JES 5th grade Band Frequently Asked Questions
Band Sign-up for Johnsburg Elementary is Tuesday, May 7, 2019 in the North Band Room. Come anytime between 3:30 - 6:30 pm. Hopefully all that I will be sending home with the prospective band students will answer any questions you may have. Here are the answers to some of the more common questions I'm asked. Please feel free to call or email if you would like to discuss something further.
When can I sign up for band?
The Beginning Band Signup for JES is always in May. This year, it is Tuesday, May 7 in the North Band Room. If you CANNOT ATTEND, it is not a problem, but please contact Mrs. Storer soon as possible so she can help you get set up with the supplies you need.
My child already plays sports/Cheers/etc. after school. Can they still be in band?
ABSOLUTELY! In fact, most of the students in band at JES participate in some form of after-school activity. Band occurs before school and we only have 3 required concerts we give in the evening throughout the school year.
If Band is during the school day, how much class-time is my child going to miss and will they miss study hall?
Each band student has one small group lesson each week with 2-5 other students who play the same instrument. This lesson is 30 minutes, the same day each week. The 30 minute lesson time is rotated each week, so most students only miss the same 30 minutes once a month. I am very flexible in the instance that a student needs to stay in class every so often. I do have some flexibility to do make up lessons at other times if need be. This is not usually a problem.
Full Band is when everyone in band, all instruments come together to rehearse. This is usually most student's favorite part. Full band is held three mornings a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays before school at 8am. Students DO NOT miss any classroom instruction for full band. To aid in attendance, there is an activity bus that will pick your child up to take them to full band rehearsals before school.
Is my child responsible for classwork missed during their small group lesson?
Yes. Please do not let this scare you away from participating in band!! The VAST majority of children have no problem finding out what they missed.
How much money will it cost?
There is a small band fee of $44. Also, each child must provide their own instrument. The schools do own a very limited number of instruments that are reserved for students who might otherwise not be able to participate. Quinlan & Fabish Music offers an exceptional rent-to-own program, and their prices can be found at www.qandf.com. You will have an opportunity to rent an instrument from Quinlan & Fabish at our parent night in May If you already own an instrument, or find a quality-instrument somewhere else, you are welcome to use that too!
I already have an instrument, do I need to come to the Band Sign-Up in May?
If you already have an instrument, please be sure to contact Mrs. Storer. If you'd like to send the instrument into school with your 4th grader so I can take a look at it, that would be great. Otherwise, you can bring it to the sign up night in May and the technicians from Quinlan & Fabish can take a look to make sure it doesn't need any repairs. Your student will also need a book and other supplies like reeds/valve oil/etc. depending on what instrument they place. Quinlan & Fabish can take care of anything you need. Click HERE to find out what supplies your child will need.
I found an instrument super-cheap at the grocery store, should I get it?
Musical instruments are finely-crafted mechanisms, requiring extensive knowledge, skill and quality control on behalf of the manufacturer. A quality instrument purchased from a reputable music store has the potential to last a lifetime. Remember, you get what you pay for! Common, high-quality brands of instrument can be found at the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
How much time will I need to practice?
In order to develop the new skills that each band student is acquiring during each lesson, regular practice is a must. 3 or 4 times each week for 20-30 minutes will usually be just fine.