Signing up for band is a big choice! Take a look at the information below before joining our program.
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FAQs
When is the beginner band camp?
Band Camp is August 11-14th. It is crucial that all students attend or have private lessons before the school year starts (to gain basic skills on the instruments). When the school year starts, students should be able to play the first few pages in their book which uses the first five notes on their instrument. There will be a concert at Noon on August 14th to end band camp
Band Camp Schedule:
August 11th, 12th, & 13th:
9:00am - 10:30am - All Trumpet, Tuba, Baritone, and Clarinet players
10:30am - 12pm - All Trombone, Flute, and Saxophone players
August 14th:
8:45am - 12pm - All musicians!
12pm - 6th Grade Band Concert!
Are there commitments outside the school day?
There are three public concerts for 6th grade throughout the year. The first concert will be on December 8th, 2025, the second on March 2nd, 2026, and the third on May 11th, 2026. Mark your calendars! Other than concerts, 6th grade band has no obligations outside the school day.
Is there a concert uniform?
Yes. Students are asked to wear ‘concert black’ clothes for concerts. Please plan ahead and purchase a nice black dress shirt, pants, and shoes. Colorful ties are allowed.
Does 6th grade band have pull-out lessons?
No. 6th graders have band every day, which means no individual lessons where they would miss other courses. Pull-out lessons are part of the band curriculum in 7th & 8th grade.
What lesson book do they use?
We use “Making Music Matter: Book 1” by Frank Ticheli. This can be found on Amazon, or through Eckroth Music. Please visit their website by clicking the purple button at the top of the page for Eckroth.
How do we go about getting an instrument?
Eckroth Music has been the most reliable store we work with. They make weekly trips out to the school to make deliveries or pick up repairs, which our families find convenient. You may also obtain instruments from family, neighbors, online, etc. Do not buy a low-quality instrument. If a trumpet, for example is in disrepair, check to see if it can be fixed and how much it will cost before you buy it. There is nothing more frustrating than a student working very hard, but their instrument doesn't work right. Please feel free to email or call me with questions regarding brand names, condition, or other issues.
What if my family cannot afford an instrument?
Please reach out to Ms. Tessier; the school may have ability to assist. Mr. Kleppe and Ms. Tessier firmly believe finances should not be the reason your child does not get to experience band. We’re here to help.
Is band required?
Nope! However, if your student decides against band, they will be required to take choir in 7th grade instead.
Starting Instruments.
All students will begin on one of the following instruments.
Advanced Instruments.
The opportunity to transfer to the following instruments is on audition basis following our first concert. Students must begin band on a starting instrument above.