FAQ

What do I need to start band?

Everyone who is planning on joining the band will need an instrument and a Premier Performance Book 1 (blue) for their specific instrument. Percussionists will need a "Combined Book (Mallets and Percussion)". Books for other instruments will not work since they have information geared towards one instrument. If you choose to rent/buy through one of these our recommended rental companies, they will make sure you are set up with everything you need to be successful in band. 

If you are a brass player, you should have a mouthpiece, a mouthpiece brush, a rag to collect spit, and valve oil or slide grease (trombone players). Please refer to Instrument Rental Companies to get set up with the proper equipment!

How do I find out pricing information for my students instrument?

Please see the instrument rental companies page for more information. You will need to contact them for more specific pricing information. These companies have many options for renting and purchasing instruments to fit different budgets. 

When will my student need to bring their instrument to school?

Please refer to the Calendar page. Your student will need to bring their instrument during their specific recess band lesson time AND any time the calendar states "Full Band". 

Does the school/band program give financial assistance?

The band program has a few instruments that we allow students to rent at a discounted rate to help financially. If you are in need of financial assistance for your student to participate in band, please contact the band office for more information. The instruments we provide for financial assistance slightly changes every year depending on what we have in our inventory at the time. 

Do you have recommendations for what brand of instrument I should buy?

Trumpet, French Horn (sing F or Double F/Bb), Trombone, Baritone: Bach, Blessing, Bundy, Conn, DEG, Holton, King, Olds, Yamaha

Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone: Armstrong, Artley, Buffet, Bundy, Conn, Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, Leblanc, Olds, Selmer, Yamaha

I found a cheap instrument through amazon, should I buy it?

Please consider that your student needs an instrument that will work correctly and consistently from the very first day. It is impossible to learn, practice and progress if your instrument is always in the shop! There are many brands out there that are not compatible with American band instruments (chinese or Hungarian instruments, etc.) There are many instruments made with inferior materials and workmanship (sold by Sam’s Club or JCPenney’s or Target, or available from Amazon.) 

I already have an instrument, how do I know if this will be suitable for my student?

Please contact the band office so they can look at your instrument to see if it will be a good starter instrument for your student!

When is the first day my student needs to bring their instrument to school with them?

Please refer to the calendar to see when your student needs to bring their instrument to school! Any time you see the calendar specifically say their instrument name or "full band" is when they will need to bring their instrument but not until then. 

What if I decide that band is not for me and want to switch into choir?

We ask that parents keep their students in band until after the first concert in February. We have students stay in band until then because you will not get the full experience of band until after the first performance. Learning an instrument is a slow process at first but by the end of november your student will be starting to play recognizable songs. That is typically when students start really enjoying band because they are playing recognizable music. 

How long will the instrument rental/band meeting last?

Please attend for the entire informational/instrument rental meeting. We will start immediately with information about the band program which will last about 15-20 minutes. After that time Mr. Maher and Mrs. Funk will check instruments for already have a instrument and the rental companies will see families to get a book and an instrument rented. 

Will I have a lot of homework in band?

You will be expected to practice you instrument for 120 minutes a week (after the first 3 weeks of playing).  You will need to fill out practice sheet and record the number of minutes you practice with a parent signature.