2023-2024 6th Grade Beginning Band Information

Beth Quackenbush, Director

Tracy Sherman, Assistant Director

Dave Hodges, Assistant Director

FREQUENTLY ASKED qUESTIONS:

My child knows nothing about instruments. Can they be in band? We start at "square one" with everyone! No prior experience in music is required!

Does my child have to start band in 6th grade, or can they do it another grade? 6th grade is the year to start in the band program! If band or learning an instrument sounds interesting at all, join now! Just like a math class, band builds upon knowledge learned in previous years. A student cannot join an algebra class, if they don't know basic addition and subtraction. In order to be in band in 7th or 8th grade, a student needs to have been in 6th grade band.

What instrument can my child learn in band? Students can pick from flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion. An audition demonstrating coordination is required to be accepted into the percussion section.

How does my child pick the instrument they will be learning? At the beginning of the school year, students will get an opportunity to play on all of the instruments, to see what fits them best! Students will give the director their top 3 choices for what they want to play, and the director will select instruments from there. A vast majority of students usually get their first pick of instrument. Just like a rock band cannot have too many people playing drums, we have to limit how many students are on each instrument to maintain a balance within the band.

How do I get an instrument for my child?

You can rent online from any of three music stores: Palen Music (Joplin), Meyer Music (Blue Springs), and Ernie Williamson Music (Joplin). If you'd like to compare prices, I believe you can add items to your cart to see the cost before checking out. Read carefully below about each store, and also research what might be the best deal for you financially:

Palen Music: www.palenmusic.com/rent This is the store that we will bring in on Sep 7 for your convenience. I encourage you to rent online ahead of time if possible! On rental night, they will have you complete the rental process online with your own device - so doing it ahead of time speeds up the process! They offer a rent-to-own policy, and a service policy that will cover normal repairs. A representative from the store visits weekly to pick up any instruments needing repaired. You can visit the store in Joplin on Rangeline, or use the website above to complete your rental. When completing the rental, you will need to rent the instrument, add the maintenance/supplies kit as well, and purchase the book (Essential Elements Book 1).

Meyer Music: https://www.meyermusic.com/rentals/band/ This store also visits weekly to pick up any instruments needing repairs. This store offers a rent-to-own policy, a service policy which will cover any necessary repairs, and a step-up instrument program that is also a true rent-to-own policy. You will be able to get your child a high quality instrument later down the line if you'd like to, with a portion of your beginning rental applied to the new instrument. You can visit the store in Blue Springs, or use the website above to complete your rental. When completing the rental, you will need to rent the instrument, add the maintenance/supplies kit as well, and purchase the book (Essential Elements Book 1).

Ernie Williamson Music: www.easyschoolrentals.com This store offers a rent-to-own policy, and a service policy which will cover any necessary repairs. They also offer the first month's rent at $29.99 plus tax, which includes the instrument, book, care kit, and a music stand. You can visit their store on Rangeline in Joplin, or use the website above. A representative visits the school weekly to pick up any instruments needing repairs. When completing the rental, you will need to rent the instrument, add the maintenance/supplies kit as well, and purchase the book (Essential Elements Book 1).

FINDING A USED INSTRUMENT: There are several quality instruments that are being sold by private owners. Some of these instruments are very good, some are not good. Facebook marketplace is a great place to look. However, you will still need to purchase your child's maintenance kit and book as a separate cost. If you are not sure if the instrument you are interested in is a quality instrument, feel free to send me the link for it and I will help you determine it's quality. Often times used instruments might need a few repairs done to them, but will still be worth the purchase.

DO NOT BUY: An instrument that comes in a color that is also in the rainbow. These instruments are not repairable and do not play correctly. Do not buy an instrument from Amazon, Walmart, or anywhere that you can also buy basic living necessities. These instruments look cost-effective, but are also not repairable and do not play correctly. You will be saving money in the long run by finding a quality used instrument, or renting to own with a reputable music store. An instrument is an investment in your child's future! They can't learn, if their instrument is always broken!

IF YOU HAVE AN INSTRUMENT BUT JUST NEED SUPPLIES AND A BOOK: Use this link - https://www.palenmusic.com/collections/nevada - to purchase just the supplies and book. Select the supplies package for the instrument your child will be learning, and add it to your cart. Select the Essential Elements Book 1 (yellow stripe on the cover). Select your child's instrument from the drop down menu to select the correct book for your child, and then add it to the cart.

What if I cannot afford an instrument but my child really wants to be in band? We have a very limited supply of instruments for students to borrow from the school. There is a much smaller rental fee associated with the use of these instruments. Not all types of instruments are available, and all are issued in used condition. Please contact Ms Quackenbush if you would like to know more about using a school instrument.

What happens if my child starts band in 6th grade, but then decides that it isn't for them? While the majority of students do like being a part of the band family, we realize that a performing music ensemble may not be for everyone. Students will be in band for at least one semester, and we highly encourage at least one year. Oftentimes the beginning is the hardest, and learning to push when something gets hard is a major benefit of being in band! If an instrument is being rented through a music store, the instrument will simply be returned and payments will be discontinued.

Can my child be in other activities and band at the same time? YES!!!!! Band students are involved in a ton of other activities like sports, scholar bowl, choir, cheerleading, etc! Band is a class during the school day, and the only time required outside of school is our concerts! Band kids can do it all!

I still have questions. Who do I talk to?