Be Part of the Band!          

Dear Parents,

Next year, your child has the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before them, Be Part of the Band!   We know that for many of you, this will be your first exposure to instrumental music education and I wanted to take a brief minute to share some information with you.

Attached to this letter is information regarding our program and instrument selection events. This is a time where you and your child can explore the different instruments and get help choosing an instrument that will give them the best chance of success.  ***Please use the Koalander links on the last page to sign-up for an audition appointment.  If you are unable to attend these instrument auditions, please email.  Everyone should visit our instrument demonstration web page in advance at https://www.bepartofthemusic.org/group/index.php?id=9227 

Music education is more than just playing an instrument; it is immersing your child in a culture of successful students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each child to use the creative side of his or her brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language…MUSIC!

All of the current data clearly states that students involved in music education academically out perform their non-musical counterparts. However, more importantly, studies are showing that music students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drugs and alcohol.

Every destination starts with a decision to embark on a journey.  Now is the time to start your child in music and Burkburnett Middle School is the place to do it. We cannot promise that every child will be a musical prodigy, but we can promise they will learn, laugh, and grow along the way!

Should you have any questions about band or your child’s participation, please feel free to contact me using the information listed below.  *Email is usually the best way to reach us.

Sincerely,

Robin Weatherman, Max Salazar, Adam Lewis and Brian Beeson

robin.weatherman@burkburnettisd.org  (940) 569-3381 ext. 1320

max.salazar@burkburnettisd.org  (940) 569-3381 ext. 1372

P.S. If you would like to know more about the individual instruments or band in general, please visit us at

https://www.bepartofthemusic.org/group/index.php?id=9227 

***Be sure to sign up for an audition date & time using the koalendar links on the last page.  Thanks!***

FAQ

What if I am not sure if I want my child to do band?

Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.”  Band is the same way. Your child should sign up for band even if you or they are unsure.  It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when everyone else has already started.

What if I don’t know anything about music?

That’s ok!  We will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes and rhythms, we will guide your child through the process. All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sound.

How much out of school time is required?

Band is no different than any other curricular area. We ask that your child spend some time with their instrument each and every week.  Think of it as musical homework, but much more fun.

Can I be in sports and band?

Yes!!  We have lots of athletes in band at every level, and we work together with coaches to help students be able to do BOTH band and sports!  We also have cheerleaders and drill team babes in band!

What does the band do?

Beginner band students spend most of the year learning to read music and operate their instruments.  They perform at several concerts and enjoy a performance trip to Castaway Cove every spring.  The other middle school bands perform at several football games and concerts, participate in UIL competition, and also enjoy the performance trip to Six Flags Over Texas every spring.  The high school band performs at football games, various marching and concert contests, UIL competitions, and concerts.  They get to wear fancy uniforms and perform cool shows for hundreds of screaming fans!  They take a major performance trip every other year to locations such as Orlando, South Padre Island, and Branson!

What instrument should my child play?

The answer depends on a variety of things, but in the end, it is most important that they play something that they enjoy. I encourage you to visit our website https://www.bepartofthemusic.org/group/index.php?id=9227  watch the different instrument videos with your child, and discuss the different options. I will also help guide your child based on his/her musical interests and physical make-up. Your child knows what he/she wants, you know your child, and I know music. Together we will find an enjoyable instrument that will give your child the best chance of musical success.

What are my instrument choices?

Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet & Alto Saxophone   

Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, & Tuba

Percussion: Students use a kit that includes a practice pad, bells & sticks

What are the costs?

The costs associated with band depend on which instrument your child chooses and if you already own an instrument. We wish funds were available for us to provide every child with an instrument; however, this is simply not possible.  The school may have certain instruments available for at school use.  If not, you can rent a quality instrument from a local music store at a very reasonable price. If financial constraints prevent you from being able to do this, please contact me and allow me to help. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating.

How do I procure an instrument?

The school provides many of the larger and more expensive instruments. We encourage students playing smaller, less expensive instruments to either rent or purchase their own instrument.  Be sure to come to the Burkburnett Band Instrument Drive for more information.

What is the Band Drive?

The Band Instrument Drive is a time that students may play on a variety of instruments to decide what instrument is best for them!  We have three days of instrument drive auditions.   A music company will be available on the brass & woodwind days to assist you as well.  FYI, students will not need instruments the first two weeks of school, as we will be learning basic music theory before beginning with instruments. 

When is the Percussion Audition?

***There is only one Percussion Audition day!  ***Students wishing to play percussion MUST come to the Percussion Audition on Feb. 20 in the MS Cafeteria.  Parents must schedule an appointment time in advance. ***There is a very limited number of students selected for percussion each year. Students not selected for percussion will need to sign-up for an appointment time for the Woodwind and Brass Audition days.

When are the Woodwind & Brass Auditions?

There are two days for Woodwind and Brass Auditions: Feb. 24 & Feb. 25 in the MS Cafeteria. Parents must schedule an appointment time in advance.  ***Please understand that some instruments have a limit on their class size; therefore, you may want earlier appointment times to have more choices.  

I want to Be Part of the Band!  What do I do?

1. Mark BAND as your 1st  choice elective on your middle school registration form!  Each instrument class is only offered one or two class period throughout the day. Other electives are offered many multiple class periods. This will make it much easier for counselors to create your child’s schedule.

2. Have your parent Sign-up for a Band Audition Appointment by clicking the links below:

***Feb. 20 Percussion:

https://koalendar.com/e/percussion-auditions  

(AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE MS CAFETERIA)

  ***Feb. 24 & Feb 25 Woodwind & Brass: 

https://koalendar.com/e/woodwind-and-brass-auditions   

(AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE MS CAFETERIA)

3.      If you are unable to attend the instrument drive, be sure to mark Band as the 1st choice elective.  Then email Robin Weatherman at robin.weatherman@burkburnettisd.org  *Please leave your child’s full name, current school, & a phone number.  A director will contact your parent sometime after Feb. to make other arrangements and/ or have a phone conference to determine what woodwind or brass instrument is best for you.  A director may  audition your child at the elementary school during the school day if possible.  **Please understand that the percussion audition cannot be handled this way.  ***Students wishing to play percussion MUST come to the in-person percussion audition.  If you do not have access to an email, feel free to call (940) 569-3381 ext.1320.

What if I have other questions?

Please know that I am here to answer any and all questions that you may have.  Due to the busy nature of our program and schools in general, it is sometimes difficult to contact me by phone. The best way for parents to reach me is electronically at robin.weatherman@burkburnettisd.org.  Please list your name, your child’s name, what school they currently attend, along with a phone number and your questions.  Thanks!

Please visit our website in advance:  https://www.bepartofthemusic.org/group/index.php?id=9227