WHO MAY TAKE BAND?  You do not need to know how to play an instrument before you join band!  You will learn how to play during your lessons and band class.  You will be expected to practice and take your instrument home every weekend.  Instruments remain at school during the week so you do not need to carry your instrument back and forth to school each day. 

CAN I JOIN BAND AFTER SIXTH GRADE?   It is very difficult to start on an instrument if you don’t try one in sixth grade. The only beginning band class offered is in sixth grade. Students that start band after sixth grade must take private lessons to “catch-up” to the other members of their class. 

WHAT INSTRUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?  Students can begin on flute, oboe, clarinet, alto sax, and tenor sax.  Those instruments belong to the woodwind family.  Students selecting brass instruments begin on trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and tuba.  We also begin students on percussion which includes both snare drum and mallets. Due to the myriad of skills and instruments used in the percussion section, prior formal piano background (minimum of 2 years) or percussion lessons (minimum 1 year) is required for percussion students.

WHERE DO I GET AN INSTRUMENT?  There are several possibilities.

1. Music stores such as WHITE HOUSE OF MUSIC.  (rental or purchase)

2. Family or friends.

3. Please DO NOT purchase an instrument online until after the parent information meeting in May. Not all instruments are created equal and there are many imposters on the internet! We will provide a list of recommended brands to look for!

HOW MUCH DOES AN INSTRUMENT COST?  It varies. Most students and their parents decide to rent an instrument from a music store so that they can give it a try before purchasing a new or used instrument.  Rental rates vary depending on the instrument and the music store.  Students may also use instruments that other family members have played. We never want finances to stand in the way of a child’s opportunity to play! Please reach out with any questions. If you need help with renting an instrument, please contact one of the band directors.

HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE BAND AND LESSONS?  During the school year, you have band class every other day, and you have one group lesson for 15 minutes per week.

INFORMATIONAL PARENT MEETING? All parents of new 6th grade band students are asked to attend a band informational meeting in May.  More information on the band program and obtaining instruments will be presented.  This meeting is on Monday, May 19, at 6:00pm at the Slinger High School PAC.  At this meeting we will be able to answer any questions you have about the program and we will have  representatives from White House of Music available to guide you through the instrument rental process.

WHAT ABOUT BEGINNING BAND CAMP?  All new band students entering sixth grade are expected to participate in our BEGINNING BAND CAMP.  Camp runs from August 11 to August 15.  Camp will be held at SLINGER MIDDLE SCHOOL from 8:30am to 11:30am.  You will attend classes with a teacher that plays your instrument as well as having full band activities and some special social time to get to know your fellow band members. If you are unable to attend band camp, you will need to take six to eight weeks of private lessons over the summer so that you are ready to join the rest of the band when school starts.