Beginning Band Information and FAQ
My student is not in elementary school, is it too late for them to join band?
Students may start band in 5th- 8th grade but please understand that the longer you wait the more challenging it will be for your student and the more unfair it will be to those more experienced in the ensemble. If your student joins band for the first time in 7th or 8th grade, please make sure they understand that they will need to work extra hard to develop the same skills as other students in band. I have had several students join later and meet or exceed ensemble expectations. Students wanting to start band in high school should forecast for Instrumental Independent Study. GPA, Attendance, and behavior referrals will be considered as only two students may take this course each semester.
How do we sign up for band or choir?
St. Mary's: Beginning band students can complete and return the form they were given in June or parents can contact Mrs. Simpson.
MAMS and JFK: Forecast for band in the Spring or speak to your school counselor.
When is band?
Band is scheduled during the regular school day. If your student participates in band, they will still participate in PE and other specialty options. All 5th grade St. Mary’s students will participate in either band or choir. No general music classes will be offered. In 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, students will choose between band and other options. JFK students may take band in addition to other courses offered at JFK. Contact the school counselor for more details.
How much does it cost?
A list of fees and policies from Uptown Music is included on this website. All school fees must be paid promptly in the office of the school your student attends. No money will be collected by the school at Band Night. Students with outstanding fees the second week of band class will be removed. If you need to make special arrangements for payment, please contact the band director.
6th Grade band students may have $5 of this fee waived if they supply their own method book.
Any method book or page of sheet music that is damaged, lost, or heavily marked must be replaced by the student. Books are about $15, original copies of music are $1-$8 each.
Take care of your music!
What do we need to get?
Required materials vary by instrument and ensemble. Students must have ALL required materials within the first two weeks of band class. Regular rehearsals at St. Mary’s will begin after O’Fest.
Where do I get that stuff?
Instruments:
Most Retailers
Pros:
Pros:
Each rental program is different- please visit the store of the music retailer nearest you for more details. DO NOT buy an instrument off of the internet, Craigslist or at Pawn Shops. Many of those instruments are unclean, may be expensive to repair, or are usually of poor quality. The above music retailers sell/rent/repair new and used instruments.
My family owns an instrument. How do I know if it’s any good?
Take it to one of the retailers listed above. Repairs can sometimes take up to a week depending on how busy the repairman is. Most brass instruments simply need to be cleaned and lubricated (for instructions, visit the band website). Most woodwind instruments will need to have pads replaced and keys adjusted. I recommend taking care of cleanings and repairs at the beginning of the summer or as soon as possible. Your band director can only make minor adjustments and recommendations.
Which instrument is “right” for my child?
There is no “right” or “wrong” instrument for any child. The only thing that determines their success on the instrument is how hard they are willing to work. If a child chooses an instrument they like, they will be more likely to practice and be successful, rather than playing an instrument because their family wants them to. Students may change instruments one time during their first year. Any instrument changes must be initiated by both the parent and the student and approved by the band director.
Why should my child join band or choir?
Why not? Band is an excellent avenue for children to express themselves, make friends, and find a place where they belong. Exceptional students can audition or apply for honor band in high school. These honor bands can provide opportunities for music scholarships (you don’t have to major or minor in music to get one!), national and international travel, a chance to work with incredible musicians, and so much more. 7th-12th grade ensembles participate in regional and state competitions and musicians get into sporting events free when they perform. Additionally, only a handful of the population can play an instrument. Your student will be joining this elite and exclusive group! I constantly hear from people how they wish they had learned to play an instrument; I have never heard someone say that they regretted learning to play an instrument.
Why are there fees?
There is a yearly band fee for middle and high school students to help cover the costs of sheet music, instruments, equipment, festivals, transportation, performance attire, honor band scholarships, and more. Instrument rental fees help to cover the cost of routine repairs and cleanings. Instrument cleaning costs vary from $45-$200 and routine repairs can cost between $20 and $500.
It’s so expensive. Can I really afford it?
In Mt. Angel, it is our belief that finances should not prevent a student from growing. In extreme cases, alternative solutions can be found. If you find yourself in hardship, please talk to your band director or principal.
Why are only some instruments available to beginners?
Flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and percussion are the basic instruments for a band and the least challenging to learn and take care of. After spending time learning one of these instruments, a student can move on to a larger or more difficult instrument like the Saxophone, French horn, Oboe, or Tuba.
Why isn’t there violin, guitar, cello, or viola?
String instruments are taught in a much different way than wind or percussion instruments which causes confusion amongst learning musicians. Additionally, the materials required for these instruments are expensive and difficult to maintain, especially with younger students. If a student learns how to play the instrument on their own time with their own resources, they may join band but must understand that they will be playing music written for other instruments which will be more challenging and frustrating for them.
