Frequently Asked Questions
Sixth Grade Band
How much after school time does band require? Band meets during the school day. The students are expected to practice several evenings each week so that they may continually progress. Students are required to perform on the sixth grade concert(s). (There will be no more than two concerts during the 2024-2025 school year.)
Does the school provide instruments? Most instruments are not provided by the school. You are responsible for providing an instrument and all necessary supplies for your student. This includes the band book and the replacement of supplies as they are used throughout the year. Mrs. Bennett will provide you with information from various local music stores as well as other options so that you can make an informed decision.
What if my student doesn’t like it? By enrolling your child in our band program you are making a commitment for him/her to participate. If a child would like to be withdrawn from the program, parent or guardian permission is required. We are able to approve a withdrawal at the end of the quarter.
Why does my child need to be screened for percussion?
Each year, many students express interest in joining our percussion section. Our percussionists learn both the snare drum and the xylophone from the beginning. We are incredibly fortunate to have an exceptional percussion specialist who will be working with all of our percussion students. He needs to assess all students who wish to play percussion. This is done on an individual basis and will take no longer than ten minutes.
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Do you offer guitar, piano, violin, viola, cello, or string bass?
We do not offer these instruments as a part of our beginning band program. We do not have an orchestra program in our district.
Can my student participate in both band and choir?
Yes!
Can my student join band for the first time in seventh grade? Beginning band is offered at the sixth grade level. Once the students are in seventh grade we rehearse as a large ensemble. If there is a very rare circumstance where a student has not completed sixth grade band and would like to join at a later time the band directors will provide the requirements prior to the student being enrolled.
Where will my student store his/her instrument? There are individual storage lockers in the MMS bandroom. A combination lock is suggested for those students using a bandroom locker, and students may need to share the band locker with one other person.
My student doesn’t know how to read music and does not play piano. Is this a problem? This is not a problem. We teach the students everything from the very beginning. This includes how to open the case, put the instrument together, make the first sound, and read the music!
My student is in a lot of sports/after school activities. Will this interfere with band? Students are able to participate in extra-curricular activities and still participate in band. This is true through twelfth grade! We have students who are in band and also play sports year-round and maintain an A average.
Do the students have to practice every night? No. Students are encouraged to practice three to four times a week, twenty to thirty minutes each time. We start with a lower practice time and then gradually increase it as their endurance increases.
I have more questions. How do I contact you? You may call or e-mail me at any time. Please note that voicemail is not monitored during summer vacation.
Patti Bennett pbennett@miamisburg.k12.oh.us
(937) 865-0011 ext. 2014