FAQs about Band

 

1.  How often does the Band class meet, and is it after school?

 

Band is a pull-out during the school day and meets two times per week, in most cases once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

 

2. How much does it cost to rent a Band instrument?

 

Rental fees vary, so you may want to check with a couple of stores to decide what would work best for you.  Generally, rentals are $20-$30 per month, with some larger instruments going up to $70 per month.  Some stores also offer other incentives.  A sample list of local music stores is included in the instrument assignment letter that will come home after the first Band class.

 

3. I saw some really inexpensive instruments on the Internet; isn’t that cheaper than renting an instrument?

 

It may be cheaper, but it is not better.  Most of the instruments you are seeing were made cheaply in China of inferior materials.  Once they start falling apart our local repair technicians will not try to repair them.  They are often more difficult to play, which makes students give up quickly out of frustration. A beginner needs a quality instrument, and our local music stores will stand behind any instrument they rent to you if a repair or replacement becomes necessary.

 

4. We have an old instrument that has been passed down through the family, can we use that?

 

Yes.  Indicate that on the Band Registration form (special considerations) and ask Mrs. Batdorf or an instrument repair technician to look at the instrument to see if it requires any repairs before being used.  Sometimes an old instrument is beyond its useful life and is not worth repairing.

 

5. Our family can’t afford to rent an instrument, what can we do?

 

Contact Mrs. Batdorf, and we can see what options are available. 

 

6. What books or supplies do I have to provide?

 

Every student must have their own copy of The Standard of Excellence, book one by Bruce Pearson for the instrument they play and a pencil.  Books will be provided to all band students. The instrument case needs a luggage tag with the student’s name on it. 

 

Flute players need a cleaning rod and soft cloth.  Clarinet and saxophone players need at least 3 working reeds in their case at all times and a cleaning swab.  Trumpet and trombone players need a bottle of valve oil and a soft cloth to wipe fingerprints.

 

7. My child is resisting joining the music program, but I really think music is important.  Should I force him to participate?

 

No.  Your life will be miserable.  You will get tired of trying to force your child to practice and success and enjoyment will not happen without practice.  Keep the option open and the discussion going, your child might change his/her mind if they see their friends participating and having fun.

 

8. My child has lots of after-school activities and may only be able to practice once a week, is that okay?

 

No.  Once a week practicing is not enough to learn an instrument.  Music is a commitment that requires regular work.  For beginners, Mrs. Batdorf recommends practicing 15-20 minutes any 5 days during the week.

 

9. My child is struggling to play the instrument and is getting frustrated, what do I do?

 

Contact Mrs. Batdorf and let her know what is going on (she probably already knows the student is struggling).  She may recommend trying a different instrument, giving the current instrument a little more time, or suggest private lessons which offer more one-on-one help and guidance.

 

10. When is the best time to buy an instrument rather than rent?

 

Once the student has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to their instrument there are several considerations.  Depending on the music store you rent from, they may provide some type of incentive to either purchase the instrument you are renting, or applying some or all of your rental payments to a purchase. 

 

Purchasing a used instrument from a private party can be cost effective if you know what you’re looking for, and the other party agrees to let you have the instrument evaluated before you make the actual purchase (usually by a qualified repair technician).  In general, a used instrument in like-new condition would sell for approximately 50% of the retail price.