Welcome to Fifth Grade Band!
Here is a brief introduction to the band to help you and your child get started this fall. Questions are always welcome!
Purchase or Rent? The cost of renting often applies to the purchase of an instrument, though not always 100%. Ask the individual stores to explain their rental program in detail, including how they handle repairs and maintenance. Shop and compare. You may save money by purchasing, even if your child stops playing after a year or two, depending on the resale value of the instrument. (The better the brand, the better the resale value.)
Where can I get an instrument? There is a list of local music stores below. Visit at least one of these stores with your child. They may allow your child to hold the instrument and “try it on for size”. This will give you an idea of what you are looking for. For your convenience, there are some fliers in the school office detailing the High School Music rental program.
Are there school instruments available? There are some school instruments available on a first-come, first-served basis. A $50 deposit is required. Contact me at durban@shlutheran.org if you would like more information.
Click here to download and print a Loan Agreement Form.
What about shopping online? There are good deals to be had online. There are also really bad ones. There are some online rental options included in the list of music stores below. These places will provide you with a reliable instrument.
If you like to shop online auctions, just be sure you know what you are looking for before purchasing. Look for the reliable brands that you learned about in your visit to the music store. Yamaha, Selmer, Conn, Bach, Bundy – these are just a few of the instrument makers that have been reliable for years. Jupiter is a relatively new brand that offers good quality instruments at a reasonable price.
When do we need an instrument? Fifth Grade Band begins the first full week of school, and we will start with instruments the first day of band. However, if you are able to get an instrument before that time it would give your child a chance to get a head start. Sign up for a few private lessons so your child can learn the basics of making a sound on the instrument before the first band lesson. Music stores offer private lessons, or you can contact me to schedule some. (Private lessons at Shepherd of the Hills are $20 for a 30 minute lesson.)
Will my child learn to read music in band? Yes, fifth grade band students learn to read music and they learn the basics of playing an instrument. So, private lessons are not required. But they are highly recommended. Private lessons provide a personal touch that is not possible in a group setting.
How often does the band meet? Fifth Grade Band meets twice a week from 2:20 – 3:00. Rehearsals are held in the school library, and you are welcome to observe any rehearsal.
Will my child perform in any concerts? Yes! There will be a Christmas concert, a spring concert, and an assembly. Christmas concerts are in the evening and usually during the last school week before vacation starts. Spring concerts are also in the evening during the middle of May, with the assembly a few days after the evening concert.
Will my child need a book for band? We will provide a book for each Fifth Grade Band member. However, as your child progresses he/she will probably want to “branch out” and play popular songs. RBC Music (rbcmusic.com) and Southern Music (southernmusic.com) both provide plenty of books and sheet music for you and your child to peruse and purchase.
Online Options
Music & Arts Locations around TX
Sheet Music, Interactive Drills, Videos and more