Here are some of our most common questions:
Q: When do classes meet?
A: Classes meet during the school day. Each class will meet 2-3 times per week for 35 minutes. We alternate days so students will come on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Classes on Fridays alternate.
Q: Do students miss any academic instruction?
A: No. Our classes are not scheduled during times when students are receiving new academic instruction. Students who participate in one BCS do miss a portion of the Intervention time scheduled at the end of the day. Students who participate in an Instrument class and Choir do not have any Intervention at all.
Q: What after-school events are required?
A: Each group will have two concerts during the year. One will be in the winter (December-February) and one will be in May.
Q: Does it cost money to participate in these classes?
A: Maybe. There is no cost for students to sing in choir. Families need to provide an instrument for their child to use for Band or Strings. In this case there would probably be at least some cost for instrument repair, rental, or purchase.
Q: Does the school provide instruments for students to use?
A: Generally, no. Some school districts provide instruments for students to use free of charge. South-Western City schools does not have the inventory available to be able to do this. In limited cases we may have an instrument that a student can use but parents need to communicate that need to their child's teacher.
Q: Does the school rent instruments for students to use?
A: No. We do have a list of approved companies that can provide you with a quality rental instrument and we are happy to help answer questions regarding the rental process. We cannot take rental money or sign up your child for a rental program.
Q: Does my child need to have previous experience to participate?
A: No. For most students, this is the first opportunity that they have to learn an instrument.
Q: Does my child need to try out?
A: No. We want all interested students to be involved. However, classes can only hold a certain number of students. If classes fill up, a student may need to select an instrument from a class that has availability. They may not be able to learn their "first choice" instrument.
Q: Can a student be in more than one music group?
A: Yes, students can choose one instrument and also participate in choir. We have found that students who try to play two instruments in sixth grade do not do very well on either of them. Please contact your child's music teacher if this is something you would like to pursue.
Q: Do students get a grade for being in a music group?
A: Yes, music groups have a course of study approved by the district?
Q: Does my child need to practice their instrument at home?
A: Yes, students who want to do their best should review the skills being taught in class at home, especially on days that they do not have that music class. Students cannot leave their instrument at GRI due to storage limitations so those off-days from class are perfect review days at home!
Q: My child wants to quit! Are they allowed?
A: Learning an instrument takes months, if not years. Young students will be excited at first and eventually experience a level of frustration. Your support will help. Please reach out to your child's teacher if they express frustration or boredom. This is a year-long commitment.
Q: I have a question that isn't answered here. What should I do?
A: Please communicate with your child's teacher via email. None of the music class teachers are teaching at Galloway Ridge until after 2:20 PM. E-Mailing us is the best way to make sure your question or concern is not missed!