Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose an instrument?
3. How many concerts will I play?
4. Are the any after school commitments?
5. Can I be in band & sports?
- Join us at our parent meeting (online) Tuesday, March 4th for more information about instrument selection night!
- Our instrument fitting day is Saturday, March 8th. Students interested in percussion will be required to pick a wind instrument on the 8th, and attend a percussion audition Monday, March 10th.
- For safety reasons, we send the link out to the parent meeting after we receive your contact information from our counselors. If you don't hear from us by March 1st, or you're not sure if you selected band on your course-selection card just email Mr. Morales at [email protected]
- Purchasing an instrument is not required. Most of our students rent their instruments from the school, or a local retailer.
- Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone rent instruments from a local retailer. The rental companies will be at our instrument interviews so that you can visit with them and place an order if you'd like.
- Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Euphonium, and Tuba are rented through the school. School-owned instruments are in limited supply and must be divided among each class for use. These instruments also receive a home instrument for home practice.
- Percussion has a list of specific equipment they have to purchase.
- If a student and parent are not able to attend the beginner band instrument fitting, please e-mail Mr. Morales ([email protected]) and we will send an informational e-mail about instrument and rental options. If cost is a concern, please don't let that stop you from choosing to be in band, or the instrument of your dreams! We will always do our best to prevent money from keeping you out of band! Contact a director to speak about possible options.
3. How many concerts will I play?
- Three! We have our winter concert, spring concert, and festival/contest concert.
4. Are the any after school commitments?
- We have two after school rehearsals in the beginner band year for our full band concerts. One in December, and one in May. These will be announced ahead of time.
5. Can I be in band & sports?
- Absolutely! In 6th grade, there are no school sponsored sports, so there are no schedule conflicts. In 7th and 8th grade, many students participate in both band and sports. The directors and coaches work closely with students to schedule activities so they interfere as little as possible. There are many 7th & 8th grade students who are in band, athletics, and other organizations. Because of the unique nature of playing a musical instrument, we try to encourage students to begin band in 6th grade.
- We start all students from the ground up. We'll teach them how to read music, hold and assemble their instrument, and how to make play music!!!
- Definitely NOT! Instrument choices are not on a student's gender, but rather their desire to play that instrument. Instrument selection is based primarily upon the facial characteristics of the student, pitch recognition, and their personal choice.
- Instruments & supplies will be needed by the second week of school. Music companies will be at our instrument drive to assist with orders. If you rent from one of these companies, they will be delivered to school
- Rent! All rental payments apply towards eventual purchase of the instrument. Rental instruments also come with a protection plan in the event your student needs instrument repairs.
- Some used instruments are good bargains. But it depends on where you get it from. There are many pros to going through Music & Arts or H&H. Both stores offer insurance that makes repairs less costly & sometimes free. This insurance is often times offered as part of the instrument rental. When purchasing an instrument from Ebay or Facebook Marketplace you may end up spending more on repairs than the instrument is worth. If you do have a used instrument you're considering, make sure to reach out to us for additional help before making the purchase.
- Yes, we have limited supply of traditionally rented instruments. Students who play euphonium, oboe, bassoon, french horn, & tuba rent an instruments from the district because of the cost of renting these instruments at the music store. These instruments are assigned based on student aptitude and not financial need.
- It takes a village! We have an incredible private lessons staff & cant wait for your student to meet them. While, lessons are not required, they go a long way in helping students learn how to play their instrument at a high level.
- We strongly encourage oboe, bassoon, f horn, euphonium, & tuba students to take private lessons.
- Lessons are available for every level of student, and are a great way to give added support out of class. Our teachers specialize in their instrument, and help students that are needing more individual time, or are wanting to be pushed more!
