Frequently Asked Questions

"Can my child do both Band and Athletics?"

YES! 

"Does my child need to have any musical training to join Band?"

Nope! In Beginner Band, we teach all the basics of reading music and playing an instrument.  

"When does Band class meet?"

All Band classes meet during the school day. Each beginner class is made up of students who play the same instrument. This makes learning how to play a lot faster and more fun. 

Band is a yearlong class.

"What Instruments can my child play in Band?"

Beginners are started on Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, and Percussion. 

"How do you decide what Instrument my child will play?"

We host an Instrument Tryout Night during the spring semester when they are still in the 5th grade. This is where every child can play EVERY instrument. Once they've had a chance to try each instrument out, we make our decision based on which instruments they like, which instruments they produced the best sound on, and what instruments we need for next year (to create a balanced team). Our #1 goal is to place your child on the instrument they will be most successful on.

"Are students required to practice at home?"

Yes. Learning an instrument is a brand new skill that will develop slowly over time. The best way to support in-class learning is by practicing that material at home. We ask that students practice for a short amount of time every day to reinforce what they went over in class that day. If students cannot practice at home, the Band Hall is open most days before and after school so they can still get practice time in.

"What supplies does my child need for Band?"

Click Here (this will take you to the Supply List page)

"Does Hernandez provide instruments?"

Any students playing French Horn, Euphonium, or Tuba will be provided a school owned instrument. While we have a limited supply of Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpets, and Trombones to provide, we highly encourage students to invest in their own instrument.

"Band sounds expensive. How much will this cost us?"

All Beginner Band members pay a one time Band Fee of $50. This helps us purchase supplies your child will need to participate in Band (reeds, cleaning supplies, binders, etc). We also have a one time Instrument Usage Fee of [also] $50. This fee is for anyone using a school owned instrument. Students who qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch can have this fee waived (Band Fee cannot be waived).

However, NO CHILD WILL BE DENIED PARTICIPATION IN OUR PROGRAM FOR FINANCIAL REASONS.

"We want to buy our instrument! When should we start?"

Do not purchase an instrument before your child has been tested by us, or by another band director.

Band can be a big investment, and prices for instruments can vary drastically. Many instruments that are not part of our recommended brands and models do not work consistently, or play out of tune,  or require extensive repairs. This can make band not a fun experience.

Please consult Mrs. West or Mr. Bahta first before making a purchase. We want to make sure you get the best deal for your money.

"Why should my child join Band?"

1. Band provides a positive, supportive environment for every student. 

Band students are members of a multi-layered team working together every day. Band students learn to control and evaluate their personal contribution to each class. 

Band students develop social skills, personal responsibility, and the ability to work on a team. Band is a safe, supportive place for students to develop their individual skills and personalities. 

2. Band teaches self control, personal discipline, and strong character traits. 

Band members develop self control taking care of their class materials and instrument. Band members develop personal discipline and effective time management skills through daily class routines. 

Band members are accountable to each other for their abilities and contribution to the group. Band members develop life skills. 

Commitment, teamwork, discipline, dedication, and mastery of an instrument are life skills that will help your student overcome future personal and professional obstacles and hurdles. 

3. Music education supports success in every other subject. 

Learning the language of music engages visual, auditory, and physical modes of learning. Reading music notation requires each band member to decode written symbols at a specific speed to create an immediate product which is then heard and evaluated by others. 

The physical and mental performance skills developed by music students improve their performance in math, science, language arts, writing, and every other school subject. 

Human brains are wired for music. Students who learn music become better at language, mathematics, and demonstrate higher verbal IQ scores. 

Music is also great at relieving stress and reducing depression and anxiety which is especially important for teens. Music also slows the brain’s aging process, helps with sleep, and even helps the immune system.

4. Band improves the culture of the school and larger community.

Band performances support the structure of the school year, and provide opportunities to bring the community together. Band members contribute to the personality of the entire school and have the opportunity to perform for multiple public events. 

The confidence and problem solving skills band members develop as they participate in public performances help them develop into responsible citizens who improve society. Students who perform together for years in orchestra or band enjoy lifelong friendships.

Joining the band is a low-risk, high-benefit way for students to develop self-confidence, grit and determination required to succeed in any field.

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