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

1. Should my child take private lessons?
2. Can you recommend a private teacher for my child?
3. Can a sixth grade student who does not play an instrument take band at Classen
4. Does my child need their own instrument to be in band?
5. Where can I rent an instrument for my child?
6. Can you help my child determine which instrument would be best for him/her?
7. How offen is my child expected to practice their instrument?
8. Is one instrumental music brand just as good as another?

Should my child take private lessons?

Yes, if at all possible.  Private lessons are a key element of musical 
instruction.  Lessons allow students to get one on one guidance from an 
expert on their instrument with the problem solving and special techniques 
so necessary to the mastery of an instrument.  This is a great resource for 
any music student but is especially helpful for those who wish to audition 
for honor groups, compete in a solo/ensemble or prepare for careers in music.

Back to Top

Can you recommend a private teacher for my child?

Yes, I can...Feel free to call me during my plan time or after school and I 
will give you the name and number of a teacher I would recommend.

Back to Top

Can a sixth grade student who does not play an instrument take band at Classen

Yes.  A student who has a major outside of band can enroll in band class.  
No prior musical experience is necessary to enroll in band if your child is 
a sixth or seventh grader.

Back to Top

Does my child need their own instrument to be in band?

Students who expect to play a flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone or 
percussion should furnish their own instrument however, Classen has a few of 
the instruments listed for students to check out during their first year of 
instruction.  Students who plan to play percussion must rent a bell kit.  
Students who wish to continue on to Intermediate band should rent or 
purchase their own instrument if possible.  Don't leave band because you 
can't afford to rent or purchase an instrument.

Back to Top

Where can I rent an instrument for my child?

There are several locations to rent instruments that can be found in the 
yellow pages such as, Larsens Music, Edmond Music, and Jenkins Music.

Back to Top

Can you help my child determine which instrument would be best for him/her?

Yes, during the first few days of classes your child will be given a music 
aptitude test and an opportunity to play different instruments to help 
determine which instrument would be best for them.  Mr. Irons will make a 
recommendation based on several factors including need  (It would be 
terrible to have a band of all percussion students).

Back to Top

How offen is my child expected to practice their instrument?

Beginning Band students are expected to practice at least 20 minutes a day.  
Intermediate and Advanced band students are expected to practice at least 30 
minutes a day.  HS students are expected to practice 30 to 45 minutes a 
day.

Back to Top

Is one instrumental music brand just as good as another?

No matter where you go to rent or buy your intrument, you need to be on the 
lookout for cheap, imitation, "off brand" instruments, especially those made 
in Taiwan.  These instruments are mass-produced pieces of junk.  These 
instruments can be poorly constructed and reputable repair shops won't touch 
them.  Stick with one of the major instrument brands such as; Armstrong, 
Artley, Bach, Benge, Besson, Blessing, Buffet, Bundy, Conn, Gemeinhardt, 
Getzen, Jupiter, King, LeBlanc, Ludwig, Noblet, Olds, Pearl, Selmer, Vito 
and Yamaha

Back to Top