FAQs Band
Can anyone sign up?
Yes! Anyone in 4th or 5th grade can sign up to play an instrument. 5th-grade students who didn't play last year or who played a string instrument and want to switch are welcome to sign up for band as a beginner. Students who study privately are also welcome to join us!
Is there a semester or yearly cost for students to participate in the program?
There is no cost to be a part of the program aside from instrument rental costs.
My child plays an instrument already - are they also able to play in school?
Of course! Even though it's a beginning lesson group, we encourage our students who already play to join us. They get some extra playtime and reinforcement of techniques while being able to help mentor our students who are just starting out.
How do we get an instrument?
There are a few rental vendors we work with who usually finalize their costs for the upcoming school year in mid-August. Those companies are Needham Music and Music and Arts.
We typically host an instrument rental/pick-up night in September where you can meet with some of these vendors to learn more about their program and sign up for your rental.
We recommend renting an instrument as you will be paying into a "rent to own" program, eventually owning the instrument.
Can they play whatever instrument they want?
Generally yes; the only exception to this is if your family is needing financial assistance and needs to use a school instrument. We only have a certain number of school instruments to loan out, which are on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will do our best to get every child on the instrument they want to play. If you are able to rent the instrument, your musician can play whatever they want!
When do lessons take place?
During the school day, usually in the morning, once a week.
Are there any after-school commitments?
Our winter and end-of-year concerts occur during the school day, but we do have one spring concert that occurs after school. We will be sure to communicate times and expectations far ahead of the date.
There is also the All City Band, which is an optional, free club that students can participate in once a week after school.
What if they sign up and want to switch to strings later on/played in strings last year and want to switch to band?
This is fine! We can accommodate students who want to make a switch.
Can they participate in both chorus and band?
Yes! Students can both sing and play an instrument; in fact, we encourage it!