Each Instrument is Unique and Fun

Just like a sports team, not everyone can play the same position.  Not everyone who "really wants to" play a certain instrument will be able to.  Certain physical and personality characteristics are better suited to certain instruments.  Our goal is to place you on the instrument on which you will be the most successful. 

Click here to see what instruments are available for you to play

How much money will this cost?

Our local music companies offer an instrument rental program.  This program is perfect for beginner students who may be "experimenting" with their commitment to something new.  The rental program protects you from investing money in an instrument while not being 100% certain that your child will continue in his or her band instruction.  After your child's first year, it is suggested that you trade in the rental instrument for a higher quality instrument for purchase on a monthly payment plan. 

A select number of school-owned instruments are available for students with great financial need as well as instruments that are too expensive to rent.  There is an annual maintenance fee for school-owned instruments. 

How much time will this take?

As a beginning band student, there are four to five (required for a grade) concerts and performances outside regular school hours.  Students will also be required to engage in regular home practice - your band "homework".  Our home practice requirements of 20 minutes a day, 6 days a week leave plenty of time for participation in other activites and for schoolwork.  

Will being in band affect my child's grades?

YES - research shows that participation in band will affect your child's grades for the better.  On average, students who participate in school music organizations score 89 points higher on standardized tests like the SAT than students without musical coursework.  Also, 70% of the nation's major universities report that participation in a musical organization is a higher consideration than standardized test scores for admission decisions. 

DID YOU KNOW....  66% of college music majors who applied for medical school in 1996 were accepted while only 44% of biochemistry majors were?

Can my child participate in other activities and band?

YES!!!  Not only is participation in other organizations possible, it is HIGHLY encouraged!  However, it is important to remember that commitment to the band program and practice time is necessary.  Many of the skills each student will learn in band (teamwork, accountability, etc.) will be GREAT assets toward their participation in athletic programs or any other organization.  In fact, many great athletics, actors, professional musicians, and Presidents were active in band.