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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an instrument cost? Should we buy or rent our instrument?
How much does an instrument cost? Should we buy or rent our instrument?
Instrument prices vary depending on the instrument. Prices may also vary slightly between different retailers. Most beginner instruments cost about the same.
Large instruments (euphonium, bass) are available to rent from the school. These instruments have a significant cost to purchase outright. A limited number of other instruments are available for families who qualify based on financial need. Please see our Instruments page for more information.
All students will also need their own copy of the book "Essential Elements" for their instrument. These books are also available at any music store.
Where can we get an instrument?
Where can we get an instrument?
We encourage you to shop our local music stores for your instrument needs. Local music stores provide an important service to our community and schools, and appreciate your business. These stores have a variety of new instruments to suit your student's needs. Some stores offer quality used instruments when available.
Our local music stores offer rent-to-own programs, where the instrument is paid off over a number of months. This is a great and affordable option to get your student started with quality equipment. These plans often come with a repair contract at no additional cost.
If your student is using a "hand-me-down" instrument, or a used instrument obtained elsewhere, we recommend having it looked over before purchasing or playing. This will ensure you get a quality instrument that will meet the needs of your student.
Does my child need previous experience playing an instrument?
Does my child need previous experience playing an instrument?
Not at all! Your child's elementary music participation has already prepared them for participating in instrumental music. We will teach every student everything they need to know about their instrument.
When do students decide which instrument to play? How should we let you know when we've decided?
When do students decide which instrument to play? How should we let you know when we've decided?
Before the end of the school year would be ideal; this would allow you to attend an instrument display night to get their instrument, and allow our building counselors to place them in the correct class. Students who remain undecided or need to make a change can do so in the first couple weeks of school next year.
When your student selects an instrument, please use this Google form (linked on our homepage as well) to let your teacher know. This will allow us to plan for class sizes and scheduling.
Is there a limit to how many students can play a certain instrument?
Is there a limit to how many students can play a certain instrument?
Percussion is the only instrument we “limit”, in order to have a proper balance to the band. Students interested in percussion should pick a “back up” instrument. Please see more information on our Instruments page.
Do students need an instrument for the first day of school?
Do students need an instrument for the first day of school?
We would love for all students to have instruments for the first day of school, but we understand it may take a few days to get everyone situated. Your student’s teacher will communicate with you at the beginning of the year when the first day of playing will be.
What is the time commitment like?
What is the time commitment like?
Students will take band or orchestra as a class each day at school. In class, we will introduce new concepts, review previous concepts, and address whole-group concepts. Students are expected to follow up with some practice time at home to reinforce what we work on at school. We recommend about 10-15 minutes per evening at first.
Can I still do sports and other after-school activities?
Can I still do sports and other after-school activities?
Absolutely! Our band and orchestra students participate in many other activities in middle school and in high school. Some examples include football, basketball, tennis, soccer, track & field, cheerleading robotics, scholar's bowl, KAY club, DECA, drama club, scouts, youth groups, and more!
How will I know if my student gets into band or orchestra?
How will I know if my student gets into band or orchestra?
Anyone that signs up for band or orchestra will be accepted! If you selected band or orchestra and it doesn’t end up on your schedule, please reach out to your student’s teacher or counselor so we can get you added.
Can students take both band AND orchestra?
Can students take both band AND orchestra?
For 6th grade, we ask that students select one or the other. As we progress, there will be opportunities for band and orchestra students to play together.
Will 6th grade students present any concerts or programs?
Will 6th grade students present any concerts or programs?
We will have at least 2 concerts in the 6th grade year. More information (including dates/times) will be shared by your student’s teacher next fall.
Can we do anything this summer to prepare for band or orchestra next fall?
Can we do anything this summer to prepare for band or orchestra next fall?
We will show your student everything they need to know when we get started next fall! There are some music camps in the area that focus on other aspects of music that are beneficial, or your student could look into piano lessons. Your student already has a great foundation in music from their years of music class in elementary school!
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