6th Grade
Beginning Band
Homework:  None at this time.
Where do I purchase an instrument? 
     There are several places to purchase instruments.  This is a major purchase and we want to make sure you get a quality instrument.  Time and time again I have seen a student go through an entire year trying to keep up with his/her peers on an instrument that simply won't play.  That is so frustrating to the child and usually, they will drop out after such an ordeal.  Please read the information below carefully.  This is the most important decision you will make.
     There are lots of very low quality instruments being sold in large department stores that I strongly urge you to avoid.  One of the main reasons, is that there are no parts available for these and no repair technition will even try to work on these.  You WILL have some things go wrong with these and many do not play properly brand new.
     Many people try to purchase instruments from pawn shops.  This is very risky.  BRAND DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  Also, many things can be wrong with a used instrument.  If you are considering this, ask the pawn dealer if you can take the instrument to your director or a music repair person for inspection, before you make the purchase.  If the instrument is worth buying, they won't mind and this will insure that your child has success.
    I RECOMMEND that you purchase instruments from a SCHOOL MUSIC DEALER.  NEMS  will also host a band rental meeting on August 24th, at 6:30 pm.  Music Central will be there with instruments brands that I recommend.  They have a rental/purchase plan that is a great way to get started. 
How do I choose which instrument to play?
    During the first two weeks of school, we will be testing each child on the mouthpieces to determine which instrument will give you the most success.  There are only a certain number of spaces for each instrument and you must have the directors approval before making this decision.  Once we determine which instrument your child will play, we will be sending home some more information.
     Also, we require each student who plays percussion (drums) to have had piano lessons and be able to read music already.  This is the only prerequisite.  We have to do this because percussionists learn many instruments at one time.  Several of these instruments require the knowledge of a piano keyboard.  It would be impossible for them to keep up with the class without this prior experience.