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Below are frequently asked questions & myths about the Mason Band program.
Why should my student join the Mason Band?
Playing an instrument teaches children to be creative and to work actively toward a goal. It gives them a sense of belonging and it teaches them to work together. The one factor that is most overlooked is that band provides children the opportunity to make friends and be a part of the school’s largest team.
Yet, nothing comes easy. Playing an instrument is hard work, but the recognition and rewards are worth it. The more practice one puts into learning to play an instrument, the more they will be able to enjoy their time in band. Band will help a student succeed in life whether they continue in music or not.
Many doctors, lawyers, and engineers have paid their way through college by playing an instrument. According to recent studies of over 100,000 people, individuals who participated in instrumental music in Jr. and Sr. High School were found to have higher ACT/SAT scores, receive more college scholarships, and actually earn more money over their lifetime than students who participate in any other activity.
How does my student choose an instrument?
The first step is to attend the Mason Instrument Fair. If you have a conflict with the Instrument Fair, please contact a MI Band Directors Mr. Rex or Mr. Fourman for an individual time to explore the instrument that will be the best fit for your student. At the Instrument Fair, students will have the opportunity to try all the instruments we ofer in 6th grade band. The instruments your child will be able to try are:
Flute - the highest woodwind instrument, it requires good breath support and a mouth/lip shape that allows for a good sound.
Clarinet - the core sound of the band. Band arrangements require more clarinets than any other single instrument. This is also a great place to start for students interested in oboe, bassoon, or bass clarinet.
Saxophone - the middle voice of the woodwinds. The saxophone can be quite boisterous, so typically only a handful of students begin on saxophone.
Trumpet - a smaller, popular brass instrument that plays many melody parts.
Horn - a beautiful mellow brass instrument perfect for students who enjoy a challenge!
Trombone - the slide brass instrument and solid tenor voice of the band. Lots of fun!
Euphonium - a valve brass instrument that plays the same range as the trombone.
Tuba - the heavy metal and foundation of the band. We love tuba!
Can my student do sports and band?
YES!!! The Mason City Schools encourage each and every student to be involved in multiple activities. Participation in sports is very important and all capable students should have the opportunity. This DOES NOT mean your child should not be in band. If there are conflicts between sports and band, we work with coaches to make accommodations, as will your child’s coaches, now and in the future. Students will not be penalized for legitimate conflicts due to sports or other activities. That being said, students will need to meet the basic requirements for band, despite involvement in sports or other activities. Students in the band program play sports all year including varsity football and cheerleading!
Is band a big financial investment?
NO! The Mason Band program offers many opportunities to invest in as much as you would like to or are able. Renting a musical instrument is a good investment in your child’s education and well-being. A quality instrument will help create beautiful music throughout a student’s musical career. In addition, the experience that your child receives in band will be one of the most memorable times of their lives.
The Mason Band program offers many optional opportunities such as marching band and travel that can be a larger investment, but the fees to participate in just the curricular band class are comparable to other course fees. Again, these are optional and NOT required.
The Mason Band has been recognized at the local, regional, state, and national levels for its excellence in student achievement. Because of this, we have many resources to offer financial assistance and scholarships for students at all levels 6-12.
Is there a big after school time commitment?
NO! While there are extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities in the Mason Band program, the curricular band classes do not require a significant time commitment after school. Many people in the Mason community see the time commitment of the marching band, but that is not the case for the curricular band classes. Students are expected to develop an individual practice routine as their "homework" for band class, but this is flexible with each student's and family's schedules.
There are opportunties for students to enroll in honors or advanced level band courses that require additional time after school, but these again are completely optional. Your student can participate in the band program as much as they wish and create their own personalized learning experience.
Is marching band required in high school?
NO! We are fortunate to have one of the top marching bands in the entire country, but not all students participate in marching band. While the marching band is a great opportunity, students will benefit from the rich legacy of the Mason Band program at all levels.
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