Southeast Rowan Middle School

Patriot Pride Band

Sixth Grade Band Registration

Welcome to the Southeast Rowan Middle School Band

Devin DeBord, Director

Things to Know about Band At Southeast.

* Sixth Grade is the only time that you can join Band.

Due to the number of students involved in the program and the schedule at the

middle school, Beginning Band can only be offered during sixth grade.

* Band is a regularly scheduled class during the school day.

Band is a part of the exploratory classes and meets every day during

school hours. Band does not interfere with after school activities like sports.

* All types of students participate in Band.

Southeast Middle School has a population of 750 students. This year 210

students in 6th , 7th , and 8th grade participated in Band. We had at least

one member of every sports team and club playing an instrument in Band.

* Concerts and Trips.

Each band performs at least two concerts per year and takes at least one trip per year.

* Beginning students start one of the five basic instruments.

Students have a choice of starting on Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, or Trombone.

Space is limited on each of these instruments to maintain the

balance of the Band.

* Students must provide their own instrument to participate.

We will have a full service music company available to help with

obtaining an instrument. I suggest renting the instrument the first school

year. If you already have an instrument at home

it should be inspected and sent off for any

needed repairs.

The “TRUTH” about some

“MYTHS” & “WISETALES”About Band

I’m not sure I want to do band. I am also interested in other classes. If I do not choose to start band in the sixth grade, will I be able to start band in the seventh or eighth grade?”

Sixth grade is the only opportunity to start band. Students will not typically have a chance to join band if they do not seize the opportunity when registering in sixth grade, which is why NOW is the best time to give band a try!

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“I don’t know anything about music. I can’t be in the band.”

We start at the very beginning and teach you everything you need to know to play an instrument in the band. We start with how to assemble and care for the instrument, the basics of making a sound, and how to read music.

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“Band is something extra. I don’t have time to take band with my busy schedule of dance, scouts, gymnastics, rec. league ball, etc. I need to concentrate on good grades in my academics. I want to play sports in middle school, too.”

Middle school band meets as part of the regular school day. Band is an “exploratory” class in the student's schedule. You will receive a grade for this class as you would any other class. There is no conflict with athletics because band class is during the school day and sports are after school. The majority of the band students at Southeast Middle School are involved in athletics and after school activities.

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“I don't have an instrument, so I can’t be in the band.”

We will have instruments for you to look at and we will help you decide which one is best for you. If finances are a problem, we have ways to help you get an instrument. Also know that we must limit the numbers on some instruments. Trombones and saxophones fill up fast. Be sure to sign up as soon as possible!

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“I don’t want to be stuck in band every year. I want to have a choice about my classes.”

Students are encouraged to stick with band for an entire school year before electing not to continue. If band is not “your thing” you can choose to take another class next year. Since 6^th grade is the only year we start students in our band, this next year is the best time for your child to give it a try. Band is the only exploratory class that a student can choose to take in 6th grade.

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