My child is involved in sports and other after school activities. Will they have enough time for band?

• • • Yes! Beginner Band is a class that meets during the school day, and students do not have rehearsals outside of their class period. Most of our students are highly active both on and off campus in various activities, such as athletics, clubs, and organizations.

My child has never studied music before. Will they be successful?

• • • Most of our students have never played a musical instrument before they come to us. 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 Walsh Band. 

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 are going to 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 Walsh middle school and are purchased by the school district. We’ll 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? 

• • • We will meet with each family in April to make the final decision about each child's placement. Once you have selected band as your first or second choice on your elective sheet, you will get an email from Ms. Bergeron with more information about scheduling your family's appointment. 

Are all of the band students together in the same class? 

• • • We have a separate class for each instrument of the beginner band! We teach each child in a smaller group in 6th grade and maximize their individual instruction and focus on just their instrument. If your child is assigned to the clarinet class, for example, they will meet each day and learn about how to read music and play the clarinet beautifully. After successful completion of beginner band, students will be placed in a full band class for their 7th grade year with all of the instruments combined. They are a few opportunities throughout the year for 6th graders to play with other instruments and we will have the entire group together for our spring concert!

What are private lessons?

• • • Many of our families take advantage of the RRISD private lesson instruction program that takes place at Walsh, but it is not a requirement for every student to do so. Private lessons are offered for students who wish to receive additional instruction with a professional who specializes on their instrument. It is incredibly helpful as a beginner student to have an individualized curriculum that works at their own pace. Private lessons take place at Walsh before school, after school, or during the student's band class period.

Will my child perform in concerts as a Beginning Band student?

• • • Yes! The Beginning Band students will perform two concerts during the school year. Parents will be amazed at the level of musicianship that is displayed from these wonderful young performers.

Should I go buy 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?

• • • There is some financial commitment associated with playing an instrument, but we have financial aid available for families in need.  Some larger instruments are owned by Walsh, so the cost for the family would only be the mouthpiece, cleaning supplies, and the cleaning fee at the end of the year.  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. We will make sure that participating in band is never cost-prohibitive for any family. 

Will my child have to carry their instrument around school?

• • • Band students are given a locker in the band hall to keep their instrument during the day, so they do not need to carry it to each class.