Beginning Band Registration

Frequently Asked Questions about Beginning Band

IS BAND A REGULAR CLASS?

Yes. Beginning band meets every day. Students will get a grade in band just as they do in any other class.

DO STUDENTS FAIL?

Very Seldom. Mr. Summers will be in touch with the parents at the first sign of a problem. All students can be successful, but it takes work. Any student that brings their instrument, band book, and a pencil to class, while practicing their instrument regularly at home, will be successful in band.

WILL STUDENTS BE IN BAND THE WHOLE YEAR?

Yes.  The students make a 1 year commitment to band.  Students will not be allowed to “drop” band during the year.   Allowing students to quit creates problems with instrumentation and scheduling.  This policy also sends a message to the student to finish what they started. An evaluation is taken at the end of 6th grade to see if they should continue the following year.

ARE THERE AFTER SCHOOL PRACTICES?

No. The only required band activities that happen outside of the school day are concerts. The dates for these events will be sent home at least two months in advance.  

SHOULD THE STUDENTS ALREADY KNOW HOW TO READ MUSIC?

No. Mr. Summers will teach them everything they will need to know. Our first few weeks will be spent on learning to read music and then we will start applying that knowledge to playing instruments.  

ARE THERE FEES?

No.  The only cost is the instrument rental/purchase and book.  You will get that information at the registration meeting.

IS NATURAL TALENT NECESSARY?

No. All students who have a good instrument, have their materials for class, and practice at home, can succeed..

HOW MUCH PRACTICE IS REQUIRED?

Each student is expected to practice about 15-20 minutes per night. Beginners don’t have the stamina to practice more than about 20 minutes per day when first starting a wind instrument.

WHAT ELSE IS INVOLVED?

The only thing to add is the reason we do this, to perform. Students will be expected to participate in all concerts. No one sits on the bench in band. Every student is equally important.

WILL WE BE ABLE TO STAND ALL THE AWFUL SOUNDS, AND WHEN WILL THEY STOP?

While the first few weeks are rough, the students will improve quickly. We will even be able to play a short concert before going home for the holidays in December.  Thanks for supporting your child in this endeavor. With hard working students, and with your help, we WILL have a great band!