What if my student doesn’t like the instrument they chose? Can they switch?
Students can switch instruments one time in their first year. If they switch instruments too frequently, they wouldn’t have spent enough time on the other instrument to truly begin to learn how to play it. Kids think that musicianship comes easily and often don’t realize the amount of hard work and time put into learning how to play. Students may switch to a more challenging instrument transitioning to their second, third, or fourth year. Students learning a new instrument in high school must learn it on their own time and perform at the appropriate level.
Can band affect my child’s grades in other subjects?
Studies have shown that band has a positive influence on most students’ grades. Poor grades are typically a result of insufficient application rather than insufficient time. Band teaches self-discipline, perseverance, the value of preparation, and the pride of accomplishment. As a result, band students typically average higher grades than non-band students. It can also be an excellent motivator: to participate in band in middle and high school, students must be passing a minimum of 5 classes (including band) and display good attendance (similar to participating in athletics). The fear of being ineligible for band could be the motivation a student needs to maintain their grades and come to school.
Can a kid fail band?
Band can be the easiest or most challenging class they take and it is entirely up to them. All of the skills learned in band are built upon as the age increases. Ensemble expectations to demonstrate skill proficiency are simple: practice, do well on playing quizzes, attend performances, bring required materials every day, and complete assignments. Students who do not meet the ensemble expectations find themselves earning grades lower than a 3 (C in middle or high school). Students who do not demonstrate proficiency will not be eligible to join band in 7th grade and above as those are advanced, fast paced ensembles where more technical skills are learned. Students may rejoin if they pass an audition, which is the final from the previous semester for the ensemble they hope to join. Sectionals and private lessons are available to help students develop skills but private practice and rehearsal participation are vital to student growth and success.
Why are there requirements to continue with band?
As students grow older and move to more advanced ensembles, it is important that they develop the skills necessary to succeed in that ensemble. Students who do not practice, have poor attendance, are a regular disruption in class, or do not participate impact the overall success of the ensemble. Band is a privilege, not a right and it is not fair for other students’ learning to be impacted because one student cannot perform at the required level.
How can we be sure they won’t drop out of band?
When you find the answer to that one, let me know! We can never completely predict what children will do, but we can provide every opportunity with encouragement and hope they will take advantage of them. Even if a student drops out at some point, the experience of having been in band will have a lasting value that is likely to be treasured. If a student wishes to drop band at any point for any reason, they must complete a reflection assignment and get signatures from the parents/guardians and the band director. This reflection is designed to really make them think about their choice and many students who complete it ultimately stay in band and are thankful later.
My child is involved in so many activities. Can they really take on another?
Band students are often involved with many other interests and school related activities. This makes them some of the most well-rounded and busiest students in the school. There can be plenty of time every day if the time is well managed. The experience of prioritizing and managing tasks often proves to be a valuable lesson learned.
My student plays a sport, wouldn’t they have to give up band in high school?
Not at all! There is so much more to band than playing for games. We have concerts, festivals, solo competitions, honor bands, and other performances. Pep band and drum line are just small glimpses of what we do. No student should have to give up one part of their education to participate in another and provisions can be made for students with multiple interests.
How can we encourage our child in his/her music?
Your respect for your students efforts is sure to have an effect on what they consider valuable. Take time to listen to them practice, attend concerts and performances, and give compliments as they are deserved. Please refrain from joking or kidding about their efforts in the early music years, their confidence is fragile as they become familiar with the instrument.
Why do middle school students have to play for high school football games?
The answer is simple: experience. By the time musicians get into 7th grade, they have only performed in front of an audience a handful of times. Playing in the pep band gives them an opportunity to play songs they know in a relaxed environment where we are not the feature. The more a musician performs, the more comfortable they will become at performing. Unfortunately performance anxiety never truly goes away, but musicians learn coping skills and strategies by performing more often.
If you still have questions, visit the performing arts, school, or OSAA handbooks or email your band director
[email protected]
My student is not in elementary school, is it too late for them to join band?
Students may start band in 5th- 8th grade but please understand that the longer you wait the more challenging it will be for your student and the more unfair it will be to those more experienced in the ensemble. If your student joins band for the first time in 7th or 8th grade, please make sure they understand that they will need to work extra hard to develop the same skills as other students in band. I have had several students join later and meet or exceed ensemble expectations. Students wanting to start band in high school should forecast for Instrumental Independent Study. GPA, Attendance, and behavior referrals will be considered as only two students may take this course each semester.
How do we sign up for band or choir?
St. Mary's: Beginning band students can complete and return the form they were given in June or parents can contact Mrs. Simpson.
MAMS and JFK: Forecast for band in the Spring or speak to your school counselor.
