Band Information, Auditions, FAQ

Hoover music programs are home to kind, hard-working, well-behaved students. Every single member of the program is essential to its overall success. Being a member of a band program is an invaluable experience. Your student will learn many important life lessons about teamwork, accountability, perseverance, responsibility, selflessness, excellent character, focus and self-discipline. They will be provided the opportunity to be creative and learn a craft that can serve them a lifetime.

If you would like your child to participate in band, please choose band as their FIRST CHOICE for an elective during registration. Due to the unique nature of learning to play a musical instrument, we encourage students to begin band in 6th grade. If they do not join band in 6th grade but decide they want to in 7th or 8th grade, they may need to meet certain requirements to be allowed in, including the use of private lessons.

Band is a class but also a wonderful opportunity to learn a musical instrument that can be continued for the rest of your child’s life. Beginning band is a year-long class that develops a lifelong love of music. Skills develop slowly at first, and parents and students must be patient and committed for the year in order to get the full benefit of instruction.

No experience required for beginning band! We provide all the information your student will need to be a successful instrumentalist. The beginner method books are designed for the musically untrained student. We teach everything from the foundations of reading music to the necessary mechanics for playing the instrument your child is selected to play. As your student progresses, you will hear lots of familiar tunes. All of their progress will culminate at their Spring Concert held at the end of the year.

Can I join band with braces? YES! Many students with braces play musical instruments successfully. Please talk with the teacher to figure out how to make this experience promote comfort and success for your student.

Instruments and materials will be provided by the school as much as possible. As we get ready to begin the year, please understand that there are required materials for students, depending on the instrument they will play. Please refer to the list below for needed materials (in addition to the instruments themselves). We will do our best to provide supplies for families in need. DO NOT LET FINANCIAL STRESS BE THE REASON YOUR STUDENT CHOOSES NOT TO DO MUSIC. WE WILL HELP!

All students:

-Instrument - school provided, rental, or private instrument

• Please do not purchase or rent an instrument without first discussing this with the director or receiving our instrument rental flyer. Information will be provided about individual rentals, accessories, and equipment after your child has made an instrument selection. This will also include information regarding accessories and required books. If you are thinking about buying a used instrument, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Some used instruments are good bargains. However, you could possibly end up spending more money on repairs than the instrument is worth. For this reason, we ask that if you plan to purchase a used instrument to let the director examine it prior to purchase, where possible. Local music stores would be a great place to start. You might see if the music companies have used instruments available. Again, please do not purchase anything without first contacting the director.

-Lesson/method book - school provided. For new students, Traditions of Excellence - Book One for your instrument. For returning students, continue with the same lesson book in which you have been working.

-Music Stand – practicing with a music stand will help you practice with better posture.

-Tuner/Metronome Combo

-Instrument Maintenance Kit (see below for more information)

FLUTE

-Cleaning Swab and rod– you want a silk swab with a string, like this one made by Hodge. They come in different colors, so just get whichever one you like. You must swab out your instrument after you play it before packing it into the case, or the moisture will damage the instrument over time.

Reed Woodwinds (Clarinet, Saxophone)

4 Total Woodwind Reeds – the Rico Royal brand (the blue box NOT the orange box) is recommended. Size 2 for beginners, size 2.5 is fine for 6th and 7th grade. By late 7th grade or 8th grade, you should move to size 3.0. The orange box reeds are terrible, they are cheap for a reason, do not buy them.

Reed Guard – Rico and D’Addario are both good brands. These are designed to prevent your reeds from warping while they are in storage. The plastic sleeves your reeds come in do not do this.

Cork Grease – you must grease your corks at least once each week. Be aware it will melt if left in the sun or in a hot car. You should not leave your instrument in a hot car anyway.

Swab – you want a silk swab with a string, like this one made by Hodge. They come in different colors, so just get whichever one you like. You must swab out your instrument after you play it before packing it into the case, or the moisture will damage the instrument over time.

Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush your mouthpiece inside and outside once each week with soap and water. Be very careful not to scratch or chip your mouthpiece while cleaning it.

Neck Strap - Optional for clarinets, required for saxophones.

• Optional Rovner Dark Ligature / Forbes Debut Mouthpiece – if you need a new ligature/mouthpiece or want to upgrade

Brass (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba)

Valve Oil – Hetman Piston Lubricant #2 or Al Cass or Yamaha are my favorites. I recommend synthetic oil, because petroleum-based valve oil leaves dirty residue in your instrument. NO BLUE JUICE

• French Horn Use Rotor Oil – Hetman Medium Rotor Lubricant #11.5 is recommended. I recommend synthetic oil, because petroleum-based valve oil leaves dirty residue in your instrument.

Slide Grease – this Venture grease is the easiest to use because it is in a small tube. Just be aware that it will melt if left in the sun or in a hot car. Personally, I use 100% pure Lanolin, which can be purchased online or at any pharmacy.

• Trombone and Trumpet 3rd Valve Slide Lubricant – Yamaha makes lubricant that is very easy to use, and it is highly recommended.

