What instruments are in the Band?

Anything that you have to blow air into (also known as ‘wind instruments’) such as the flute, trumpet, french horn, etc. as well as percussion. Percussion consists of more than just drums; you must also learn how to play a variety of different instruments including the timpani, chimes, and xylophone (which is laid out just like a piano). There are also opportunities for students who play things like guitar, bass, piano, etc to play in our after-school Jazz Band.

In 6th grade, beginning Band students start the year on one of “The Big Four” (Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone/Euphonium). As we move through the year, students will have the opportunity to try-out other instruments, like percussion, tuba, saxophone, french horn, etc. By the end of their 6th grade year, there will be 13 different types of instruments playing on stage together!

When does the Band rehearse?

The band meets every school day during one of the students’ Related Arts periods. There will be occasional rehearsals before or after school just before concerts/performances, but the vast majority of rehearsals happen just during the kids’ daily Band class.

I have never played an instrument before or read music. Will I still be able to join Band?

Absolutely! No prior experience is necessary. Most students entering the band program in the 6th grade start at the ground level with no experience, so that is where we start with everyone. If you can already read music or play an instrument, then you will just have a little bit of a head start. 

I play sports and/or do other after school activities. Can I still participate in Band?

Yes, and you should! Talented kids are usually talented in multiple areas, and they should be given every outlet and opportunity to see success. Especially the first year in Band, there are very few commitments outside of our normal class meeting time and practicing at home. For those other occurrences, we will send out a calendar for the entire year on the first week of school so you can see everything that we’ll be doing, and plan accordingly. As long as you communicate what your needs are, we are happy to work with you on anything schedule related. 

We have a few days at the beginning of the year when we meet after school to help us get started, as well as 2-3 after school rehearsals before our winter and spring concerts. 6th graders perform at least 3 concerts throughout the course of the year, and our concerts are always fun events where friends and family can come and celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.

Can I still do Band if I am in orchestra or chorus?

Absolutely! Students would be in band during one related arts class period and chorus or orchestra during the other. We have students who participate in multiple performing arts successfully all the time. Much of the knowledge and skills are even shared between the different classes!

How long will it be before I can play my instrument?

It’s a bit of a complicated answer, but generally I explain it like this- When someone first decides to become a pilot, the first step is certainly not to just hand them an airplane and hope for the best. There’s a bit of background information and knowledge required before you can expect them to even attempt to fly successfully. Band works in much the same way. We will spend the first few weeks of class learning the basics of reading music, counting rhythms, and learning instrument basics so that when the instruments do arrive, they can focus their attention primarily on playing.

On the first day that we all play our instruments together, it’s going to sound very…interesting :). Over the next three months, however, we will gradually learn more and more about how to make a good sound, reading rhythms, and playing together as a group. By Winter Break, you will have played a concert with recognizable music—and you will sound great doing it!

Do you go on any trips during the year?

Yes, we take a trip to Carowinds in the spring. We play at their annual music festival and find some time to go on the rides, too. Our 7th and 8th graders take an annual trip to either Disney World or Universal Studios in Orlando, FL.

How will I know what instrument I will play?

We will have a Spring Mouthpiece Fitting Night on May 9th. During that event, professional musicians will come to Laing and students will be able to play all of the instruments we offer. EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT SURE ABOUT BAND FOR NEXT YEAR, YOU’RE WELCOME TO COME AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK!

From there, we look at instruments on which we think you would be highly successful, and that you would enjoy playing. For example, if you tested incredibly well on trombone, but the thought of playing trombone is completely unappealing to you, then we won’t make you play it. On the other hand, if you always wanted to play the flute, but the tester determines that you would have a very difficult time learning it, then we will look for something else that works for you.

This event will be followed a few days later by First Steps Day in the Fall,  an event where professional musicians give an introduction to each section on how to start playing (and properly caring for) your instrument.

Speaking of instruments, how will I get one?

We are partnered with Music and Arts, which gives a discount on most instruments to beginning band students. We have some instruments that can/will need to be rented from the school, but the majority of students will be renting through Music and Arts.

Is there a limit on how many kids can join?

Not at all! We had nearly 200 kids in the whole program this past year. We want as many students 

participating as possible. As I always tell the kids, the bigger we are, the better we can be, and the more

fun we can have! We welcome you to encourage anyone who might also be interested to join.

How much is all this going to cost?

Prices of instruments and where you rent your instrument from depends on what you play, but expenses are something we can always be flexible about if a student wants to be a part of the Band. If they rent an instrument from the school, we can often waive the fee.

We also have a band fee of $200 that covers costs that the county does not pay for such as music, clinicians, festival fees, uniforms, books, materials, etc. This is due in installments and can also be offset by fundraising and scholarships for students whose families are in financial need. That fee can also be reduced or waived if needed. 

A student will never be denied the opportunity to be in Band due to finances.

I might not do band this year. Can I sign up in 7th or 8th grade?

In most cases, the answer is no. Band is a very sequentially structured class; things that are learned in 6th grade are built upon in 7th grade and 8th grade. If you want to join the band program, this is the year to start and see if you like it.

I still have some questions. Where can I get more information?

If you are still unsure about joining and want more information, you may contact us at laingmsband@gmail.com.