When is band?
Band is scheduled during the regular school day. If your student participates in band, they will still participate in PE and other specialty options. All 5th grade St. Mary’s students will participate in either band or choir. No general music classes will be offered. In 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, students will choose between band and other options. JFK students may take band in addition to other courses offered at JFK. Contact the school counselor for more details.
How much does it cost?
A list of fees and policies from Uptown Music is included on this website. All school fees must be paid promptly in the office of the school your student attends. No money will be collected by the school at Band Night. Students with outstanding fees the second week of band class will be removed. If you need to make special arrangements for payment, please contact the band director.
- $5 Method Book rental
- $50 Instrument rental
- $25 Percussion rental
- $15 per year for 6th-12th grade
6th Grade band students may have $5 of this fee waived if they supply their own method book.
Any method book or page of sheet music that is damaged, lost, or heavily marked must be replaced by the student. Books are about $15, original copies of music are $1-$8 each.
Take care of your music!
What do we need to get?
Required materials vary by instrument and ensemble. Students must have ALL required materials within the first two weeks of band class. Regular rehearsals at St. Mary’s will begin after O’Fest.
- First Year/5th Grade Band: Standard of Excellence Book 1 (Red Cover) for your instrument
- Flute: Pencil, cleaning kit
- Clarinet*: Pencil, reeds (size 2 or 2 ½ ), cork grease, cleaning kit
- Trumpet: Pencil, valve oil, tuning slide grease, cleaning kit
- Trombone: Pencil, slide cream, spray bottle, tuning slide grease, cleaning kit
- Percussion: Pencil, practice pad, wood tip sticks
Where do I get that stuff?
Instruments:
- Rent from the school
- Uptown Music (Keizer, OR)
- Willamette Valley Music co. (Salem, OR)
- Canby Music (Canby, OR)
- Rent a used book from the school for $5
- Uptown Music (Keizer, OR)
- Willamette Valley Music co. (Salem, OR)
- Canby Music (Canby, OR)
- Hi-School Pharmacy (Silverton, OR)- reeds and books only
Most Retailers
Pros:
- Better quality instruments
- Option to rent a new or used instrument
- Lubricants provided
- Repairs built into your rental fee
- Most programs are rent to own, even if your student switches instruments
- Uptown repair man visits the schools!
- Instruments are regularly professionally repaired and cleaned
- More expensive (monthly payments)
- Requires a credit check
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Easier to switch instruments (but you will need to pay for both instruments)
- No credit check required
- One time payment
- Heavily used instruments only
- Can be more expensive if your student damages the instrument
- Can be frustrating or discouraging to work on an unreliable instrument
Each rental program is different- please visit the store of the music retailer nearest you for more details. DO NOT buy an instrument off of the internet, Craigslist or at Pawn Shops. Many of those instruments are unclean, may be expensive to repair, or are usually of poor quality. The above music retailers sell/rent/repair new and used instruments.
My family owns an instrument. How do I know if it’s any good?
Take it to one of the retailers listed above. Repairs can sometimes take up to a week depending on how busy the repairman is. Most brass instruments simply need to be cleaned and lubricated (for instructions, visit the band website). Most woodwind instruments will need to have pads replaced and keys adjusted. I recommend taking care of cleanings and repairs at the beginning of the summer or as soon as possible. Your band director can only make minor adjustments and recommendations.
Which instrument is “right” for my child?
There is no “right” or “wrong” instrument for any child. The only thing that determines their success on the instrument is how hard they are willing to work. If a child chooses an instrument they like, they will be more likely to practice and be successful, rather than playing an instrument because their family wants them to. Students may change instruments one time during their first year. Any instrument changes must be initiated by both the parent and the student and approved by the band director.
Why should my child join band or choir?
Why not? Band is an excellent avenue for children to express themselves, make friends, and find a place where they belong. Exceptional students can audition or apply for honor band in high school. These honor bands can provide opportunities for music scholarships (you don’t have to major or minor in music to get one!), national and international travel, a chance to work with incredible musicians, and so much more. 7th-12th grade ensembles participate in regional and state competitions and musicians get into sporting events free when they perform. Additionally, only a handful of the population can play an instrument. Your student will be joining this elite and exclusive group! I constantly hear from people how they wish they had learned to play an instrument; I have never heard someone say that they regretted learning to play an instrument.
Why are there fees?
There is a yearly band fee for middle and high school students to help cover the costs of sheet music, instruments, equipment, festivals, transportation, performance attire, honor band scholarships, and more. Instrument rental fees help to cover the cost of routine repairs and cleanings. Instrument cleaning costs vary from $45-$200 and routine repairs can cost between $20 and $500.
It’s so expensive. Can I really afford it?
