What is band?
Band is a performance based music program that begins in 6th grade and continues through high school. Students who join band in 6th grade will be taught how to play an instrument (a talent not many can claim!). Students perform several times a year. Students who remain in band through middle school and high school will be offered many more opportunities to travel, perform and compete. (Think big! High school bands typically attend out of state trips like Disney, Hawaii, etc…)
What is the difference between band, orchestra, and choir?
In band we offer opportunities on all of the wind instruments and percussion. Orchestra focuses on string instruments and choir focuses on the voice.
Band is the only organization that performs at pep rallies, and later (in high school) football games and basketball games. Band also allows for opportunities to participate in marching band, drum line, and jazz band in high school.
Which class teaches guitar or piano?
Currently no classes are offered for beginner guitar or piano, however, at times there are opportunities for students who already play those instruments to perform on a piece of music that calls for it. Students who wish to be considered for those parts should enroll in a music class to learn a secondary instrument.
Why band?
There are thousands of reasons to join band. Band allows your child to meet a family of great kids who they will grow up with for the next 7 years. Music is a place for EVERYONE. There is no “bench” in music. Every child is accepted into our family and all children participate.
Researchers found that after two years, children who not only regularly attended music classes, but also actively participated in the class, showed larger improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers. -Nina Kraus, director of Northwestern’s Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory, quoted in Melissa Locker, "This Is How Music Can Change Your Brain"; Time, December 16, 2014.
Students in high-quality school music education programs score higher on standardized tests compared to students in schools with deficient music education programs, regardless of the socioeconomic level of community. -Nature Neuroscience, April 2007.
Research shows that making music changes the brain and that these brain changes have tangible impacts on listening skills, learning and cognition. -"Music, hearing, and education: from the lab to the classroom"; quoted in Northwestern University, September/October 2017.
How much does band cost?
We do our best to keep the cost of band as low as possible. In order to accomplish this, we have band fees set for each instrument. These fees will include all of the supplies your child will need (other than their actual instrument). Since it is the first year and you need everything, beginner band is often the most expensive year for fees. The good news is, band directors get these supplies at a much lower rate than you would if you went out shopping for yourself. The beginner band fee usually runs between $100-200, depending on the instrument.
What instruments to you offer?
We begin students on flute, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba and percussion.
Are some instruments limited?
Due to limited instruments and necessary balanced instrumentation, some instruments have limited availability. Instruments with limited availability are saxophone, oboe, bassoon, French horn, baritone, tuba and percussion.
Do we have to buy an instrument?
While you are welcome to purchase an instrument, most parents choose to rent through a local music company. Information on instrument rentals will be passed out during our Instrument Placement appointments.
Some instruments (oboe, bassoon, french horn, baritone and tuba) are school owned and rented through the school with a maintenance fee of $100 per semester.
Can we afford it?
We would NEVER turn away a student based on financial struggles. While there is usually some level of financial commitment required, we are more than willing to work with any family to ensure that their child is able to participate no matter what. While it may limit which instrument your child can play, it will not limit your child’s ability to be involved.
Does band have homework?
Yes! Every night! Your child will be expected to practice at home 150 minutes a week, which averages to about 20 minutes a night. Frequent practice is essential to success when learning any skill, especially how to play an instrument!
What is my child signs up and doesn't like it?
Band is a year long commitment. There are no guarantees in life but I can almost guarantee that every student goes through a phase of "not liking it" once the newness wears off. However, this usually passes in time and by the time kids reach May, they are hooked. We want to avoid the option to make impulsive decisions. For this reason, and many others, it is important for you and your child to understand that this commitment is for the full school year.
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Will my child have after school rehearsal?
Beginners only rehearse after school 2-3 times per year, and those dates are given well in advance.
Older students in performing bands rehearse only once a week either before or after school, on a day determined between the band directors and students.
Does band conflict with sports/cheer?
We have many of the star athletes of the school in our band program. Students are encouraged to do both. This is their time in life to explore. The band directors and coaches work together to make sure students can participate in both.
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Should we start now or later?
Development in band takes time and dedication. The earlier you start your child the better. Your child should begin band in 6th grade in Beginner Band and then participate in Performing Band in 7th and 8th grade. While a few students will start later, those students usually find themselves in a class of mostly younger students.
More elective spaces will open in your child’s schedule in 7th and 8th grade so your child will have opportunities to explore art, theatre, shop, etc. in those years. It is best to begin them in band in 6th grade if at all possible. In order to participate in band in high school, students must join band in middle school!
Great! How do we sign up?
Make sure you select band as your top elective choice.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact one of the band directors and we will get back with you as soon as possible.
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