General information about enrollment the instrumental music program:
1. BAND enrollment is open to students in 4th and 5th grade. STRINGS enrollment is open to students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.
2. Instrumental music is an approved pull-out instructional program in Howard County Public Schools. Each class will meet for at least 30 minutes twice a week during the regular school day. Students are released from classroom activities in order to participate in their lesson and are responsible for seeking out and making up any missed work.
3. The instrumental music program is a FULL YEAR commitment. Students are not allowed to change instruments or join the program mid-year. They must play their chosen instrument for the entirety of the school year. If students wish to switch to a band instrument, they must do so in 4th grade.
4. Class instruction is free of charge, but parents/guardians must supply an instrument in good playing condition, a music book, and any supplies needed to maintain the instrument. All are available at Music and Arts, Baltimore Brass or Mike's Music another local music store.
5. When looking for an instrument, please consult the RECOMMENDED BRANDS found on your enrollment packets (generally Selmer, Yamaha, and Jupiter are excellent brands for all band instruments, Scherl & Roth, Eastman, Franz Hoffman, and Glaesel make quality string instruments) in order to ensure that you are getting a quality, music teacher approved instrument that will stand up to years of playing. Please be aware that in recent years, many low quality instruments have been promoted over the Internet and in department stores. They are inexpensive and so poorly made that instrument repair professionals refuse to work on them. Having a high quality, durable instrument is crucial for students to succeed in band and strings. Do not buy or rent a music instrument from a store or website ( e.g. Amazon) that sells clothing and/or food and do not buy an instrument that painted any color (blue, pink, etc). Be wary of any deals that seem "too-good-to-be-true" - they probably are! Please contact Ms. Bryant immediately if you need assistance obtaining an instrument.
6. Students are required to practice at home in order to participate in the program. Specific practice requirements will be determined by the music teacher, but a general rule of thumb is that students should be practicing 10-15 minutes each day, at least 4-5 days a week. Please evaluate your student's schedule and be sure that they have the ability to commit enough time to their instrument to ensure their success.
7. Dental work, such as braces, can make playing some band instruments difficult. If you expect your child to be undergoing dental work during 4th grade, please speak to Ms. Bryant prior to obtaining an instrument.