Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I am not sure if I want my child to do band?
Remember
when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always
said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Band is the same
way. Your child should sign up for band even if you or they are unsure.
If at some point you decide that band is not for you, drop the class.
It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late
when everyone else has already started.
What if I don’t know anything about music?
That’s
ok! We will teach your child everything they need to know, step by
step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes
and rhythms, we will guide your child through the process. All that is
needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your
child comes home and makes their first sound.
How much out of school time is required?
Band
is no different than any other curricular area. We ask that your child
spend some time with their instrument each and every week. Think of it
as musical homework, but much more fun. There are no before school or
after school practices required in Beginner Band.
What instrument should my child play?
The
answer depends on a variety of things, but in the end, it is most
important that the play something that they enjoy. We encourage you to
visit the website www.bepartoftheband.com,
watch the different instrument videos with your child, and discuss the
different options. We will also help guide your child based on his/her
musical interests, physical make-up, and instrument availability. Your
child knows what they want, you know your child, and we know music.
Together we will find the instrument that they will not only enjoy but
will give them the best chance of musical success.
What are the costs?
The
costs associated with band depend on which instrument your child
chooses and if you already own an instrument. We wish funds were
available for us to provide every child with an instrument, however,
this is simply not possible. The school may have certain instruments
available for at school use. If not, you can rent a quality instrument
from a local music store at a very reasonable price. If financial
constraints prevents you from being able to do this, please contact us
and allow us to help. We will not let instrument availability or
financial constraints keep your child from participating.
How do I procure an instrument?
The
school provides many of the larger and more expensive instruments. We
encourage students playing smaller, less expensive instruments to either
rent or purchase their own instrument. We will be sending home a list
of recommended instruments and local instrument dealers. There will
also be a "band drive" at B.L. Gray Jr. High where instrument dealers
will be present, and you will be able to make arrangements for your
child's instrument rental or purchase.
What if I have other questions?
Please
know that we are here to answer any and all questions that you may
have. Our Music Department phone number is 580-5300 ext. 1105 during
the school year and ext. 1245 during the summer. You could also email
us at [email protected] with any questions.