Q: Does my student need experience? A: No! The students will learn how to read music, play an instrument, and perform through their middle school band career (6th grade - 8th grade). If your child already knows how to play an instrument (most likely from a previous school system or state), they will get positive reinforcement and a refresher on the fundamentals of music. This instruction will only make him or her better at what they already do well.
Q: Should I purchase an instrument? A: Please speak with Mrs. Tomei before purchasing an instrument to ensure you are receiving something that is of good quality and suitable for your child. 6th Graders should wait until AFTER the Instrument Fitting Night to obtain an instrument.
Q: When do students start playing instruments? A: 7th and 8th Graders will begin playing everyday in class on Monday, August 11th. 6th Graders will begin playing everyday in class on Monday, September 8th.
Q:Once students start with instruments, is there a place to leave them during the school day? A: Yes, there are cubbies in the band room where the students can leave their instruments in the morning before school starts on the way to homeroom. Instrument cases MUST be labeled before leaving them in the storage room during the day. Once their dismissal group is called, they should come and pick it up for at-home practice.
Q:Do instruments go home every day? A: Yes. Practicing is Band Homework. Reinforcement of each day’s class is crucial to the students’ success and continued growth. Tuba students will be given an at-home tuba for practice.
Q: Where do we rent an instrument? A: Most students rent their instrument from a music store. Ponce de Leon has been a trusted retailer in the past and if you order online, they will deliver the items to the school for you. Students who play an instrument like the euphonium, bassoon, french horn, or tuba will find it difficult to find an instrument rental at a music store. Those students will rent an instrument through the school.
Q: How do we start a school rental? A: For tubas, euphoniums, bassoons, and french horns, I have already included an instrument rental form in the packet sent home with your child. Please fill this out and return it, along with the paid Instrument Rental Fee. Once that is received, those instruments will begin going home as time during class allows. Please note that for sanitary reasons mouthpieces and/or reeds are not provided with school rentals.
Q: My child plays the tuba. Will they be expected to carry it to/from school? A: No. We are very blessed to have a class set of tubas and an at-home set of tubas. Students should bring their binder, book, and mouthpiece to/from home.
Q: What is the percussion usage fee? A: This fee covers the use of our in-class percussion equipment. Our band room houses several thousand dollars worth of percussion equipment, most of which can be quite delicate. Over the years we've had a few accidents (punctured snare drum head, knocked over vibraphone, and a shattered cabasa to name a few), and this fee helps us maintain or replace our percussion equipment if needed. Let's face it: middle schoolers are clumsy!