In Mt. Angel, it is our belief that finances should not prevent a student from growing. In extreme cases, alternative solutions can be found. If you find yourself in hardship, please talk to your band director or principal.
Why are only some instruments available to beginners?
Flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and percussion are the basic instruments for a band and the least challenging to learn and take care of. After spending time learning one of these instruments, a student can move on to a larger or more difficult instrument like the Saxophone, French horn, Oboe, or Tuba.
Why isn’t there violin, guitar, cello, or viola?
String instruments are taught in a much different way than wind or percussion instruments which causes confusion amongst learning musicians. Additionally, the materials required for these instruments are expensive and difficult to maintain, especially with younger students. If a student learns how to play the instrument on their own time with their own resources, they may join band but must understand that they will be playing music written for other instruments which will be more challenging and frustrating for them.
What if my student doesn’t like the instrument they chose? Can they switch?
Students can switch instruments one time in their first year. If they switch instruments too frequently, they wouldn’t have spent enough time on the other instrument to truly begin to learn how to play it. Kids think that musicianship comes easily and often don’t realize the amount of hard work and time put into learning how to play. Students may switch to a more challenging instrument transitioning to their second, third, or fourth year. Students learning a new instrument in high school must learn it on their own time and perform at the appropriate level.
Can band affect my child’s grades in other subjects?
Studies have shown that band has a positive influence on most students’ grades. Poor grades are typically a result of insufficient application rather than insufficient time. Band teaches self-discipline, perseverance, the value of preparation, and the pride of accomplishment. As a result, band students typically average higher grades than non-band students. It can also be an excellent motivator: to participate in band in middle and high school, students must be passing a minimum of 5 classes (including band) and display good attendance (similar to participating in athletics). The fear of being ineligible for band could be the motivation a student needs to maintain their grades and come to school.
Can a kid fail band?
Band can be the easiest or most challenging class they take and it is entirely up to them. All of the skills learned in band are built upon as the age increases. Ensemble expectations to demonstrate skill proficiency are simple: practice, do well on playing quizzes, attend performances, bring required materials every day, and complete assignments. Students who do not meet the ensemble expectations find themselves earning grades lower than a 3 (C in middle or high school). Students who do not demonstrate proficiency will not be eligible to join band in 7th grade and above as those are advanced, fast paced ensembles where more technical skills are learned. Students may rejoin if they pass an audition, which is the final from the previous semester for the ensemble they hope to join. Sectionals and private lessons are available to help students develop skills but private practice and rehearsal participation are vital to student growth and success.
Why are there requirements to continue with band?
As students grow older and move to more advanced ensembles, it is important that they develop the skills necessary to succeed in that ensemble. Students who do not practice, have poor attendance, are a regular disruption in class, or do not participate impact the overall success of the ensemble. Band is a privilege, not a right and it is not fair for other students’ learning to be impacted because one student cannot perform at the required level.
How can we be sure they won’t drop out of band?
When you find the answer to that one, let me know! We can never completely predict what children will do, but we can provide every opportunity with encouragement and hope they will take advantage of them. Even if a student drops out at some point, the experience of having been in band will have a lasting value that is likely to be treasured. If a student wishes to drop band at any point for any reason, they must complete a reflection assignment and get signatures from the parents/guardians and the band director. This reflection is designed to really make them think about their choice and many students who complete it ultimately stay in band and are thankful later.
My child is involved in so many activities. Can they really take on another?
Band students are often involved with many other interests and school related activities. This makes them some of the most well-rounded and busiest students in the school. There can be plenty of time every day if the time is well managed. The experience of prioritizing and managing tasks often proves to be a valuable lesson learned.
My student plays a sport, wouldn’t they have to give up band in high school?
Not at all! There is so much more to band than playing for games. We have concerts, festivals, solo competitions, honor bands, and other performances. Pep band and drum line are just small glimpses of what we do. No student should have to give up one part of their education to participate in another and provisions can be made for students with multiple interests.
How can we encourage our child in his/her music?
Your respect for your students efforts is sure to have an effect on what they consider valuable. Take time to listen to them practice, attend concerts and performances, and give compliments as they are deserved. Please refrain from joking or kidding about their efforts in the early music years, their confidence is fragile as they become familiar with the instrument.
Why do middle school students have to play for high school football games?
The answer is simple: experience. By the time musicians get into 7th grade, they have only performed in front of an audience a handful of times. Playing in the pep band gives them an opportunity to play songs they know in a relaxed environment where we are not the feature. The more a musician performs, the more comfortable they will become at performing. Unfortunately performance anxiety never truly goes away, but musicians learn coping skills and strategies by performing more often.
If you still have questions, visit the performing arts, school, or OSAA handbooks or email your band director
[email protected]