Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does my child have to buy or rent an instrument to join band or strings?
A. It is strongly recommended to rent rather than buy an instrument. Chicod also has a few instruments available for loan.
Q. What if I cannot afford for my child to be in a performing ensemble?
A. Please talk to Mrs. Williams or Mrs. Hegwer. Money should not be an obstacle for a student who wants to make music.
Q. What if my child cannot read music?
A. Your child will learn to read music as one of many skill sets that will adequately prepare him or her for future music-making.
Q. How long are the performance class electives?
A. Because they are performing ensembles, these are year-long electives. In addition, students are encouraged to participate all three years of middle school to allow them the best possible opportunity to join an ensemble in high school, and potentially earn college scholarship money. Currently, these North Carolina universities offer music scholarships (this is NOT a comprehensive list):
East Carolina University, University of Mount Olive, North Carolina State University, UNC-Wilmington, North Carolina Central University, Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Elizabeth City State University, UNC-Pembroke, UNC-Greensboro, North Carolina A&T State University, High Point University, Winston-Salem State University, Wake Forest University, UNC-Charlotte, Appalachian State University, UNC-Asheville, and Western Carolina University. Many of these scholarships do NOT require the student to major in music.
Q. Where do I go to purchase supplies for band or strings?
A. There are many places you can find band and strings supplies (reeds, valve oil, cork grease, rosin, strings, etc.). McFadyen Music in Greenville and Fuller's Music in New Bern are local places to shop, and Redphish Music carries some stock. You can order online from Music & Arts or Fuller's Music and they will ship it or you can choose to have their traveling representative deliver it to the school. You can also shop online from Woodwind & Brasswind or, for percussion equipment, Steve Weiss Music (steveweissmusic.com). Things are also available on Amazon, but I recommend reading the description carefully and buying only name brand supplies from them. Phone numbers and links to vendors' websites can be found at the bottom of the Instrument Care & Supplies page.
Q. My student is not musically inclined. Should they still sign up?
A. YES! Music is for all to enjoy. Even though you may think your child has little musical ability, if s/he is interested in participating, you may be surprised to find how much of that talent emerges.