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BAND FAQ
IS BAND A CLASS? WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU DO IN BAND?
Band is a fantastic opportunity to learn a musical instrument that can be continued for the rest of your child's life. Beginning Band is a year-long class. Class is 48 minutes every day, just like any other class at school. Skills develop slowly at first. Parents and students must be patient and committed in order to be successful in band.
WHY SHOULD MY CHILD JOIN BAND?
The Milton-Union Band Program is home to kind, hard-working, well-behaved students. Every member is essential to the program's success. Being a member of band is an invaluable experience. Members at all levels learn life lessons about teamwork, accountability, perseverance, responsibility, focus, and self-discipline. Being a member of the band provides an opportunity to be creative and learn an art they can do for a lifetime. Due to the unique nature of learning to play a musical instrument, I encourage students to begin band in 6th grade.
WHAT IS INVOLVED OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY?
Band is a performance based class. Band members have at least three required performances over the course of the year. These performances are for a grade. Attendance is required.
In order to successfully perform, students must practice regularly outside of class. A minimum of 15 minutes each day is recommended. It is important to apply what is taught in class at home to hone their skills.
DO STUDENTS EARN A GRADE FOR BAND?
Yes! Students earn a grade on their report card in Beginning Band like any other subject. Grades included, but are not limited to, performances, practice records, in class participation, being prepared for class, and playing assessments.
IS PRIOR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE NEEDED TO BE IN BAND?
Not at all! It is my job to teach! I will provide all the information your student will need to be a successful instrumentalist. The beginner method books are designed for those who have no musical training. I teach everything from the foundations of reading music to the mechanics of the instrument your child selects to play. You will have the opportunity to hear your child's progress at the concerts throughout the year.
WHAT INSTRUMENTS ARE OFFERED IN BEGINNING BAND?
Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion are offered in beginning band. You can learn about these on the page. Saxophone is offered to students who have completed beginning. If you are interested in Saxophone, you should begin on the Clarinet. Students who are interested in percussion must complete an audition. The 6th Grade Band is limited to six percussionists.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT INSTRUMENT MY CHILD WILL PLAY?
Due to 2020 circumstances, students did not get to try instruments at school. Students should explore the page and go the store to try instruments. You may want to call to set up an appointment. This trial is recommended, but not required. Sometimes students are very interested in an instrument only to find out they perform better on something else. I recommend the instrument the student gets the best sound on during the trial. Students enjoy band more if they are successful right away rather than struggling to get a sound.
WHAT OPTIONS DO WE HAVE FOR OBTAINING AN INSTRUMENT?
The rule of thumb when it comes to purchasing and instrument: You Get What You Pay For!
You can get instruments at some stores new for cheap and sometimes used instruments for cheap. Way more often than not, these are not quality instruments. You will spend money on repairs and it will be more difficult for your child to be successful. Contact Mr. Roberts if you have questions about the quality of an instrument.
I strongly recommend the rent to own program at . Their program is terrific.
WHAT ABOUT ATHLETICS AND OTHER EXTRACURRICULARS?
I believe students should particpate in as much as they possibly can during their time in school. All Middle School Bands are curricular during they day. Aside from the several concerts throughout the school year, there are no outside rehearsals and therefore, no conflicts. In high school, we have had every possible athletic group represented. I encourage students to do athletics, even during marching band! It is not uncommon for there to be starting football players in the marching band. We will make it work. Do it all!!!
CAN I STILL PLAY WITH BRACES?
Absolutely! Many students with braces play musical instruments successfully. There is usually a transition period as the students gets used to the braces. There are some things that can help make it a more comfortable experience that you can talk with Mr. Roberts and your Orthodontist about. The transition usually only last about a week.
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