Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The band and orchestra teacher will take care of sending your child to the appropriate teacher in the fall during the interview process if the second choice is in a different music option (band or orchestra) that your child’s first choice.
2. Why do I have to give three choices of instruments if I am sure about what instrument my child wants to play?
The teachers want to have three choices so that they will know what direction to go in if the first or second choice does not work out (e.g.: a child cannot physically make a sound on his/her first or second choice instrument). Most students will get to play their first choice instrument, however.
3. Why would my child not be able to play his/her first choice?
The most common reason involves the physical characteristics of your child. Some children have difficulty producing a sound on some instruments. If that difficulty involves a first choice instrument, the child is encouraged to try a second choice to see if a sound is produced easier. A child stands a much better chance of success on an instrument that is easiest for that child to produce a sound. The music teachers want to give your child the best chance for success.
4. Should I go ahead and get an instrument for my child in order to get a head start for the fall? NO. We use the interview process in order for your child and the music teacher to come to the best choice of instrument together. In band, we teach your student how to produce a sound on all of the instruments. Then we use this interview process to narrow it to their final choice. All of the students will be starting at the beginning of learning their instrument in the fall.
5. How do I go about getting an instrument?
In the fall, the music teachers will send information home detailing the process of getting an instrument. Parents will be provided a list of music stores and flyers about rental programs as soon as the interview process is complete. Please do not get an instrument now.
6. May my child sign up for two music options? No. Students must choose between Band, Orchestra or Chorus only.
7. Which band instrument is the most difficult to play? It depends. An instrument may be very difficult to play for one student, while it may be very easy for another. The purpose of the interview process in the fall is to find out which instrument would be easiest for your child to play based on physical ability to produce a sound.
8. Does my child need to know at least something about playing an instrument before choosing band or orchestra? No. The music teachers assume that your child knows nothing about how to play a band or orchestra instrument. After the interview process and your child brings the chosen instrument to the first band class, the music teachers begin with how to open the case, how to assemble and disassemble the instrument and begin teaching proper care and maintenance. We will start your child from day one!
9. What if our family already owns an instrument that we would like for my child to play? The music teachers will make every effort to consider that without compromising your child’s ability to produce a sound easily. If that instrument is selected by the band director and your child, make sure that you take it by a band instrument repair shop to check for good playing condition.