Beginner Band

Why Band?

• Music students score an average of 6 points higher on ACT and 107 points higher on SAT than non-music students.

• 70% of colleges and universities say arts involvement factored in college acceptance

• 66% of accepted medical students are music majors

• Part of a community - part of a team

• Boosts confidence and self-esteem

How does each student choose their instrument?

• Testing - We will be conducting all testing virtually via Google Meet due to Covid-19.

• Selection - I will recommend which of your preferences I feel would be the most successful option for you during your Google meet. We can decide during the meeting what you will play, or you can discuss and email me your final decision.

• Remember! It takes all instruments to make a band!

What does each student need to bring to beginner band class?

• Their instrument, music binder, the red Traditions of Excellence book for their instrument, and a pencil

What are the after-school commitments in beginner band?

These are our typical commitments - Each of these are subject to change due to Covid-19.

• Fall Lock-In

• Holiday Concert (December)

• For the Love of Music Workshop (February)

• Spring Concert (May)

• Spring Lock-In

What are the costs associated with beginner band?

• Your primary cost is in securing your band instrument, either through rental or purchase.

• Uniform - Band Uniform (personalized band shirts and khaki pants). Shirts will be available for purchase in the fall. You may wear any khaki pants you choose; we do not have a specific pair to purchase this year.

• We ask each family for an optional FairShare donation of $50 to cover the costs of music, PPE, supplies and equipment at the beginning of the year. Our program relies on donations and fundraising to provide all of our instruments, equipment, music and resources.

• Events such as lock-ins and For the Love of Music have small additional costs to pay clinicians and purchase snacks/dinner for the students.

Securing an instrument for beginner band

• Quality is Key! It is important for students to begin instrumental music instruction on a good quality instrument which is maintained in proper playing condition.

• Avoid ISO’s (Instrument Shaped Objects): If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is! Remember, you get what you pay for.

There are numerous options for securing a band instrument:

• Rental or Rent-To-Own Programs **Recommended Route for Beginners**: We are very fortunate to have several local music stores who can provide your student with the instruments and accessories they will need to succeed in band!

  • • Local Music Stores:

      • Gadsden Music - 4800 Whitesburg Drive; (256) 880-6344

      • Hallman’s Music - 1920 Sparkman Drive; (256) 830-2303

      • Music and Arts - Brick and Mortar building coming soon; Online services with a once-weekly visit from a representative; https://www.musicarts.com/rentals; Huntsville representative - Ariel.Owen@musicarts.com; (256) 275-5893

      • Southeastern Music - 3308 9th Avenue; (256) 539-5906

• Purchase: Our local music stores can assist with this process as well. We encourage you to use caution when purchasing used instruments. Instruments who have been stored for long periods of time can require extensive maintenance. I recommend you have any used instruments checked by a local music store before you purchase.

• Rental from School: We have a few instruments available through the school - primarily euphoniums, tubas and some French horns. These instruments are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Mrs. Parker at emily.parker@hsv-k12.org if you have questions about school rentals.

Private Lessons

While private lessons are not required, I highly recommend you look into these personalized lessons for your student. It helps challenge students and keep them engaged in everything we are doing.

A list of local music professionals and approved Huntsville High band students who are available to teach lessons will be coming out this fall. These lessons are offered in person and/or virtually.