Schalmont’s Music Department would like to ask our 4th grade families to please help them select an instrument for their children for 5th Grade Band next year.
Please use the online form below to select a 1st and 2nd choice instrument for your student. Please complete by Sunday, June 21.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Middle School Band Teacher Mr. Spacher at sspacher@schalmont.net. Thank you.
5th Grade Band FAQ
When can my child join the band program?
The best time for your child to join is the start of 5th grade! Everyone starts from square one and we build our skills and knowledge as a team. This is the first time students have a choice in their school schedule. Encourage your child to say “yes” to new opportunities!
Will my 5th grader get to play their top choice instrument?
Short answer: Likely!
Long Answer: We can guarantee that every student will be able to play an instrument! We ask that all families put down the top two instrument choices at sign up. We assign students either of these two instruments or a closely related third instrument. As band directors, we need to ensure an even spread of the ensemble across the different instrument sections. Additionally, we need to cap certain instruments at a certain level based on equipment availability and orchestration of band pieces.
Can we switch instruments during the band program?
Instrument switching is reserved mainly for students who are not showing success and growth on their current instrument. Switching instruments causes issues in ensemble spread. Also, students will need to start from the basics on a new instrument while the rest of the band is already several months or even a couple years into playing. A better option for passionate musicians is to add a second instrument outside of school! Many Schalmont students play a second instrument in after-school ensembles such as Jazz Band and Marching Band!
How do we obtain an instrument?
Most families secure an instrument through a company called John Keal Music. They make deliveries to our school and provide high quality instruments for an affordable price! There are other means to secure an instrument too. Do not buy instruments from Amazon or other large chain stores. These instruments cause more issues (music and financial) than they are worth. Please know that every child is welcome to participate in the band program and we will work with families on securing an instrument!
Is 5th Grade Band a full year commitment?
No. However, every student is highly encouraged to participate the full year. If we are within a month of one of our concerts, they are required to participate through that performance.
How often will my child have band class?
Every student has one band lesson per week. This is a small group lesson on their specific instrument where they develop their skills for playing. We rotate the period of the lessons so they miss the same class as infrequently as possible. The lesson is always the same day of the week.
They also have band rehearsal once every four school days! This will appear on their schedule for 5th grade. This is when all the instruments meet together and put together the pieces for concerts.
When do we sign up for band?
An instrument demonstration at Jefferson will take place in June. Sign ups for band will take place shortly after!