Questions and Answers About Your Band Experience at WCMS
There is no 'right instrument' for a child to play. Most children can play a variety of instruments. During instrument testing, we look at the physical attributes, dental structure and instrument compatibility of each new student. Then, we place students on one of their chosen instruments whiles carefully balancing the band to insure each child the best chance at progressing to advanced bands in a timely manner.
The most common way to get an instrument is to rent from one of our chosen rental companies. Renting allows you to 'road test' band for your child without buying an expensive instrument yet. When you feel comfortable that your child will continue in band, it will be time to purchase. There are other ways to get an instrument, such as newspaper ads, pawn shops, relatives, etc. If you are getting a second-hand instrument, please have Portman's Music Superstore check it out. Not everything is a good deal in the long run. Some instruments have hidden damage, or they are of poor quality and will not be suitable for class. Note: Instrument repairs can take an unusually long time depending on the time of year. Rental instruments are usually pushed to the front of the repair line.
It is true that WMCS owns a VERY limited inventory of school instruments. However, they are only SELECT instruments. We have tubas, bass clarinets, French horns, tenor saxophones, and euphoniums for rent through the school at low annual rentals. Students who use school instruments must pay an annual rental fee to the band and assume responsibility for the instrument while it is in their possession. We work to provide an at home instrument and a school instrument for students that play large instruments so they don't have to transport to and from school every day.
Absolutely not. Some companies offer instruments 'perfect for beginner band students', such as Costco, Sam's, and even once, J.C.Penny's! These instruments are absolutely NOT recommended for our band program. Repairmen will not work on them; they can't even get replacement parts. Some instruments play out of tune and with a very poor tone quality. It's not much better to purchase anything of questionable quality from a non-reputable or questionable manufacturer. Quality instruments make a huge difference in the success of your child.
Don't buy instruments from local companies that are 'just like', or 'just as good as' the one we recommend. Our list of preferred instruments was compiled by the best professional teachers and players in the area. Would you just purchase a Festivo if someone said it was 'just as good' as a Mercedes? Quality instruments hold their value very well, while lower quality horns make good lamps. Ebay and Amazon are dangerous places to buy an instrument. There is a common trick to sell very cheap instruments that look like good quality instruments, but are not. Often they have names that are only one letter or so away from a real quality instrument brand. Think about scams where PRADO purses are sold, instead of PRADA. You'll get the idea.
Not much. We know time outside of school is valuable, so we do most of our work inside of school. We try to keep after-school time limited. All rehearsals outside of the regular school day will be announced in advance. Check out calendar on this site for a list of WCMS Band important dates.
Band members are expected to practice on a regular basis, attend all rehearsals and performances, and be prepared for class each day. Band students are expected to treat band as any other academic class, and bring their very best effort to class each day. Good behavior in class and during school sponsored events is a must. The failure of a student to follow instructions and to be respectful of teachers, staff, and other students will not be tolerated.
Have more questions?
Join our BAND APP and ask away. The link to join the APP is listed here: https://band.us/n/aba10bx8q5Bc5