What happens after I fill out the form? 

• Shortly after filling out the google form, you will receive an email from Mrs. DeSapri with your official instrument assignment, as well as information about the next steps regarding obtaining an instrument and getting started.

What if I'm not sure if I want to do band? 

• We encourage anyone deciding if they'd like to do band to check out our Instrument Demonstration Videos, made by West Geauga High School students, and see if any of the instruments seem exciting to you! If so, then give band a try! We ask for a full year committment for 5th grade band, and students can decide if they would like to continue in band or not in middle school. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this website, especially the videos section, and see everything that our band program has to offer in elementary, middle, and high school!

I really want one of the limited instruments - how do I make sure I get my first choice?

• There is no way to ensure that you are placed with your first choice instrument, especially if it is one of the limited instruments, like percussion, saxophone, or baritone. These instruments will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis - so the first students to request these instruments will most likely receive their first choice. If your first choice instrument is limited - we recommend signing up as soon as possible! 

I didn't get my first choice instrument, should I still do band? 

• ABSOLUTELY! Mrs. DeSapri and Mr. Branch love to tell the story about how neither of us received our first choice instruments when we were signing up for band in elementary school. Even though we were assigned to our second choices, we ended up loving the instruments that we got (flute for Mrs. DeSapri and trumpet for Mr. Branch) and we've been happy playing our instruments ever since then! Almost all students who get their second choice instrument choose to continue on that instrument for the rest of their band career, and are glad they did! 

How much time out of school is required for band? 

• Band classes take place 100% during the school day. We do ask that students commit at least 30 minutes each week to practicing their instrument at home, just like homework for any other class. In addition, there are two concerts per year that take place during the evening at 7:00 PM. Dates for these concerts will be communicated soon. 

Can I do band if I'm also in sports? 

• Absolutely! Most of our band students are involved in more than one activity, including sports, at all grade levels. Band class is during the school day and does not conflict with after school sports practices, and we work with high school coaches to find solutions for students participating in multiple activities if your child decides to participate in marching band. 

How do I get an instrument? 

• Instruments can be rented from any local music store, such as Pellegrino Music Center, Music and Arts, Beeman's Brass Works, Geauga Music Center, and more! We always recommend renting an instrument rather than buying, as instrument repair costs are usually included in the monthly rental fee. We also recommend renting through a local music store rather than buying online or from large retail stores - these instruments are often not good quality and easily broken, but not easily fixed by a repair person. Local music stores will help you find exactly what you need that is specific to our program. 

I have an instrument at home that no one is using, can I play that for band? 

• Absolutely! As long as it is one of our 8 band instruments (flute, clarinet, etc.), you are welcome to use that for band! We recommend taking the instrument to a local music store over the summer to make sure that it is working and in good condition before band starts in the fall. 

What happens if I don't decide to do band next year? 

• Students who are not in band in 5th grade are automatically placed in 5th grade chorus.

Can I be in both band and chorus? 

• During 5th grade, students can only be in either band or chorus. Once you get to middle school, you can choose to add both band and chorus to your schedule! It is much easier to start band in 5th grade than to start in 6th grade once the rest of the group has a year of experience, so if you are interested in band, we recommend starting now! 

I heard that the band travels! Who does that involve? 

• Yes - each year, the high school band has exciting travel opportunities that give band students the opportunity to perform for large audiences in new places! In recent years, the high school band has travelled to Disney World, Chicago, Cedar Point, Ohio State University, and more! The high school marching band has even had the prestigious honor of being invited to perform in the London New Year's Day Parade in 2022 in London, England! While our high school band does travel, our elementary and middle school bands do not. We encourage you to follow along with the WGMB's travels and see what you can look forward to in your high school band career! 

Is there a certain attire required for concerts? 

• No, there is no required attire for elementary band concerts. Students are simply asked to dress their best as they will be in front of a large audience!

We are happy to help answer any and all questions that you may have! For further questions, please contact Mrs. DeSapri at taylor.desapri@westg.org