All About Beginning Band
NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY TO JOIN BAND
To register for band, visit the school website here and complete the "Preference Form".
If your child chooses band as their first option, they will be in beginning band.
Don't wait, since we provide all instruments and supplies, we do have a cap on class sizes!
If your child chooses band as their first option, they will be in beginning band.
Don't wait, since we provide all instruments and supplies, we do have a cap on class sizes!
Please look over our brochure to learn about the educational and social aspects of our program. The second page also has FAQ's or "Requently Asked Questions." Parents, if you or your child still have a question, please don't hesitate to contact Mr. Tim Ostrow at [email protected] or by phone at 941-697-5800 Ext. 5059.
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Meet the Band!
How Much Time Does Band Take Up?
Beginning Band meets 53 minutes, every day, during an elective period. The first year of band, students will have two evening performances with a rehearsal prior to each performance. That's a total of around 7 hours of after school time spread across four events. The second and third year is the same with one additional performance and two or three additional rehearsals. In other words: YES YOU CAN DO SPORTS, DANCE CLASS, BOYSCOUTS/GIRLSCOUTS, UNDERWATER BASKET WEAVING, ETC... However, I do ask that students practice! - just like they would take the time to do Math or English homework, they should also take the time to learn to read music and play their instrument(s).
What is the Procedure for Selecting an Instrument?
If you sign up for band, PLEASE DON'T BUY OR RENT AN INSTRUMENT!
In the first two weeks of school students are introduced to the SIX "Core" instruments offered in beginning band.
This includes flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and percussion.
For students that continue band into the second semester, tuba, french horn, and alto saxophone are available for high achievers. Students may also earn guitar, piano, bass, and drum set in jazz band in 7th and 8th grade.
At the beginning of the school year, the following four steps will take place:
Step 1: Students will study their choices in the first two weeks and then, using a guide, select their top 2 choices.
Step 2: With a Mr. Ostrow's help using a Jupiter Instrument Test Kit and balloons, students will “audition” their top 2 choices.
Step 3: Together, based on the audition, we decide which instrument will work best for the student.
Step 4: At the end of this process, students will attend Beginning Band "Basic Training" where they will receive their instruments, accessories, sheet music, and instruction with a professional that plays their instrument. If a student misses this after school event (see the band calendar), he or she will make up the assignments during class. The "Basic Training" is an accelerator.
