Joining Band

About the program

Welcome to the Dryden band program! We are excited that you are interested in playing in the band and we look forward to your participation for years to come. This page is designed to inform you about the program and to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. 

Recruitment for band typically occurs in the spring of each year when students participate in an assembly featuring all of the band instruments offered at DES. Students entering the district in the fall can still join band. See below for more information. Students who wish to join band should discuss it with their families and return all registration forms to Mr. P. Students are only able to enter the band program in the beginning of 4th or 5th grade, so please take a moment to consider this opportunity. After registration is complete, I will meet with each student to help them choose an instrument. 

New to Dryden?

If you are new to Dryden and are enrolled as a 4th or 5th grader, then you are eligible to join band in September. 

1. Have your child come to a brief introduction meeting on the first week of the school year.

2. Review the video and information on this page and pick your top 3 instruments choices.

3. Fill out the registration form that I will send home to all interested students.

4. I will meet individually with all students that hand in a signed registration form to finalize an instrument choice.

5. Make arrangements for an instrument and supplies and then you are all set! 

Program highlights:

•  All students entering 4th and 5th grade are eligible to enroll in the Beginning Band (a.k.a. the Cub Band). Over 50% of students in the elementary school typically participate in the band program. Please note, 4th or 5th grade is the only time a student can begin band in Dryden without special permission from the MS band director. 

• Small group lessons (approximately 4-5 students) will meet once a week for 30 minutes beginning in the fall. Students are excused from class and are responsible for any work that is missed. Lessons are on a rotating schedule so they aren't missing the same class each week. 

• In addition to small group lessons all students participate in full band rehearsals once per week. The band will rehearse as a group in the upstairs gymnasium, so that students can be spaced out appropriately and have proper ventilation.

• Full band rehearsals will begin in January and will take place before school one day a week from 7:50—8:40. Students can get to school two different ways:

  1.  Take the MS/HS bus and then take the shuttle bus to DES (transportation is available but you must contact the bus garage at 844-4221 to determine your pick-up location)

  2.  Have a parent or guardian drop you off directly at DES

• Students can participate in band and chorus without conflict!

• Students are expected to practice at home at least 4 days a week for 10-15 minutes. Very few students at this age will practice on their own without parental guidance and supervision. It is expected that you will monitor your child’s practicing by asking them to play a song for you and checking their practice chart!

• It is my hope that students will be able to perform one concert in May. This will depend upon guidelines from NYSED and NYDOH. 

• Playing in band is a commitment! Please plan on staying for the entire year before making any final decisions.

• Please click on the Cub Band tab above to learn more about the upcoming year and mitigation strategies. 

Beginning Band Night Slide Presentation

Please feel free to look at this slide presentation to learn more about the program. I typically go over this presentation at the "Band Information Meeting" after students have registered for band. 

Instrument Selection

I firmly believe that a student’s initial interest in playing an instrument is an important part of that student’s success in band. Consequently, I try to place students on their first or second choice because students will naturally work harder on an instrument in which they are interested. There are, however, many factors that need to be considered when selecting the instrument the student will play. Below is a chart for you to consider as you discuss which three instruments would be best for your child. Also, balanced instrumentation is essential. Playing in band is like being on a sports team; we need to fill all positions in order to be a successful group! Even though the quarterback gets to hold the ball every down, we need to have players in other positions, as they are equally important.

FAQ’s

Will missing classes hurt my child’s progress in school? No. Most students perform just as well or better when involved in the band program. Lessons rotate each week so students aren't missing the same class each week. 

Will it cost me anything? Yes, but not much. You must supply a lesson book ($12) and supplies such as reeds and valve oil.  Also, you will be responsible for renting or purchasing an instrument. Prices vary but renting can be extremely affordable. Please see the "Getting an Instrument" page. If you are unable to purchase supplies the school can provide supplies for your child. 

Can I borrow a school instrument? Yes! We have a limited supply of school instruments. Please make note of your desire to borrow an instrument on the registration form. All instruments will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

What brands of instruments do you recommend? See the "Getting an Instrument" page.