Frequently asked questions
These are the most common questions we have received over the years. We have tried to answer these as briefly as possible; if you need further explanation, or do not see your question below, please e-mail the directors.
Mrs. Mackay - stacy.mcburney@midlandisd.net
Mr. Rose - brian.rose@midlandisd.net
What is beginning band?
Beginning Band is an introduction to the world of classical music and concert band. Students will learn the basics of music (how to read the staff, identify note values, etc.) and how to play their instrument. Students are taught in like-instrument classes (clarinet, cornet, percussion, etc.) throughout the day. They will have at least 3 concerts during the year - Fall (performed in sections), Christmas (first full band concert) and Spring (full band concert).
Do I need to know anything about music to be in band?
NO! We start every beginning band student from "ground zero" on the first day of school! We only ask that you come with a good attitude and be willing to work hard!
What instruments are offered in beginning band?
Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone
Brass: Cornet/Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba
Percussion: Percussion classes are capped at no more than 10 students
Instrument Section Limitations:
The band must be balanced as students are placed, and with traditional music instrumentation in mind. Instruments that are rented from the school can have limitations based on instrument availability.
The following sections can have caps placed on students allowed in the class/section:
Oboe - no more than 3 students
Bassoon - no more than 3 students
Saxophone - depends on band size, usually no more than 8 students
French Horn - no more than 8, maybe 10
Baritone/Euphonium - no more than 8
Tuba - no more than 4 or 5
Percussion - 6-10 students depending on size (this is due to drumline instrumentation as well as percussion parts for concert band pieces) - depending on total band size, we can potentially increase the number of percussionists to 12
Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, & Trombone usually do not have limitations on class size other than full band balance.
How do I choose an instrument?
We recommend that you watch the instrument specific videos on the VIDEOS page to get a good introduction to each instrument.
Show up for one of the instrument SELECTION days & try instruments with the directors.
We will use our experience to help you make a characteristic sound on any of the instruments you wish to try. We will be very honest with you about the natural ability/comfortability that we observe because we want you to choose an instrument you will be successful on so you can enjoy band as much as we do!
***Sometimes students come in knowing exactly what they want to play and it's a great fit. Sometimes students have their heart set on a certain instrument and it is not one of the most natural fits. We ask that you keep an open mind when trying instruments - we want you to be successful, so we will be honest with you during your selection time...we want it to be natural/comfortable, so it is something you will practice throughout the year!***
Do I have to rent/buy an instrument?
That depends on what instrument you choose to play. Most of the instruments are ones that you would rent or purchase from a music store (we work with N-Tune Music & Sound). The larger instruments are school provided, but still require a contract and a small rental fee (paid directly to the Alamo Band).
There are also additional materials required for band based on what instrument you play. You will be given all of the information that pertains to your instrument upon selection!
While we would prefer that each student has their own personal instrument, we know that is not always feasible for every family. We DO have instruments available for rental from the school for most instruments, if you think you will need to rent from the school, we will be happy to discuss it with you!
Is band a graded class?
Yes. Music classes are considered core subjects by the state of Texas. They are classified as electives or extra-curricular classes (meaning IN & OUT of school obligations) by MISD. Students receive grades in band just like they do every other class in junior high. A good portion of the grades are performance based (playing a line/song/scale in class), but a lot of them are also participation based, with a rare few written assignment grades.
Does band conflict with other school activities? (ex: athletics, other performing arts)
No! In fact, many of the staff members at Alamo are former band students, too! There are not many outside of school beginning band requirements and most of our students are in athletics or another performing elective and have very few conflicts in their two years of junior high. The directors & coaches work well together to avoid conflicts, but will also communicate with each other should a conflict arise. A student will NEVER be punished for being in more than one school activity! We encourage students to be involved at Abell/Alamo and become a well-rounded student...you might even see us cheering you on at another school activity!
Fun fact: Band can be used as PE credit in junior high, so if you are not athletically inclined, you can use band for PE! If you are athletically inclined, you can still do both band & athletics...we'll even come cheer you on! :)
What is the time commitment for beginning band?
Students will be expected to practice their instruments outside of school ("homework"). As with anything new, the more you put in to it, the more you will get out of it. Our students are essentially learning a new language and that will take time & effort on their part at home! Band is fun, but it is way more fun when you are good!!
We typically will have full band rehearsals before the Christmas & Spring Concerts. There are a few other performances throughout the year, but you will get a calendar with all expected dates in August!
My student has asthma, can they be in band?
YES! It has been scientifically proven in many studies that learning to play a wind instrument actually HELPS asthmatic students by increasing lung function! If you are concerned, we can provide you with scientific and medical studies showing the benefits of wind instruments.