KOONTZ INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BEGINNING BAND Rising 6 th Grade Band Registration May 2, 2012

Q: Who can take 6 th grade beginning band? A: Any student entering the 6 th grade at Koontz Intermediate School.

Q: Can students wait and begin band in 7 th or 8 th grade? A: No. The beginning class is only taught in the 6 th grade.

Q: Is band a regularly scheduled class or is it an after school activity? A: Band is a regularly scheduled class.

Q: Is band a YEAR class or a SEMESTER class? A: Band is a year long class.

Q: Can students be in band and still play sports? A: Absolutely! We encourage students to be well rounded and physically active. School and community sports activities are usually after school and do not interfere with band class.

Q: What instruments are taught in 6 th grade beginning band? A: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion (drums) Students who have had previous musical training/lessons who can demonstrate more advanced music skills may be interested in oboe, bassoon, or French horn.

Q: Are students allowed to play any instrument they want to? A: Most students will be able to play their first choice (favorite), but we ask that all students have two instruments in mind in case we need to consider the second instrument. Mr. Ammons will help students choose the BEST instrument for them.

Q: Why would my child have to consider his/her SECOND instrument choice? A: Two reasons: 1) If we have too many numbers of a particular instrument (unbalanced instrumentation) 2) Physical mismatch

PHYSICAL MISMATCHES **Overbite or underbite (brass) **Teardrop shaped upper lip (flute) **Double jointed fingers (woodwinds, percussion) **Braces (trumpet, French horn)

Q: Is there a limit on the number of any instrument? A: Yes. Alto Saxophone and Percussion are limited. We do have to keep a good balance of instruments for the band to sound like a band. Generally we want twice as many clarinets as flutes and twice as many trumpets as trombones. TROMBONES ARE ALWAYS NEEDED!!

OUR TARGET NUMBERS… students Flute20-25 Trumpet 3Oboe4 French Horn 2Bassoon15-16 Trombone Clarinet3 Baritone 8 Alto Sax4-6 Tuba 2 Tenor Sax10-12Percussion

Q: Why is there a limit on some instruments? A: Sounds are like colors. To get vivid and interesting pictures, you need both dark and light colors. In music, we need both high and low sounds to make the music sound exciting and interesting. Would you settle for the 8 basic crayon colors if you could get 64?

Q: Are some instruments easier or harder to play than others? A: Yes & No. Each instrument has its own unique challenges, but since we start everyone from scratch at the beginning of the year, it is very easy to learn to play any of the instruments if students follow instructions. The oboe, bassoon, and French horn are a bit harder because they require a good musical ear.

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION ON THE MINDS OF PARENTS…

Q: How much is all of this going to cost me? A: It doesn’t cost as much as you might think. Family budgets are tight these days. You want an easy and affordable way to get the instrument your child needs for band class. Renting an instrument is that easy and affordable way…

Q: Why rent an instrument? A: Easy one to answer… 1. A quality name brand instrument 2. Service “after” the sale 3. Support from the store’s educational representative.

Q: Do I have to rent? A: No. You are free to get an instrument wherever you like – a family member, a neighbor, etc, but it must be in good playing condition before your child will be able to use it in band class. An established instrument brand is also important to look for…

IF YOU WANT TO RENT… Several local music stores are equipped to handle your band instrument rental needs. You can get more information from Mr. Ammons at the registration meeting on May 2 nd.

BUYER BEWARE! While all trumpets or clarinets may look the same, they are not all built with the same care and expertise. It is very easy to find yourself with an instrument that will fall apart rather quickly or one that will not play at all or is difficult to play at best. The #1 reason students quit band after the first year is a poor quality or unplayable instrument. Mr. Ammons cautions parents to know what to look for if purchasing an instrument rather than renting.

SUMMER CAMP! We are offering a summer camp opportunity to get your child off to a good start before school starts. Participation is not required, but your child will benefit from the experience. This year’s camp is being held at CANE CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL (June 11-15). Cost is $90.00 Applications for this year’s camp can be found at either the Koontz or Cane Creek band’s webpages and will be available at the registration meeting May 2 nd.

When is band registration? We will be registering students for next year’s 6 th grade band at Koontz on: Wednesday, May 2 nd 4:00 or 7:00 pm (Choose the time best for you) in the cafeteria Students must be accompanied by a parent. At this meeting we will help students choose an appropriate instrument and we will provide parents with information about instrument rentals, summer camp, and other important details to help students start the year on a great note!

I hope to see you on May 2 nd ! Anthony W. Ammons Band Director Koontz Intermediate School