FAQ's

Do I have to know anything about music to join band?

No, I teach you everything you need to know. I only require band members to practice, work hard and never give up. Learning anything new can be challenging, but you will succeed with hard work and dedication!

Is there more than one band class?

Yes, there are four different band classes at Markham; Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. Most students start in beginning band. You will learn how to read music and play your instrument correctly in this class. After your first year, you will have the option to audition for the other three bands.

What instrument can I play in beginning band?

Flute, Oboe (private lessons required), Bassoon (private lessons required), Clarinet, Alto Saxophone (very limited number chosen, private lessons strongly advised), Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion (audition only)

Will there be performances?

Yes, there will be a minimum of two performances each year. Band is a performing arts class, meaning performances are required for the course and are a large portion of your grade.

Does it cost money to be in band?

The short answer is yes. There are student fees and instrument rental costs associated with being in band, but pleased do not let the cost be the reason you do not join band!

Is band only a semester class?

No. Unlike regular academic classes and many other elective classes, band is a full-year class. This means you will be in band for the entire school year.

I want to play the drums!

Many students are under the impression that they will join band and only play the snare drum. This is not the case. To be a well-rounded percussionist, students must read music in two clefs AND master many different instruments. These include marimba, tympani, snare, bass drum, cymbals, and many other accessory instruments. Percussionists must also be masters at reading rhythms, have good hand-eye coordination, and be able to keep a steady beat innately. To be a percussionist at Markham, you have to audition the same way you would try out for a sports team. There are a very limited number of percussion spots available.

I want to be in band, but I don't know what I want to play

That's perfectly ok! All students will try different instruments at the beginning of the year to determine which instrument best suits them. Instrument selection also depends on the needs of the band director.

What instruments do you not teach?

Piano, Guitar, Drums. These insruments are uncommon in the traditional band setting, and there is not a lot of music written for band using these instruments. While I do not teach students how to play these instruments, these instruments are however used in the Jazz Band. Students who come to Markham knowing how to play them are welcome to audition for jazz band after completing their first year of band!

When can I be in the Jazz Band?

Anyone who has taken a band class for one full year or has taken private lessons for two years can audition for Jazz Band. Jazz band auditions usually take place during the second semester.

Have more questions? Contact me!

Jeremy Anderson

andersjm@scps.k12.fl.us

Band Director

Markham Woods Middle School