FAQ

Q: Does my child have to have their own instrument or do you supply rentals?

A: Your child can use their own instrument or we can provide them with a school rental ($100 rental fee for the year) 

Q: My child has never played an instrument before. What opportunities are there for instrumental music? 

A: Beginner students are welcome to join : Intro to Highland Drumming, Intro to bagpipes, Intro to Keyboard Skills 

Q: Does my child get pulled out of class for lessons like they did in middle school? 

A: No. Students in the instrumental music program do not get pulled from classes for lessons. Lessons are scheduled once a week during the students free period.

Q: What happens if my child misses a lesson?

A: Missed lessons are considered a cut class and a detention is issued.

Q: Does my child need to have a private teacher to be in an ensemble? 

A: Only the following students are required to take private lessons: 9th & 10th grade students in Symphonic Band, all honors students, all pianists and percussionists. For anyone else wishing to take private lessons, we do encourage it but it not mandatory 

Q: How can my child audition to be in the instrumental music program? 

A: Auditions are held each year during Course Advisement Day in Janurary. Sign up information regarding audtitions are posted on the audition tab at the top of the page.

Q: My child only wants to play in jazz band. Is this acceptable? 

A: No. All students who perform in jazz band must also perform in either Concert band, Symphonic Band or Orchestra. They only exception is Electric Guitar /Bass as these instruments are not part of the traditional concert/symphonic band or orchestra. 

Q: Who performs in the Pep Band?

A: All concert Band students are required to play in the "pep band". The pep band performs in three athletic events - Homecoming, Pajama Night and Hawaiian night. Honors students from symphonic band may also be asked to perform

Q: My child has some keyboard skills. Can they still take the keyboard class or do they have to be a beginners? 

A: All levels of keyboard playing, along with beginners are welcome to join the keyboard class.