Information for Beginners

Why should I join Band?

Band is a GREAT way to learn about and experience music, and music is a big part of our lives! Music can make you feel happy, or motivated, or excited, or calm. Music gives you a way create and express things that can't be put into words. Shouldn't everyone learn music? Playing an instrument in band is a great way to experience these things. And there are lots of other bonuses too... Studies have shown that music can help students become highly creative and able to excel in any other subject or field. And of course, band is a place where great kids can make friends with other great kids who enjoy music too.

Band Schedule:

Band class meets during school during the student's encore period. Unlike most other encores, band is a full-year class.

Band lessons are another component of the program. These are small-group pullouts during the school day, during which students learn the ins and outs of their particular instrument, and get more individualized attention than in the full band class. Lessons are required and are essential to their success.

In addition, band students participate in several concerts each year, band social events, occasional field trips, and an end-of-the-year awards ceremony.

There is an online Band Calendar (via google): HERE

Renting vs. Buying:

Most beginner rent their own instruments from one of the local music stores. Renting is an excellent bargain, both for the low cost to get started ($100-200) and for the added benefits that the stores sometimes offer (like free repairs). Rental programs are typically lease-to-own, and begin with a trial period of 9 months for a flat fee. Long story short: Renting allows you to get quality, instruments at a reasonable cost.

Purchasing an instrument (or buying out an existing lease) is a great idea after 2-3 years. At that point, the student is serious about playing, is invested in their success, and will hopefully play for many years to come. That's when you want to spend the money on a good quality instrument to own.

Please beware of instruments sold online or in the big-box stores whose price tag seems "too good to be true." Without exception, THEY ARE. Don't waste the money. Spend it on a few private lessons instead. Many cheap brands look great, but don't play well, and they frustrate the child trying to play it. They are often easily bent and broken, and sometimes they are completely impossible to repair (they may be made without adjustment screws, replaceable springs, very soft metal alloys, etc).