What do I need to do in order to join the Band?

• If your student participated in your elementary school's band program last year, all you really need to do is complete the JOIN THE BAND form and make sure you have all the right equipment and materials for the class.

• If your student did not participate in your elementary school band last year, you need to be tested for the correct instrument.  This is a very easy process.  Simply visit Portman's Music in Savannah (located at 7650 Abercorn Street) and speak to a Band Instrument Representative about being fitted for a band instrument.  The professionals at Portman's will help your child determine which instrument will work best for your student. For more information about testing and being fitted for an instrument, click here.

• Students entering the 7th or 8th grade and are moving into the SCCPSS school district, must have participated in and have been a member in good standing with the school Band program at their previous school in order to be admitted 

• Students that did not play percussion (drums & mallets) during their 5th grade year in band must be tested by the Band Director.  They must also have consent from the Band Director.  Students unwilling to learn to play mallets (bells, xylophone, and marimba) should consider playing an instruments other than drums/percussion.

• Students that participated in 5th grade Band should not change instruments without advice and consent from the Band Director.

What instrument can I learn to play in Band?

Band students may learn how to play either a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument.  These instruments include:

• Woodwinds - flute, oboe, clarinet,  bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone

• Brass - trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba

• Percussion - All percussion students will learn how to read and play mallets (bells) and other percussion accessories in addition to playing other instruments such as the snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, timpani, tambourine, triangle, shaker, etc.

• In order to have a well-balanced ensemble, there will be a limit to the number of people selected to play each instrument.  This school year we specifically in need of more flute and clarinet players.  Please consider trying  one or both of these instruments when you go to Portman's music to be fitted/tested for an instrument.

• Instruments and the number of student positions available are listed below

  • Flute:  6-8 students

  • Clarinet:  6-8 students

  • Bass Clarinet:  3 students

  • Alto Sax:  6 students

  • Tenor Sax:  3 students

  • French Horn: 3 students

  • Trumpet:  6 students

  • Trombone:  4-6 students

  • Baritone/Euphonium:  4 students

  • Tuba:  4

  • Percussion:  4 students

What materials and equipment do I need for Band?

Every instrument is different.  Therefore, the items needed for one instrument may be different from those needed for another instrument.  Nonetheless, every student will need the right equipment and materials in order to be successful in band.  Click here for more information on class materials.

Can I participate in Band and still play sports and have Art and P.E. classes?

Yes.  At WCMS,  all students take two Connections classes each semester on a rotating schedule.  Students can be scheduled to take both Band and P.E. or Band and Art in the same semester.  In addition, because all extra curricular sports activities are held after school, students can participate in both Band and competitive after school sports such as baseball, softball, basketball, track, volleyball, and soccer as well.  Per school district policy, sixth grade students are not eligible to play football.

**Note**

• Band is a full year course.  Other courses such as Art, P.E., Health, Business Tech, etc. are semester long courses.  Students will rotate out of semester long courses in January each year.