In class, we will start by learning how to read music and picking an instrument. Once we do that, we will start learning how to make a good sound on the instrument and play some notes. Then we can start playing different songs together in class. After we learn some music we can give a concert for our friends and family to hear. By the end of the year, our band will be so good that we can go compete for the high score at a band contest.
No! Most band members have never played an instrument before they join band. In Beginning Band, you learn ALL the basics! After trying the instruments you can pick the one that's right for you.
Unfortunately, no. Band is a year-long elective, so if you join band, you won't be able to do any of the other electives. But keep in mind, you can leave whenever you want, but you can only join in 6th grade! If you are even a little bit curious about band I suggest you try it out right now, and if you don't like it, you can always change your schedule at the quarter or semester to try other electives. However, if you leave band you won't be able to rejoin later. If you want to try all of the electives that ARMS has to offer, you have to start with band!
Yes! It is possible to do band and sports at the same time! Many band members are involved in sports, either at school or in the community. In fact, there are band members on every sports team at ARMS.
The cost of an instrument can vary depending on the retailer. While you are under no obligation to purchase an instrument from any specific retailer, we work closely with Music & Arts to provide high quality instruments to students. Please check the Music & Arts Rental website for more information regarding instrument rentals.
We offer flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and percussion as beginner instruments. After one semester of experience, some students may switch to a secondary instrument like oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, saxophone, horn, tuba, and percussion.
There are three factors to consider when it comes to choosing an instrument.
First of all, is it an instrument you want to play? No one wants to play an instrument they don't like.
Second, some instruments come more naturally to some people than others. Anyone can play any instrument, but we want to find one that is a good fit for you so you can improve even faster!
The third factor is making sure that the band has a good combination of instruments. We won't sound very good if we have thirty flutes and no trombones!
Changing your instrument after starting is rare, and will put you far behind the rest of the class. Most people who switch instruments in the middle of the year never catch up! Because of this, instrument switches are only done in special situations.
Music & Arts, a local music instrument dealer, will be present at our Instrument Purchase Meeting at Alston Ridge Middle School within the first few weeks of school, so no action is required on your part before that time. This rental meeting is provided simply as a convenience to our band parents. You are under no obligation to obtain an instrument from any particular company.
Some instruments may seem like a great deal, but they are made to be disposable. They will be difficult for your child to play, never sound correct, and need to be replaced multiple times throughout middle school. On the other hand, all of the recommended brands listed on this page will last a lifetime if they are well taken care of. These instrument last through middle school, high school, college, and beyond.
Music & Arts, a local music instrument dealer, will be present at our Instrument Purchase Meeting at Alston Ridge Middle School within the first few weeks of school, so no action is required on your part before that time. This rental meeting is provided simply as a convenience to our band parents. You are under no obligation to obtain an instrument from any particular company.
Some instruments may seem like a great deal, but they are made to be disposable. They will be difficult for your child to play, never sound correct, and need to be replaced multiple times throughout middle school. On the other hand, all of the recommended brands listed on this page will last a lifetime if they are well taken care of. These instrument last through middle school, high school, college, and beyond.
Remember, out of cheap, easy, and good, you can only pick two.
Flute - Yamaha, Jupiter, Gemeinhardt, Emerson, Pearl, Selmer, Armstrong
Clarinet - Yamaha, Buffet, Bundy, Jupiter, Selmer, Vito
Trumpet - Yamaha, Bach, Bundy, Conn, Getzen, Jupiter, King
Trombone - Yamaha, Bach, Bundy, Conn, Getzen, Holton, Jupiter, King
Students will not need an instrument prior to the school year beginning. There will be two Instrument Meetings explaining how to obtain an instrument during the first few when you track in. Music and Arts Center, a local music instrument dealer, will hold a rental meeting in the ARMS Auditorium within the first few weeks of school, so no action is required on your part before that time. This meeting is provided simply as a convenience to our band parents. You are under no obligation to obtain an instrument from any particular company. Check the Calendar for more details about the Instrument Meetings.
Students will need their instruments by the second week of school.