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My child has never played a musical instrument before... will they be successful in band?
My child has never played a musical instrument before... will they be successful in band?
Yes! Most of our students had never played a musical instrument before they joined band. We start from square one and teach all of the fundamental skills necessary to be successful in playing and reading music. There are no prerequisite skills needed to join the Ridgeview Band!
My child is involved in sports and other activities... will they have enough time to be in band?
My child is involved in sports and other activities... will they have enough time to be in band?
Yes! Over 80% of the Ridgeview Band Program is involved in at least one other extracurricular or co-curricular activity. We have students in athletics, choir, orchestra, theater, yearbook, e-sports, etc. We LOVE that our students are well-rounded individuals who can explore all of their interests!
In their beginning band year, almost all of their band obligations take place during the school day. They will be expected to practice outside of the school day to reinforce the skills they are learning in class but this is all very manageable with planning!
How will my child be assigned to an instrument?
How will my child be assigned to an instrument?
There are eleven different instrument options that your child can play in the 6th grade including the Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, or Percussion.
To choose which of those 11 options your child will play, we will meet with each family individually to find an instrument that fits your child the best taking into account their interest level in each instrument, physical characteristics, personality, and financial budget for your family.
Some instruments are purchased, or more commonly rented, by families from a music store. Other instruments are owned by Ridgeview Middle School and are purchased by the school district.
We will always find something that works for every single family. It will never be financially impossible for a student to participate in band. We have a place for all students and families in our program!
When will instrument selection take place?
When will instrument selection take place?
Our Instrument Interview Day for the 2026-27 school year is scheduled for Friday, April 10th, and Saturday, April 11th. Once you have selected band as your first or second choice on your elective sheet and have completed the New Student Interest Form, you will receive an email from Mr. Wood with instructions for scheduling your interview time.
Should I purchase an instrument?
Should I purchase an instrument?
Not yet! Purchasing, or renting an instrument can be complicated. Instruments come in a variety of brands and models with different options and accessories. Once we help your family select which instrument your child will play, we will give you all the information you will need about supplies and guide you through that process!
Is being in band expensive?
Is being in band expensive?
There is some financial commitment associated with playing an instrument, but we have financial aid available for families in need.
Most families choose to rent an instrument from a music store for the first year of instruction, which includes any needed repairs throughout the year.
Some larger instruments are owned by Ridgeview, so the cost for a family would only be the mouthpiece, instrument supplies, and the RRISD instrument rental fee.
We will ALWAYS make sure that participating in band is never cost-prohibitive for any family.
What are private lessons?
What are private lessons?
Many of our families take advantage of the RRISD private lesson instruction program, but it is not a requirement for every student to do so.
Private lessons are offered for students who wish to receive additional instruction from a professional who specializes in their instrument. It is incredibly helpful for a beginner student to have an individualized curriculum that works at their own pace!
Private lessons take place at Ridgeview before school, after school, or during the student's band class period. Through the wonderful generosity of the Cedar Ridge Band Boosters, the Ridgeview Band program offers financial assistance to help make private lessons available to all!
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