Beginning Band FAQ
Here are the answers to 3 of the most frequently asked questions.
by Mr. Peck
(CLICK HERE to view the 1st Beginning Band Letter that will be/was sent out.)
NOW...ON WITH THE FAQ'S
How Do We Get Started??
During the week of September 1st, I will visit each fifth grade classroom. While I am there, I will show the students a video entitled, "Band Blastoff," that lets the students see and hear each instrument. During the video, all fifth graders will be given a music aptitude survey to check their understanding of pitch, chords, melody, and rhythm. I will visit their school again during the week of September 8th, and give the students the opportunity to play each instrument. After looking at the students aptitude survey score and how he/she performed on the instruments, I will then make a recommendation to parents as to which instruments your student would be most successful starting on. (While it is not required that a student have taken piano lessons to play percussion, it is highly recommended.) In the next few weeks, your child will be bringing home more information about the beginning band program, including the Parent Meeting/Instrument Display Night which will be held Monday, September 15th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Pence multipurpose room.
How Much Will It Cost Me??
Acquiring a band instrument should not be thought of as an expense, but an investment - an investment in your childs educational and social development. How much will this investment be? That depends. If you are able to locate a good quality used instrument, the initial investment will probably be less than if you purchase a new one. If your child selects a clarinet, flute, trumpet or trombone, your investment will be less than if he or she chooses to play the saxophone. If you select a new instrument, the instrument may be paid for monthly from a music dealer for a very reasonable fee, whereas acquiring a used instrument from a private party usually necessitates the outright purchase of the instrument. If you rent an instrument for your child and ultimately purchase it, and he or she participates in band throughout his or her remaining seven years in school, the cost of the instrument figures out to be pennies a day. If, when he or she graduates from high school, you choose to sell the used instrument, a sizable portion of the original investment will be recovered. Since lessons on band instruments are available to all students free of charge, the cost of the instrument is the only major expense you will have. (Students will need the occasional lesson book, reeds, valve oil, etc. at a small cost) The study of music requires a challenge in thinking, self-discipline, physical dexterity, artistic understanding, and organizational skills that are valuable in every area of learning in the school system. Each of these elements will remain with the participant for the rest of his or her life, and will create a person who is more cultured, better organized, a more meticulous thinker, and a more creative member of our society.
How Do I Acquire An Instrument??
There are several options for acquiring an instrument for your son or daughter. Neither Fairfield Community School District nor myself endorse one over another or work for or receive any benefit by recommending these music stores. These are simply the options that most people explore, but certainly you are not limited to these.
1. Griggs Music in Washington sells and rents new and used instruments for a monthly payment. Payments range from $15 - $65 a month depending on the instrument. Griggs Music representatives will be on hand to explain their program at the Instrument Display Night on Monday, September 18 at Pence Elementary multipurpose room. If you are unable to be there, you can also rent instruments from their website, http://www.griggsmusic.com, or by calling 1-866-653-9001.
2. West Music in Ottumwa sells and rents new and used instruments for a monthly payment. Payments range from $15-$65 a month depending on the instrument. West Music representatives will be on hand for the Instrument Display Night on Monday, September 17, at Pence Elementary multipurpose room. This store also rents instruments from their website, http://www.westmusic.com, or by calling 1-800-248-7001.
Note: Both stores include lesson books and care and maintenance supplies, and have insurance plans for repair work. Both West Music and Griggs Music visit Fairfield Schools once a week to pick up and deliver repairs and items.
3. Read the classified section in the newspaper and surf the net. This is the time of year parents sell instruments their students are no longer using. These instruments are usually good buys, but may need some repair work. Before you purchase the instrument, please have myself, Mrs. Andersen (middle school band director), or Mr. Edgeton (high school band director) check the instrument over. Fairfield Community School District does not endorse any one store. What is important is that you rent or purchase an instrument that is of high quality, and made with parts that are readily available should your child's instrument need repair. Currently, there are many instruments for sale on the internet and in discount stores that are very inexpensive and look like a great bargain. Unfortunately, most music instrument repair technicians cannot get replacement parts to fix these instruments when something goes wrong. This means that when your child's instrument needs repair (and it will at some point....) it will not be repairable. It's good to remember the old saying, "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is."
