1)How often will my child miss class for band, and will it affect their academic grade?
Full band classes are during lunch recess for 4th and 5th grade band members and during WIN for 6th- to 8th-grade band members. So, for the full band, band members DO NOT miss class. However, band members in 5th – 8th grade may be pulled from regular classes to attend lessons. EVERY effort is made to accommodate band members who need to attend class during a lesson, and lessons are excused for study sessions and tests.
Start-up costs for the 4th-grade band range depending on whether you rent or buy an instrument. Rentals can run from $25 – $50 per month (depending on the instrument and where you rent). “Outright” purchases are the best “bang for your buck” and can range from $200 to over $1000.
Additionally, yearly fees also apply as follows (please note that financial assistance may be available):
Co-curricular Fee - $50 ($100 concert band), Uniform Maintenance Fee - $10, Solo and Ensemble Fee (if participating) - $5.25 to $23.75, Private Lessons (if participating) - $20 to $40/hour, Instrument Maintenance (if necessary) - $0 to $100/year, Pancake Breakfast Tickets - $30, being in a great BAND - PRICELESS!
4)Are all performances mandatory?
All school concerts are mandatory. Our band is a performing ensemble. Grading is based on performance. Band members who cannot attend band functions will need a written (or email) excuse from their parents, except in cases of emergency.
5)How often should my child practice?
Ideally, all band members should practice every day. Realistically, band members should try to practice four or five times a week. Band members should be able to practice for at least 30 minutes when practicing, and the sessions should be productive! Please note that we all learn at different speeds, efficacies, and ways. SUCCESS IS HIDDEN IN YOUR DAILY ROUTINE!!!
6)Should my child take private lessons?
YES. Private lessons allow the teacher to focus on INDIVIDUAL student needs. It is difficult in group lessons to give band members the one-on-one time they need to besuccessful!
7)What is the Pancake Breakfast, and do we have to participate?
The annual Pancake Breakfast is a fundraiser for the band. ALL families are asked to sell 5 tickets for this event at $6/ticket. Information regarding the breakfast is mailed home in the spring. Learn more here...
8)What if my child wants to quit?
Please call me if your child wants to discontinue playing or if you feel we need to discuss your child’s music education!