Do I need to be able to read music to join band?
Nope. That's my job! :) You'll learn how to read music in band class! As well as play your instrument, and be an expressive musician.
What instruments are in band?
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophones of several varieties, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba and Percussion- sometimes string bass.
What do we do in band?
We'll spend time learning how to play our instruments, read music, take care of our instruments and perform on a stage. Most of the class is hands on, playing music. We won't usually spend time writing or reading in the traditional sense, but you do need a pencil every day. We'll put on 2-5 concerts a year in various places to share what we've learned and our performances with an audience. In band you become a family. It's place where you'll make friends with people from all different groups and cliques and make music together.
How do I get an instrument?
There are several options for getting an instrument:
1. Rent to own
This is by far the best option. It ensures quality of the instrument, a warranty and repair plan, and students take better care of an instrument that is theirs. Rent to own also allows for easier future upgrades as switches if a student decides to get serious or try another instrument. Oftentimes music stores will apply your credit toward a better instrument or different instrument. We have a rental night at the beginning of every year where you can talk to music stores about this more in depth. Here is a list of trusted retailers in the Denver Area.
2. Purchase Used
This is a great option as well. Sometimes there are very good deals out there. Please ask Mrs. Reardon for help and review of the instrument when purchasing used. This is to help YOU get the best deal and ensure you are getting your money's worth!
3. Purchase new
Also a great option. The best places to purchase new are from trust music retailers which you can find here. Again it's a great idea to get Mrs. Reardon's help before purchasing an instrument!
Two good rules to abide by when buying a new instrument:
1. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If the price seems way below the trusted retailers it's going to likely be a waste of money, time and huge source of frustration for you, your student and myself.
2. Don't purchase an instrument from a retailer you could also purchase underwear or toilet paper from.
4. Rent from the school. We have a few instruments for rent in the school. You will be responsible for the well being of the instrument while it's in your care. A fee of $125 a year will be added to your fee schedule for general maintenance of the instrument and the instrument is returned at the end of the school year. This is a great option if you are unsure if you want to play an instrument but want to try it, want to play a really big or expensive instrument like the Tuba, or are on free and reduced lunch. Not all instruments are available from the school and it is first come first served. Instruments we absolutely have available are Tuba, Euphonium/Baritone, French Horn, Bassoon, Bari Sax, and Flute. After the first year all percussionists will "rent" the percussion equipment from the school but bell/snare sets are not available for rent from the school in 5th grade.
Nope. That's my job! :) You'll learn how to read music in band class! As well as play your instrument, and be an expressive musician.
What instruments are in band?
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophones of several varieties, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba and Percussion- sometimes string bass.
What do we do in band?
We'll spend time learning how to play our instruments, read music, take care of our instruments and perform on a stage. Most of the class is hands on, playing music. We won't usually spend time writing or reading in the traditional sense, but you do need a pencil every day. We'll put on 2-5 concerts a year in various places to share what we've learned and our performances with an audience. In band you become a family. It's place where you'll make friends with people from all different groups and cliques and make music together.
How do I get an instrument?
There are several options for getting an instrument:
1. Rent to own
This is by far the best option. It ensures quality of the instrument, a warranty and repair plan, and students take better care of an instrument that is theirs. Rent to own also allows for easier future upgrades as switches if a student decides to get serious or try another instrument. Oftentimes music stores will apply your credit toward a better instrument or different instrument. We have a rental night at the beginning of every year where you can talk to music stores about this more in depth. Here is a list of trusted retailers in the Denver Area.
2. Purchase Used
This is a great option as well. Sometimes there are very good deals out there. Please ask Mrs. Reardon for help and review of the instrument when purchasing used. This is to help YOU get the best deal and ensure you are getting your money's worth!
3. Purchase new
Also a great option. The best places to purchase new are from trust music retailers which you can find here. Again it's a great idea to get Mrs. Reardon's help before purchasing an instrument!
Two good rules to abide by when buying a new instrument:
1. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If the price seems way below the trusted retailers it's going to likely be a waste of money, time and huge source of frustration for you, your student and myself.
2. Don't purchase an instrument from a retailer you could also purchase underwear or toilet paper from.
4. Rent from the school. We have a few instruments for rent in the school. You will be responsible for the well being of the instrument while it's in your care. A fee of $125 a year will be added to your fee schedule for general maintenance of the instrument and the instrument is returned at the end of the school year. This is a great option if you are unsure if you want to play an instrument but want to try it, want to play a really big or expensive instrument like the Tuba, or are on free and reduced lunch. Not all instruments are available from the school and it is first come first served. Instruments we absolutely have available are Tuba, Euphonium/Baritone, French Horn, Bassoon, Bari Sax, and Flute. After the first year all percussionists will "rent" the percussion equipment from the school but bell/snare sets are not available for rent from the school in 5th grade.