Beginning Band Common Questions
To help explain about Beginning Band, here are some frequently asked questions:
What is Beginning Band?
Beginning Band is a music ensemble made up of brass, percussion, and woodwind instruments. A Band differs from an orchestra in that the band does not involve the use of string instruments. In Band, the students are taught the basic fundamentals of playing their chosen instrument. The concepts that the students learn in Beginning Band carry over to the work that they will do in the band as they progress to the middle school and high school. This is also the first elective class choice that students are offered.
Does my student need to know how to read music to be in the band?
Students are not required to have any prior musical training to be in the Beginning Band. Not only are the students taught the basics of playing their instruments, they are taught how to read notes from the music at the same time. Everyone learns from the same book; making it possible for all the instruments to play music together…even on the very first day.
What is the time commitment? Band does require a commitment of time; however, it is not unreasonable by any means. Students are required to practice at home. This is the only way that they will make progress and get better at playing. Students who do not practice do not get better and will most definitely get bored and frustrated. The key to success in band is PRACTICE! There also a few concerts.
There are concerts???
Yes, typically we perform one concert in the winter and one in the spring for our friends and family.
Can you still do sports if you are in band?
YES!!!! We here at Richmond Middle encourage all students to be involved in as much as possible! We work with the coaches to ensure students can do both.
Can my child quit if they don’t like it?
Sixth and Seventh grade is a time of transition from childhood to young adulthood. I believe that part of growing up is following through with commitments. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible for a student to know for sure if they will like being in the band program until they have completed a full year in the band program. We view the band program as a multi-year experience in which students grow and learn through practice and performance. When a student signs up, it is a full one-year commitment.
O.K….How much is this going to cost?
Students must provide their own instrument in order to be in band. Most parents acquire band instruments on a rent-to-own basis from a music store. We suggest Port Huron Music because they provide good value and have top-notch products and service. Southern Thumb in town will be reopening but call ahead to see if they are still renting through A&G Central Music. Depending on which instrument your student plays, the brand, and the age of the instrument, rent-to-own programs usually run between $20 and $60 per month. Costs can almost always be kept down by choosing to rent a used or previously-rented instrument instead of a brand new one. Some instruments also have the added cost of buying replacement reeds at regular intervals. For specific prices, please contact the music store directly.
Port Huron Music A&G Central Music
2700 Pine Grove 51170 Romeo Plank (near 23 Mile Rd)
Port Huron, MI 480620 Macomb, MI 48042
810-984-5081 586-677-3784
It is suggested, but not required, that students take lessons from a private instructor outside of school. This is a great way to get extra practice time in and one-on-one time with an expert instructor of your instrument.
There are a few instruments that the school loans out to you, these instruments are generally too expensive for most people to purchase. This can be discussed if you student wishes to play one of these instruments. If money is an issue and your child wants to still be a part of the band, please email me and we can try to make some kind of arrangements for you!
My child wants to be in band…how do we get an instrument?
Can I just go to Walmart or get one from eBay?
We recommend that parents contact Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb to acquire a band instrument. 90% of our band students use instruments from Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb because they make it affordable to own a band instrument and it is convenient. To make this convenient for you, representatives from Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb will be coming to our school to hold an informational/rental meeting one evening during the second week of school next fall (date to be announced). It is not necessary to order an instrument before this time. On the evening of the meeting, representatives from Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb will go over their rental and purchase programs and you will be able to order an instrument at that time. You will get to take an instrument home that night! Books and stands will also be available for sale.
I strongly discourage parents from purchasing instruments from Walmart, Sam’s Club, or other department stores. These instruments are very inexpensive; however, they are of poor quality. All instruments need service from time to time. Some music stores now refuse to repair these cheaper instruments because they are not repairable and parts are not available for them.
Also, it is not recommended that instruments be purchased “sight-unseen”. Purchasing an instrument via the Internet (i.e. eBay) is risky. For instance, a clarinet that may be for sale online may be only a few years old and looks very good; however, it may have been stored improperly causing the fragile pads to fail. Upon receiving such an instrument, a $200 repair would be needed to repair this right from the start just to make the instrument playable!
It really does pay to get an instrument from a reputable store such as Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb. Plus normal repairs and cleanings are included in the cost of your rental! Which means no unexpected costs if you drop your instrument or it needs to be cleaned. Contact the music store for details. Walmart and eBay instruments do not have this convenience.
