instrumental music

We are excited that you are considering having your child join the band program at LV. Fifth grade band is now held during the day, during your child's music class time. Be sure to check out the FAQ section located below for more information.

Please contact Mr. Grimm if you are interested in joining fifth grade band.

FIFTH GRADE BAND FAQS

Why should my child join the band?

Music is an advanced academic activity, and studies have shown music instruction to have a strong correlation with improvement in multiple facets of academic performance, including math, reading, and spatial cognition. Colleges and universities look repeatedly for an applicant's participation in music groups as a sign of a well-rounded student. Millions of dollars are granted every year to students who are not music majors, but can play an instrument in a university ensemble. Lastly, imagine a world without music; without music and art, there would be nothing to read and write about. Band is the easiest place for your child to receive formal music instruction, and for us to begin to cultivate the next generation of musicians, teachers, artists, critics, record producers, recording engineers, etc.

What time of day does band meet?

Band will meet during your child's scheduled music class time.

Will my student have band every day?

No, they will only have band during their regularly scheduled music classes, which is once every four days, and a handful of Friday morning "full band" rehearsals, the schedules of which will be passed out once the year begins.

Is busing available to get my student to Friday morning rehearsals?

Yes, the students will be allowed to ride the first bus (high school/middle school) which will drop them off at the elementary building. Of course, you are more than welcome to drop off your child yourself in front of the building if you desire.

Does my child have to own his/her own instrument?

Licking Valley has a limited inventory, but one of our goals is to never deny a student a chance to experience instrumental music because of financial constraints. We will make every effort to get instruments in the hands of students who need them. So, the answer is no, your child does not have to own their own instrument. However, their choices of what they can play may be limited by our inventory.

How much does it cost to buy an instrument?

Instrument prices, like all goods, vary widely. We work closely with local music stores to provide rental programs that are cost-friendly and provide quality instruments for your child. Usually, these programs are about $25 per month for flutes, clarinets, trumpets, and trombones. The price is more like $40 per month for baritones, oboes, alto saxophones, and french horns. The programs generally have no interest, require no down payment, require no credit check, and include repairs (if needed) as part of the monthly plan fee. 100% of the money that you pay for renting the instrument goes directly towards purchasing the instrument. You can turn the instrument in at any time without penalty or further obligation. More specific information will be provided to you at our parent's meeting and our fitting nights.

How will you determine which instrument my child should play?

During the fitting meeting, your child may indicate which instruments they want to try. With the parent present, the director will have the students make a sound on each instrument, hold it and check for physical limitations, as well as look for natural aptitude. Our goal is to get every student to play the instrument that they want to, within the confines of balanced instrumentation. The director will make a recommendation based on the child's best chance for success. The factors could include physical size, mouth shape, hand size, teeth formation, torso length, tone production, dental work, etc.

Why does balanced instrumentation matter so much?

Simply put, a band with 25 flutes, 10 drummers, 1 trombone and 15 saxophones would NOT create a warm, balanced, musical sound! The directors tend to the needs of the overall band program as well as the needs of the individual students. It can be a difficult line to toe, but one that the directors need to be trusted with. We know what the band needs to be successful, and will take multiple factors into account when determining instrumentation recommendations.

What if I own an instrument already?

If the parent and the student decide that they want to play on an instrument owned by the family, the directors will just ask to see and hear/play the instrument to make sure it is in good working condition, and is appropriate for band instruction.

Are there any after-school commitments?

In fifth grade, the only after-school commitments are two concerts per year. Optional activities are available at the middle school.

How will I know if my child is successful at band?

This is a tough one. Some students will experience success immediately, and never look back. Others will struggle at first, only to blossom later. Other students will take years before they start to "get it". If your child is enjoying their time in band, and is being sufficiently challenged and enriched, then they are successful, regardless of their performance ability.

What can I do to help my child be successful?

There is an old joke, and it goes like this. A man is lost in New York City, and asks a cab driver "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" The cabbie smiles and says, "Practice, practice, practice." In other words, you need to encourage your child to hone their skills, and practice their instrument. If your child learns a new song, have them play it for family, friends, and neighbors and heap praise upon them. Consider investing in private lessons for your child. Mainly, though, you need to encourage them with positive reinforcement and with lots of reminders to practice as much as they can. The more they practice, the better they will get. They will be as successful as they want to be! Often times, the students that struggle at first and have to work doubly hard to achieve an average level of success are the ones that blow their peers out of the water (musically and academically) by the end of their high school careers, because they have the work ethic and the perseverance to overcome obstacles and limitations. Parents have an awful lot to do with that.

How often should my child practice?

We encourage students to practice at least 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week at the fifth grade level, and increase that to 20 minutes a day, 6 days a week at the middle school. As with any skill, the formative years are crucial, and good practice habits are contagious when developed at an early age. The enjoyment of the art experienced by your child will increase dramatically when they practice frequently and are successful.