1. How does the instrument selection process work?
Fifth grade band students will see a demonstration of the band instruments that are offered during the first or second week of school. Once they have seen the demonstrations and have a better idea of what instrument they think they might like to play. Students can select two instruments that they would like to try out. Students will then come in to try the instruments that they selected. Mrs. Witmer will work with the students to help them select the best instrument for them: an instrument that they will enjoy playing AND an instrument that they will find success playing.
2. How does the instrument rental process work?
Once the students have completed the instrument try-out process and have selected a band instrument, there will be a parent information meeting on the evening of back-to-school night. During this meeting, parents will receive information about renting an instrument from a local music store. More information regarding this meeting will be sent home via email. Please do not purchase an instrument on the internet! There are many instruments available for a inexpensive price that do not sound good or work well. If you want to buy an instrument, please send a message to me (Mrs. Witmer) and I can give you information on what to buy.
3. How do instrumental lessons work?
Students will have one lesson per week, which will usually occur on the same day each week. The only time that students might have a lesson on a different day than usual is when there is a shortened week of school for either a holiday or another special circumstance that would be noted on the lesson schedule. Lessons rotate weekly so that the students do not miss the same class each week. Students are responsible for making up the work that they miss when they are out of the class for music lessons.
4. When and how frequent are band rehearsals?
5th grade band typically meets twice each week for 40 minutes. Students are either in 1st period band on Tuesday/Thursday or in 8th period band on Tuesday/Thursday. Students are assigned to one of these bands based on their homeroom teacher. This year (2021-22), we will begin the year having students attend only one rehearsal each week. We will let parents know when students will attend two band classes each week.
5. What is Mix Band?
Mix Band is a select music group comprised of students all sections of band. It is for students who demonstrate advanced skills on their instrument. Students are selected for the Mix Band after the first concert in February by the director. Rehearsals begin in late February and are after school. Students selected for this ensemble consistently demonstrate the following behaviors: 1. Demonstrate an advanced of musicianship on their instrument. 2. Attend lessons and band rehearsals prepared and regularly. 3. Demonstrate a positive attitude and intrinsic desire to improve their skills and the skills of their ensemble.