Advanced Band Materials - BEGINNERS, please do not purchase any materials until after we have decided what instrument you will play.
BROWN BAND FAQ
1. What instruments are played in band?
Band is a music performance group made up of wind instruments (any instrument where air is blown through to produce a sound) and percussion instruments (drums, cymbals, xylophones, bells, etc.). Beginning students are started on flute, clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, or tuba. As they progress as musicians, other options become available to them such as saxophone, oboe, bassoon, and percussion.
2. Do students need any previous musical experience?
NO! We have a beginning band program where we start musicians from scratch. Most students enrolled there have never had any previous musical experience.
3. Does the school supply the instruments?
Unfortunately, we do not have enough school owned instruments to outfit the entire band. While we have a few of each instrument to rent out, many students playing smaller instruments (such as flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and percussion) choose to rent their instrument from one of our fine local music stores. All French Horns and all larger instruments (baritone and tuba) are rented from the school. The rental cost for a school owned instrument is $45 for the entire school year. Rest assured, if you are unable to rent an instrument from a store or the school, we will make sure something is worked out to accommodate your child and provide them with an instrument.
4. How much extra time is required from the students in band?
Since band is both cocurricular and extracurricular, some extra time is required from all the students. However, it is much less than is required from other activities such as sports. Beginners may have a few after school rehearsals as we get close to concert dates as well as the occasional tutoring sessions for students who may need the extra help. 2nd and 3rd year band students can expect to have section or ensemble rehearsals once a week.
5. Does band negatively affect students’ academic performance?
NO! Quite the opposite. Studies have shown that students participating in Fine Arts programs score 10-12% higher than other students on SAT’s and other standardized tests (like TEAMS!). They also have higher class grades, fewer discipline problems, and better attendance rates.
6. Where and when do you perform?
Wherever and whenever we can! Once the students are performance-ready, we make ourselves available to perform at many school functions. We have performed at Brown football games, basketball games, volleyball games, pep rallies, craft fairs and parent meetings. We perform a holiday concert at each of our feeder schools every year and have performed at the Kohlberg Fall Festival. We perform seasonal concerts in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. We also perform with the Franklin High School band at Middle School Band Night (where we march with them on the field at halftime of a Franklin football game!) and at our end of the year concert.
We also have a rigorous competitive schedule involving contests for all band levels at EPISD, UTEP, and Western Playland (Yes, they get to ride the rides!) as well as opportunities for individual achievement at the district Solo and Ensemble festival and auditioning for All-Region Band.
7. Can students participate in both band and sports?
Absolutely! While it takes some dedication, I have student every year who are successful at both band and one or more sports. I have a good relationship with the coaching staff and we always manage to work out a schedule together where the kids can do both activities.
8. Can students take band and Spanish class?
YES! 8th grade students in dual language are allowed two electives so it is no problem. 7th grade students are only allowed one elective, but scheduling exceptions can be made to accommodate dual language students.