• Trombone Spray Bottle – as you use your slide, you will need to “cut” the Yamaha lubricant with water.

Mouthpiece Brush – you should brush out your mouthpiece once a week with soap and water. You can brush the cup with a regular toothbrush, and use this special brush to clean inside the backbore.

Snake Brush – use this to clean out the inside of the pipes. This must be done under water.

Recommended Mouthpieces if you'd like to purchase or upgrade

• Trumpet Bach 3C Mouthpiece – some students may find that they play better on the Bach 3C model mouthpiece, especially as they get into 8th grade and high school band. I have one you can try, then you can buy your own. Do not waste your money on other cheaper brands of “3C” mouthpieces, they are not the same and they are cheap for a reason.

• French Horn: Holton Farkas MDC Mouthpiece – this is the most highly-recommended mouthpiece for French Horn.

• Trombone Bach 6 1/2 AL Mouthpiece – some students may find that they play better on the Bach 6 1/2 AL model mouthpiece, especially as they get into 8th grade and high school band. I have one you can try, then you can buy your own. Do not waste your money on other cheaper brands of “6 1/2 AL” mouthpieces, they are not the same and they are cheap for a reason.

• Baritone Bach 6 1/2 AL Mouthpiece – some students may find that they play better on the Bach 6 1/2 AL model mouthpiece, especially as they get into 8th grade and high school band. I have one you can try, then you can buy your own. Do not waste your money on other cheaper brands of “6 1/2 AL” mouthpieces, they are not the same and they are cheap for a reason. **** If you need a “Large Shank” mouthpiece, not a “Small Shank”, then get this one instead or it will not fit your instrument. ****

• Tuba Bach size 25 Mouthpiece – this mouthpiece is designed for younger players and is highly recommended. An alternative is the Kelly size 25 tuba mouthpiece, which is made of plastic which is better for cold marching band performances.

Percussion (Equipment provided)

Practice Pad – keep a practice pad at home so you can practice without having to bring your drum back and forth to school.

Drum Sticks – Innovative Percussion Christopher Lamb CL1 snare drum sticks are designed for concert snare drum, and the taper of the stick makes rolls easier and sound better. Get these. Vic Firth SD1 sticks are also good, but the CL1 are better.

If you want to buy your own mallets - Vic Firth Orchestral Medium Poly mallets – good general purpose mallets for xylophone and bells. These are made of very durable materials and should last for many, many years. Please do not waste your money on cheap mallets, they sound bad and are cheap for a reason. Yes, it really makes a difference.

Small Lock – If you use a mallet or stick bag, use a small lock like this to lock the zippers of your case together.

There are many different instruments in a band and EACH ONE is important! The following instruments are offered:

• Woodwind – Flute, Clarinet

• Brass – Trumpet, Baritone/Euphonium, Trombone

• Electric Bass

• Percussion, drums and mallets - All percussion students will learn pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments

Advanced options for second semester or students with private lessons:

• • • • Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone (alto, tenor, baritone)

      • French Horn, Tuba

      • Advanced percussion including timpani, drum set

Student and family needs will be taken into consideration when selecting an instrument. In class instrument selection will be done with an in-class demonstration, videos, a petting zoo where students get to try instruments, and then instruments are assigned based on instrumentation and need.

Virtual instrument selection will be accomplished by following these steps:

1) Having your child watch the videos provided, as part of the virtual instrument selection process.

2) Assessing your child’s interest in an instrument through the Instrument Preference Form.

3) Assessing the scores your child receives on Beat Test, Tone Playlist, and Pitch Test through the Instrument Taste Test Form .

Parents - Helping your child choose what instrument is right for them can be really confusing! There are so many factors: are there instruments that your family already has at home that are ready for your child to play? Will they like the instrument that they choose? How expensive will it be to rent/buy? How many hours a week will they need to practice?

The first thing to remember is how AMAZING music is for your child's brain! Even if they only play for a few years, music has been proven to help with their Social/Emotional Learning just as much as their Academic learning. Attributes like teamwork, pride in work, and hard work are all developed in music classrooms alongside eighth notes and rests.

Hoover Middle School works alongside several different music stores to buy, rent, and rent to own instruments for students! This will give you options when considering price. School owned instruments are also available to students, but these instruments are limited. Contact the director if you have concerns about this process. We will make sure every student has an instrument one way or another!

Check out this video to hear more about how you can best support your child through the process of instrument selection.

Students earn a grade on their quarterly report card in Beginning Band like other academic subjects. Students will receive formative and summative grades based on district guidelines. Performances are considered summative grades and are factored into each grading period.

Band is a performance-based class. All band students are required to participate in all band performances after school during the year per district curriculum and state standards. These performances are taken for a grade. The band calendar will be shared in the beginning of the school year so everyone has time to coordinate their schedules.

Concerning outside practice, students are required to bring their instruments home every day to practice. Arrangements may need to be made regarding large instruments or transportation issues. The director will teach beginning band students how to practice at home. (They can still get effective practice in a short amount of time!) It is important to apply what is taught in class at home to hone their skills.

