What is middle school band? Middle school band is large group of student musicians that primarily play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Middle school band ensembles include: beginning band, developing band, intermediate/advanced band, pep band, and jazz band.
Do I have to know how to play an instrument to join? No. Most students who join beginning band do not know how to play an instrument and have little to no musical experience. If you have experience, this will be a plus as you learn your band instrument.
How do you receive grades for band? Music theory worksheets and exercises (rhythm, pitches, tuning, etc…) playing test, daily participation/etiquette, practice logs, and performances. These factors help students to recognize their strength and weaknesses. Although this is an elective, grades earned in this class do affect the student's overall GPA. CMS Grades on a 10 point scale. Formal Grades (i.e. tests and performances) are 65% where as Informal Grades (i.e. participation, worksheets, practice logs) are 35%. Besides, doing well on your instrument makes being in band a lot more fun.
How do I select an instrument? Know the options and become familiar with the demands of each. You never know what you’ll like until you try it. Even If you’re not thrilled with your selection, be encouraged. Most skills learned on your first instrument are transferable to others. We recommend learning about each instrument before fully committing to one. There are 3 primary instrument groups in the band family. The first is the woodwind family. These instruments include (but not limited to) Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Eb Clarinet, Bb Soprano Clarinet, Bb bass clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone. The second is the brass family. These instruments include (but not limited to) trumpet, french horn, trombone euphonium and tuba. The final group is percussion which basically includes anything you can hit, shake, or scrape. These instruments include (but not limited to) snare drum, glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, timpani, bass drum, drum set (funk, rock, jazz, latin), accessories (hand cymbals, suspended cymbal, tambourine, triangle and castanets). Once you’ve taken a thorough listen to all of the instruments and made your selections, we will collect note cards at the beginning of the school year and begin instrument testing.
Can my student play whatever they want? In most cases, the answer is yes. We take preference into account when creating the make-up of the band. Traditionally, students do a mouthpiece/percussion aptitude test. This assessment takes about 5-8 minutes and includes attempts of creating sounds on flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba and in special cases...percussion. The results are intended to gives the parents, students, and directors an idea of what instruments will give a child ease in the early days of creating sounds. There’s a lot of validity to this process and it is certainly tried and true. When veering away from the results of the instrument assessment, band can easily become frustrating and students can feel left behind. With that being said, when a student is determined to achieve, anything can happen. This child excelling on a preferred instrument that wasn’t their best score with the proper instruction and most importantly, work ethic. Will to win outweighs talent almost every time.
How much does band cost? Music instruction is an important part of our school curriculum. Here at Sedgefield Middle School the Band Department has worked hard to keep the cost of participating in band at nearly zero. The band department has enough high quality wind and percussion instruments in excellent working condition, where each student can be loaned one for school and at home use. Students that play larger instruments like bass clarinet, tuba, and euphonium will be issued two instruments. As long as the instruments are well cared for or don't go missing, any regular maintence or repairs will be taken care of by the band department. Also at no cost, each student will be issued an instrument specific method book that will be used in class and performances. Small goods such as reeds, oils, and cleaning materials are provided for a small fee. Band t-shirts are sold optionally for $15.00
Can I rent, purchase, or use an instrument I already own? Absolutely!!! After you've determined which instrument is best for you, consider renting before you make the investment of purchasing one. Instruments can be rented at any number of local music stores. When you rent, ask if the rental program fees will be applied to the eventual purchase price of a new instrument. You also want to ask if instrument insurance is included in the rental fee (in case something happens to the instrument). Lastly, you’ll want to confirm that the place of business you choose to support transfers credits to a different instrument should your child switch. If you choose to play an instrument that you already own, please make sure that it is in regulated playing condition before the start of school. Please consult with Ms. Kimpson or a reputable instrument repair shop to find out what condition your instrument is in.
When do we get our instruments? Instruments are generlly issued during the second week of school. This gives us a chance to make sure that each student is matched with an instrument they will be successful on, as well as ensure that we have a balanced isntrumention throughout the entire beginning band ensemble. Prior to taking home their instruments students must have the CMS Instrument Loan Agreement completed with parent contact information and signature. Also students must show a proficiency in correctly assembling their instrument, correct playing position, and basic maintenence procedures.
What other performing opportunities are available outside of School for band students? The best part about making music is playing with friends. Those friends don’t have to be limited to your home school. Throughout the year and during summer are a plethora of opportunities to perform and meet other talented and skilled student musicians just like you at neighboring schools across the county, district, state and country. Beginning in 6th grade, students are eligible to audition for the CMS District Middle School Honor Band, SCBDA Region Honors Band, the NC All-State Band, As well as the Charlotte Youth Orchestra. Summer music camps like those offered at UNCG, Queens College, Winthrop University, Charlotte Community School of The Arts, and many others, are available to middle school band students of various levels. These are all wonderful opportunities to perform in exceptional ensembles.
Can we try band and then drop it? NO!!! We believe that your student is mature enough to make a ONE YEAR commitment and sustain it. If you have concerns regarding your student’s participation and progress in band, please do not hesitate to contact your director. Should everyone be in band? Band at its best is a group of instrumentalists working in unison to create a musical experience that can only happen as a group. If you want a better experience than you can get individually and are willing to practice and commit to performances, then band is definitely for you!
Will the students perform in any concerts? Yes!!! Students love to show their progress. They will have a minimum of 3 concerts. The winter concert, spring arts night collaborative concert, and the spring band concert. Can I participate in sports and band? Yes, students can participate in band and school sports. It is very possible to take advantage of everything band has to offer while excelling in athletics. Students are eligible to participate in CMS Middle School Athletics starting in the 7th grade. All after school performances and activities are held on non game days. Many of our band members are multi sport athletes, and balance both activities along with their core studies just fine.