My child’s older brother/sister was in band. Can we just use their instrument?
If your child is happy playing the same instrument that a sibling or relative once played in band, you certainly may use their instrument as long as the sibling is not currently using it in their band class. If the instrument has been in storage for a long period of time, it will likely need service to make it playable again. I will gladly inspect it for you to make sure it is in good playing condition. Or you can take it to the music store over the summer to be looked at and/or cleaned.
What is Instrument Fitting and when is it?
All students will go through instrument fitting, if anything just for fun! This is the process by which we determine a good instrument match with your student. By now, your child may have some choices in mind. Instrument fittings is helpful in determining which instrument your child may be successful at based on their physical characteristics (teeth structure, finger length, etc).
Port Huron Music will begin fitting all prospective band students during the school day in March. If your student is absent this day they can visit Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb to be fitted.
Can my child play which ever instrument they want?
Students probably have already formed opinions on which ones they like better than others. At the fittings they can choose up to two instruments to try. Fittings will help them decide if they can make a sound on the instruments. As long as your child is able to produce a sound on the instrument and we believe that they will be successful, they may play their first choice. We must also take into consideration the balance in the band. If there are too many students wishing to play any one instrument, some students may be encouraged to go with their second preference. It would be like a football team where everyone wanted to be the quarterback. We also need receivers and linebackers! Ultimately it is the student and parent’s choice, but if the student does not make a sound on that instrument they may get discouraged early. Once they choose an instrument it is best to stick with that instrument for the entire year unless it is discussed with the band director.
So, What Are My Choices?
Check out the instrument brochure for more info in instruments! Most 6th graders choose one of the following instruments:
Woodwinds: Flute • Clarinet • Alto Saxophone • Tenor saxophone
Brass: Trumpet / Cornet • French Horn • Trombone• Baritone
Percussion (including drums, bells, cymbals, etc.)
I want to join band….how do I sign up?
Select BAND as your top elective on your schedule for 6th grade!! If you didn’t sign up and change your mind, contact me or Mrs. May in the counseling office as soon as you can.
If you have any additional questions regarding the Band Program, please do not hesitate to ask. Mrs. Schack may be reached by e-mail or telephone.
Molly Schack
mschack@richmond.k12.mi.us
727-3225 ex. 3125
What is Beginning Band?
Beginning Band is a music ensemble made up of brass, percussion, and woodwind instruments. A Band differs from an orchestra in that the band does not involve the use of string instruments. In Band, the students are taught the basic fundamentals of playing their chosen instrument. The concepts that the students learn in Beginning Band carry over to the work that they will do in the band as they progress to the middle school and high school. This is also the first elective class choice that students are offered.
Does my student need to know how to read music to be in the band?
Students are not required to have any prior musical training to be in the Beginning Band. Not only are the students taught the basics of playing their instruments, they are taught how to read notes from the music at the same time. Everyone learns from the same book; making it possible for all the instruments to play music together…even on the very first day.
What is the time commitment? Band does require a commitment of time; however, it is not unreasonable by any means. Students are required to practice at home. This is the only way that they will make progress and get better at playing. Students who do not practice do not get better and will most definitely get bored and frustrated. The key to success in band is PRACTICE! There also a few concerts.
There are concerts???
Yes, typically we perform one concert in the winter and one in the spring for our friends and family.
Can you still do sports if you are in band?
YES!!!! We here at Richmond Middle encourage all students to be involved in as much as possible! We work with the coaches to ensure students can do both.
Can my child quit if they don’t like it?
Sixth and Seventh grade is a time of transition from childhood to young adulthood. I believe that part of growing up is following through with commitments. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible for a student to know for sure if they will like being in the band program until they have completed a full year in the band program. We view the band program as a multi-year experience in which students grow and learn through practice and performance. When a student signs up, it is a full one-year commitment.
O.K….How much is this going to cost?
Students must provide their own instrument in order to be in band. Most parents acquire band instruments on a rent-to-own basis from a music store. We suggest Port Huron Music because they provide good value and have top-notch products and service. Southern Thumb in town will be reopening but call ahead to see if they are still renting through A&G Central Music. Depending on which instrument your student plays, the brand, and the age of the instrument, rent-to-own programs usually run between $20 and $60 per month. Costs can almost always be kept down by choosing to rent a used or previously-rented instrument instead of a brand new one. Some instruments also have the added cost of buying replacement reeds at regular intervals. For specific prices, please contact the music store directly.