Of course!

Beginning Band is an academic course and it is understood that concerts are part of our curriculum. Communication is needed so that our students can be successful in all activities they want to take part in. Students can participate in band and any other sport or activity that interests them. This is true all the way through high school. We encourage our students to be multi-faceted and we are flexible about scheduling and requirements and our teachers work together in this regard.

Students may take two electives or band classes if they are willing to take an early morning zero period.

Beginning Band

Description: Students will learn how to read music and perform on a wind or percussion instrument including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, baritone, trombone, bass, or percussion/drums.

Placement: No Audition, Any Grade Level

Standards: VAPA Novice Standards, Music Level .05, 1

Instruments:

-Woodwinds (Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone)

-Brass (Trumpet, Baritone, Trombone)

-Rhythm (Electric Bass, Xylophone)

-Advanced Options later in year (Tenor Saxophone, French Horn, Percussion, Trombone, Tuba)

Beginning Band Standards

1. Musicians learn about all the different wind instruments and choose to play flute, clarinet, trumpet, or baritone.

• Students with a semester of experience may choose an advanced instrument: bass clarinet, alto or tenor saxophone, oboe or bassoon, french horn, trombone, tuba, electric bass, or mallets/percussion.

2. Musicians learn how to read sheet music so they can be independent in learning their favorite music. This includes note names, basic rhythms (whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes and rests, ties) and basic music terminology (repeat signs, dynamics, tempo markings, articulations).

3. Musicians learn technique skills on their instrument including holding and playing position, embouchure, the first 12 notes on their instruments, 3 major scales, and over 60 short traditional and skill builder songs.

4. Musicians learn proper rehearsal, performance, and audience etiquette. They learn how to give and receive constructive feedback regarding music.

5. Musicians learn the importance of independent practice and working as part of a team to contribute to something bigger.

6. All musicians perform at the end of the year regardless of skill.

7. All musicians perform beginning standard band repertoire over grade level .5 from the American Band College by the end of the year.

Concert Band (Intermediate )

Description: Students with prior experience on a wind or percussion instrument will learn intermediate level music performance techniques and participate in four performances.

Placement: Skill-based Audition, Any Grade Level

Standards: VAPA Intermediate, Music Level 1, 1.5, 2

Instruments: Students with prior experience are welcome to audition in on any wind or percussion instrument (see beginning band list)

1. Musicians continue their study of a woodwind, brass, percussion, or electric string instrument at the intermediate level.

2. Musicians learn how to read sheet music at the intermediate level so they can be independent in learning their favorite music. This includes all note names, rhythm patterns (whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes and rests) and intermediate music terminology (repeat signs, dynamics, tempo markings, articulations).

3. Musicians learn skills on their instrument including holding and playing position, embouchure, the first 12 notes on their instruments, 4 major scales, and over 80 short traditional and skill builder songs.

4. Musicians learn proper rehearsal, performance, and audience etiquette. They learn how to give and receive constructive feedback regarding music.

5. Musicians learn the importance of independent practice and working as part of a team to contribute to something bigger.

6. All musicians perform at the end of the year regardless of skill.

7. All musicians perform intermediate standard band repertoire over grade level 1.5 from the American Band College.

Symphonic Band and Jazz Band (Advanced)

Description: Students with prior experience on a wind or percussion instrument will learn advanced level music techniques and participate in multiple performances.

• Jazz Description: Students with prior experience on a wind or percussion instrument will learn jazz style, techniques, and improvisation and participate in multiple performances.

Placement: Skill-based Audition, Any Grade Level

Standards: VAPA Intermediate, Music Level 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5

Instruments:

-Students with prior experience are welcome to audition in on any wind or percussion instrument.

-Additional instruments for special solo circumstances: oboe, bassoon, soprano saxophone, piccolo, baritone saxophone, piano, string bass

-Jazz Band (Advanced) has specific instrumentation:

-Saxophones (Alto, Tenor, Baritone)

-Brass (Trumpets and Trombones)

-Rhythm Section must have prior experience (piano, electric bass, electric guitar drum set, vibraphone, auxiliary percussion)

Advanced Band Description

1. Musicians continue their study of a woodwind, brass, percussion, or electric string instrument at the advanced Middle School level.

2. Musicians learn how to read sheet music at the advanced level so they can be independent in learning their favorite music. This includes all note names, rhythm patterns (whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes and rests) and intermediate music terminology (repeat signs, dynamics, tempo markings, articulations).

3. Musicians learn skills on their instrument including holding and playing position, embouchure, the first 20 notes on their instruments, 5 major scales, and over 40 short traditional and skill builder songs.

4. Musicians learn proper rehearsal, performance, and audience etiquette. They learn how to give and receive constructive feedback regarding music.

5. Musicians learn the importance of independent practice and working as part of a team to contribute to something bigger.

6. All musicians perform at the end of the year regardless of skill.

7. All musicians perform advanced standard band repertoire over grade level 2.5 from the American Band College.