Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. In what grade should my child start band?
2. Can my child be in band and still participate in sports?
3. Can my child play any instrument that he chooses?
4. How much does it cost to be in band?
5. How much should my child practice each day?
6. Will my child be given a grade for band?

In what grade should my child start band?

The time to start band is in the 6th grade.  The 6th grade beginner band is 
scheduled 5th and 7th period during the school day. We offer this class at 
two different periods in order to avoid conflicts in schedules.  Sometimes it 
is possible  to start in the 7th or 8th grade, but these students have to 
work extremely hard to catch up with the others who started in the 6th 
grade.  These students are classified as "late beginners" and are taught 
separately in a 7th period class.  The best time to start is in the 6th grade 
in order to be ready for high school band in the 9th grade.

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Can my child be in band and still participate in sports?

Since band is a regular scheduled class, it does not interfere with sports 
and cheerleading.  We have students in both Jr. High and high school band who 
also participate in football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, 
track, cheerleading, swimming, gateway music and other activities.  We have 
great coaches and sponsors who work well with the band students to make it 
possible for them to participate in band and other activities.

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Can my child play any instrument that he chooses?

The first thing that we do in beginner band is to let every child try out on 
every instrument several times.  There are some instruments that some 
children will never be able to play successfully due to a particular dental 
structure, the size and shape of the lips and other factors.  Normally most 
children will be able to play the instrument that is his/her first or second 
choice.  Most of the time, the student will be able to tell if he/she will be 
able to get a good sound easily and that helps in the decision.

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How much does it cost to be in band?

The only charge that is made by the school is a small band fee of $10.00 a 
semester for beginners and $20.00 a semester for all other grades.  This 
money is used to purchase t-shirts,  books, music, pay entry fees to clinics 
and solo and ensemble as well as provide transportation to these events.  
All students do have to provide their own instruments.  Some students already 
have one in the family.  Others can be bought in the community or at 
local music stores.  We do provide a meeting where parents can purchase 
instruments from a music company on a �rent to own� basis.  This is usually 
the best deal.  You don�t have to invest a large amount of money to let your 
child try band and all of the rent will be applied to the purchase of the 
instrument.  It can also be insured during this time.  The music company has 
new and used instruments so the price can vary greatly.  The larger (and more 
expensive) instruments are provided by the school and students are switched 
from beginner instruments to these during the 7th and 8th grade.

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How much should my child practice each day?

Practicing is a very important part of band.  Students are given playing 
tests that must be practiced for in order to receive a good grade.  Practice 
time is their home work in band.

In order to practice outside of class, it is obvious that students must take 
their instruments home each day.  If students leave their instruments at 
school each day, then it is impossible for them to be practicing at home.  
This directly affects their progress in band as well as their grade.

Students are required to practice a minimum of 100 minutes per week outside 
of class.  This is an average of 20 minutes, 5 days a week.  A student does 
not have to practice 20 consecutive minutes but may choose to practice in two 
10 minute sessions.

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Will my child be given a grade for band?

Yes.  All band students receive grades on their progress reports and reports 
cards.  Students are usually given an individual playing test weekly.  
Students are given 20 points each day for class participation that cumulates 
to a weekly daily grade of 100 when they have successfully participated all 
week.  Students must have their instruments each day in order to receive 
their daily participation points.

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