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How often will beginner band students have to stay after school?
As a Beginner Band student, there will only be 2-3 times when we ask them to stay after school for a mandatory rehearsal. At least one time to prepare for the Christmas concert in December and at least one time to prepare for the Spring Concert in May. Specific times and days will be communicated to parents well in advance so transportation plans can be made accordingly. When we can arrange to have these rehearsals during the normal school day, that will always be our first option.
Can you be in band and play sports?
Absolutely!!! Many of our students in grades 6-12 in Sweeny also participate in more than just one sport. All it takes is an added layer of communication between the band director and coaching staff. Once the band staff is fully aware of any potential conflict with school-related athletic events, they will take the initiative to communicate with the coach. At that point we all work together to help make sure students have a healthy balance between activities to promote success in both. The Athletic department has been amazing to work with the past several years and we always find a way to make things work out in the best interest of the student.
How much money can I plan to spend for my child to be in band?
All beginner band students are asked to pay $15 for their band shirt which will be worn at performances and events throughout the year and $10 for their band book which they will write personal notations in and take home with them on a daily basis. As far as the actual expense for the instrument and supplies, it all depends on which instrument is the best fit for your child. Most reputable music stores have a rent to own option where you are able to set up monthly payment plans. Once all payments are made to the rental company, you will own the instrument! If monthly payments are not an option for your family, please be sure to indicate that on the instrument selection form that needs to be filled out by all students interested in band. The Sweeny ISD Band Program has a great inventory of our typical school-owned instruments which includes French Horns, Baritones and Tubas. However, we believe that finances should never be the reason for a student not participate in the band program. Please be sure to communicate any financial needed for your child to be in the band program so appropriate arrangements can be made.
What type of events do beginner students participate in?
There are social events throughout the year at the junior high such as our annual White Elephant Gift Exchange in December. Other social events will be planned throughout the year that all 6th - 8th grade students are able to participate in.
In a typical school year the Beginner Band will attend a Festival Evaluation performance off-campus and then go to eat pizza and play games at a venue like Main Event in Katy or Schulman's in Bay City.
The longer you are in band, the trips get more exciting! The High School Band has traveled overnight to Dallas on a charter bus and plans to take similar trips in the future!
I'm a band parent. Now what?
As a parent, we ask that you encourage your child along the way! We will do all we can to positively reinforce skills they need to be successful while they are in class. However, students will need to also do their part at home and practice at least 20 minutes a day.
If there are any financial hardships, please communicate those to the directors and not to your child. We are always able to find a way to make things work out despite any financial hardships. There are times that we see a child start to pull away from the excitement that they are experiencing because they know the financial burden it might be putting on the family. We are happy to help in any way possible.
All parents/guardians of any band student in grades 6-12 are members of the Band Parent Organization. The biggest fundraiser that the BPO does is run the fall concessions for Football games. We ask that all families cover one shift each season on either a Thursday or Friday Night. Without your help, we end up with the same few parents doing all of the work and simply getting burned out. For each shift that you work, parents are able to earn money to be put in their child's travel account for band that can be carried over from year to year if necessary.
Band is a performance-based class and we ask that you make every effort to attend all performances. The students, even our high school ones, love to have an audience to cheer them on and off the stage. All dates and details will be given well in advance so arrangements can be made for you to be able to attend.
Still have questions about Beginner Band? Email Mr. Cantu (your primary contact for Beginner Band) for help.
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