone 10
Baritone/Euphonium 8
Percussion 10
Step 2: Band Instrument Registration!
STEP 3- That's it for now! Mr. Belvin will be in touch soon with instructions. Please WAIT to get an instrument!
What if I am not sure if I want my child to do Band?
Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Band is the same way. Your child should sign up for band even if you or they are unsure. If at some point you decide that Band is not for you, there will be an appropriate time to change the schedule. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when everyone else has already started.
What if I don’t know anything about Band?
That’s ok! We will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes and rhythms, we will guide your child through the process. All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sound.
May I play sports AND do Band?
YES!!!! In fact, a healthy number of our band students also participate in sports at Lincolnton Middle School and outside of school. All Concerts are usually held in the evenings after practices and games have ended.
How much out of school time is required?
Band is no different than any other curricular area. We ask that your child spend some time with their instrument each and every week. Think of it as homework, but much more fun.
What are the costs?
The costs associated with Band depend on which instrument your child chooses and if you already own an instrument. We wish funds were available for us to provide every child with an instrument, however, this is simply not possible. The school may have certain instruments available for at school use. If not, you can rent a quality instrument from a local music store at a very reasonable price. If financial constraints prevent you from being able to do this, please contact me and allow me to help. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating.
How do I procure an instrument?
This will be discussed at a later time as we approach the school year and limitations on school closures begin to lift! Please do not make any purchases/rental decisions at this time unless you have spoken to Mr. Belvin.
What if I have other questions?
Please know that I am here to answer any and all questions that you may have. The best way for you to reach me is through email at jbelvin@lincoln.k12.nc.us.This will allow me to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not.
Contact Information
Lincolnton Middle School
2361 Startown Rd, Lincolnton, NC 28092
Band Director: Josh Belvin
Phone: 704-735-1120 ext: 34307
Email: jbelvin@lincoln.k12.nc.us
LMS Band Class Webpage:
https://www.lcsnc.org/Domain/3686