Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What music book does my child need to have for class?
A: 4th-5th Grade uses the book "Essential Elements for Band, Book 1."
A: 6th-8th Grade uses the "Sound Innovations, Ensemble Development, Young Concert Band"
Q: How do I rent an instrument?
A: You can visit one of the following music stores to fill out an instrument rental contract or fill out the contract online:
Q: If I am going to buy an instrument for my child, what brands are best?
A: Wind Instruments: Armstrong, Bach, Blessing, Bundy, Conn, Gemeinhardt, Holton, King, Vito, Selmer, Yamaha, or Buffett
A: Percussion Instruments: Yamaha, Pearl, Mapex, or Ludwig
A: If you buy a used instrument, be sure to have it checked over by a repair technician at Volkwein's Music before class begins. These music stores often sell great used instruments- you just have to call to check! I strongly recommend staying away from most brands other than the ones listed above. Buying a bad quality instrument will have a negative effect on your child's experience in beginning band.Â
Q: What brand of reeds should I buy for my child's clarinet/saxophone?
A: You should buy Vandoren (Blue Box) reeds. 4th graders will begin on a strength 2.5 and 5th-6th should be using a strength 2.5 or 3.0. I strongly recommend staying away from any brand other than Vandoren as it will negatively impact your child's success on the instrument. Please see the "equipment" tab for more information and a link to these items.
Q: What brand of reeds should I buy for my child's oboe?
A: You should buy reeds from Charles Student Oboe Reeds at a Medium Strength. You should also consider purchasing a Fox Oboe Reed Case to keep the reeds protected. Please see the "equipment" tab for more information and a link to these items.
Q: Are private lessons on my child's instrument required?
A: Private lessons are not required, but are highly recommended as they give your child the opportunity to work one-on-one with someone specialized in their instrument once a week in addition to their in-school large class instruction. Please reach out to me if you are looking for a private teacher for your child as I have multiple people per instrument that I can recommend.
Q: When does my child need to bring their instrument/materials to school?
A: 4th-5th Graders needs their materials every class when it is their "Music Special Day."
A: In addition, 5th Graders have focus period full band based on the following schedule:
If you are a 5th grade student only in band, you will need your instrument every single Monday AND Tuesday for Full Band in addition to your music special day. If you are also in choir, you will go to Choir on Monday and Full Band on Tuesday.
A: 6th-8th Graders who are only in band have full band every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Those who are also in band and/or choir will split their time according to the schedule on the home page.
Q: Can my child store their instrument in the band room during the day when they have class?
A: Absolutely! Students can bring their instrument to the band room in the morning (when they get off the bus or dropped off) and place it on the appropriate instrument shelf. They should come back at the end of the day to take their instrument home to practice.
Q: How do I encourage my child to practice their instrument more? What are some practice strategies?
A: Encourage your child to practice for small amounts of time multiple times every day. For example, they can practice for 10 minutes, take a break to go outside or eat dinner, and then practice for 5 more minutes that same day. It's more important that they spend a little time every day on the instrument rather than a lot of time on one day only.
A. Allow your child to have a "private" space to practice at first. More often than not they will be shy to play in front of you while beginning.
A. Students should practice enough until they feel comfortable with the practice assignments each week.