Port Huron Music A&G Central Music
2700 Pine Grove 51170 Romeo Plank (near 23 Mile Rd)
Port Huron, MI 480620 Macomb, MI 48042
810-984-5081 586-677-3784
It is suggested, but not required, that students take lessons from a private instructor outside of school. This is a great way to get extra practice time in and one-on-one time with an expert instructor of your instrument.
There are a few instruments that the school loans out to you, these instruments are generally too expensive for most people to purchase. This can be discussed if you student wishes to play one of these instruments. If money is an issue and your child wants to still be a part of the band, please email me and we can try to make some kind of arrangements for you!
My child wants to be in band…how do we get an instrument?
Can I just go to Walmart or get one from eBay?
We recommend that parents contact Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb to acquire a band instrument. 90% of our band students use instruments from Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb because they make it affordable to own a band instrument and it is convenient. To make this convenient for you, representatives from Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb will be coming to our school to hold an informational/rental meeting one evening during the second week of school next fall (date to be announced). It is not necessary to order an instrument before this time. On the evening of the meeting, representatives from Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb will go over their rental and purchase programs and you will be able to order an instrument at that time. You will get to take an instrument home that night! Books and stands will also be available for sale.
I strongly discourage parents from purchasing instruments from Walmart, Sam’s Club, or other department stores. These instruments are very inexpensive; however, they are of poor quality. All instruments need service from time to time. Some music stores now refuse to repair these cheaper instruments because they are not repairable and parts are not available for them.
Also, it is not recommended that instruments be purchased “sight-unseen”. Purchasing an instrument via the Internet (i.e. eBay) is risky. For instance, a clarinet that may be for sale online may be only a few years old and looks very good; however, it may have been stored improperly causing the fragile pads to fail. Upon receiving such an instrument, a $200 repair would be needed to repair this right from the start just to make the instrument playable!
It really does pay to get an instrument from a reputable store such as Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb. Plus normal repairs and cleanings are included in the cost of your rental! Which means no unexpected costs if you drop your instrument or it needs to be cleaned. Contact the music store for details. Walmart and eBay instruments do not have this convenience.
My child’s older brother/sister was in band. Can we just use their instrument?
If your child is happy playing the same instrument that a sibling or relative once played in band, you certainly may use their instrument as long as the sibling is not currently using it in their band class. If the instrument has been in storage for a long period of time, it will likely need service to make it playable again. I will gladly inspect it for you to make sure it is in good playing condition. Or you can take it to the music store over the summer to be looked at and/or cleaned.
What is Instrument Fitting and when is it?
All students will go through instrument fitting, if anything just for fun! This is the process by which we determine a good instrument match with your student. By now, your child may have some choices in mind. Instrument fittings is helpful in determining which instrument your child may be successful at based on their physical characteristics (teeth structure, finger length, etc).
Port Huron Music will begin fitting all prospective band students during the school day in March. If your student is absent this day they can visit Port Huron Music or Southern Thumb to be fitted.
Can my child play which ever instrument they want?
Students probably have already formed opinions on which ones they like better than others. At the fittings they can choose up to two instruments to try. Fittings will help them decide if they can make a sound on the instruments. As long as your child is able to produce a sound on the instrument and we believe that they will be successful, they may play their first choice. We must also take into consideration the balance in the band. If there are too many students wishing to play any one instrument, some students may be encouraged to go with their second preference. It would be like a football team where everyone wanted to be the quarterback. We also need receivers and linebackers! Ultimately it is the student and parent’s choice, but if the student does not make a sound on that instrument they may get discouraged early. Once they choose an instrument it is best to stick with that instrument for the entire year unless it is discussed with the band director.
So, What Are My Choices?
Check out the instrument brochure for more info in instruments! Most 6th graders choose one of the following instruments:
Woodwinds: Flute • Clarinet • Alto Saxophone • Tenor saxophone
Brass: Trumpet / Cornet • French Horn • Trombone• Baritone
Percussion (including drums, bells, cymbals, etc.)
I want to join band….how do I sign up?
Select BAND as your top elective on your schedule for 6th grade!! If you didn’t sign up and change your mind, contact me or Mrs. May in the counseling office as soon as you can.
If you have any additional questions regarding the Band Program, please do not hesitate to ask. Mrs. Schack may be reached by e-mail or telephone.
Molly Schack
mschack@richmond.k12.mi.us
727-3225 ex. 3125