FINE ARTS

One of many recent studies from a group of highly acclaimed neuroscientists from MIT concluded the following: musical brains produce more structural and functional connections when compared to those who don’t learn music. Most parents want their children to be intelligent and successful. Neuroscience is now showing how powerful music can be on a child’s brain development. Another factor that played a major role was how early the musicians had begun learning music. “The earlier the musicians had started with musical practice, the stronger this connectivity,” Jäncke says.

Early music training could help children to develop stronger neural pathways and, in turn, make them smarter. “If someone told me then about the possibility of changing the wiring of my brain, I might have spent more time practicing the piano,” according to Leipold.

Other factors concluded by over 20 years of neuroscientific research about the benefits of music education for students include: Higher levels of executive function (the complex group of activities in our brain that help solve logical, strategic, conceptual, and emotional elements). Highly developed memory systems. Raises their general cognitive capacity. Higher Cognitive Functions help moderate our emotional states. Solve complex problems. Help our brains be healthier later in life. Higher standardized test scores. Music education works all three sides of the brain at once. The motor, visual, and auditory cortex. It is literally exercise for the brain.

Beginning band meets as a regular class for 45 minutes two times a week throughout the entire school year. Students are grouped into classes according to which instrument they play. The teacher-pupil ratio is kept low to facilitate individual supervision of students’ progress. Skills develop slowly at first; therefore, students and parents must be patient and committed for the entire school year in order to get the full benefit of band instruction.

Beginning band students have the option to select from a variety of instruments, including flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and percussion. Orchestra students, on the other hand, can choose from violin, viola, cello, and bass. During the instrument fittings in the spring, which will be held during your 5th-grade music class, students will have the opportunity to try out the instruments they are interested in. Our instructors will provide valuable feedback to assist you in making an informed decision about which instrument will be most suitable for your musical development.

No, the method books utilized in beginner band programs are designed for musically untrained students. Our curriculum encompasses the fundamental skills of music reading and instrument playing. As students advance, they will develop the ability to recognize familiar tunes. Their progress culminates in a Spring Concert at the conclusion of the academic year.

Music psychologists have tried for many years to determine whether heredity or environment has the greatest influence on musicality. Interestingly, both sides use the same data to support their arguments. The most important requirement for success is the desire to succeed.

Definitely NOT! Instrument choices are not on a student’s gender, but rather their desire to play that instrument. Instrument selection is based primarily upon the facial characteristics of the student, and, most importantly, their personal choice.

Instruments will be needed on the first day of school. Storage for some instruments is provided in the music rooms. Please speak to your director about this. Please make sure that the case is labeled with your child’s name. Don’t wait too long!

Rent! Renting an instrument will give your child the opportunity to begin in band with only a small initial investment. Your child can have the advantages of a brand-new instrument, such as pride of ownership, freedom from error due to poor equipment, and the opportunity to be the best player they can be by having the best available instrument for their age level. Your child will have the instrument and mouthpiece recommended by the band directors. The instrument can be returned to the company at any time without further obligation. All rentals apply towards purchase.

Used instruments can be attractive bargains, but it is crucial to consider the potential cost of repairs. If you decide to purchase a used instrument, we strongly advise consulting with a school music director beforehand. Local music stores and former band students are reliable sources of used instruments. Additionally, music companies may offer used instruments for sale. However, it is important to note that pawn shop instruments often have questionable quality.

WARNING: We strongly discourage purchasing musical instruments from department stores. These instruments are typically poorly constructed with inferior materials, making them difficult to repair once damaged.
In conclusion, we recommend renting an instrument during your first year from a reputable music company to avoid potential financial burdens associated with purchasing a used instrument.

Yes. The school provides the more expensive instruments, euphonium (baritone). Parents may be asked to purchase necessary accessories such as a mouthpiece, books, reeds/valve oil.

To prevent costly repairs and the development of improper habits, we recommend that the instrument remain in its case during the summer months. Instruments will be stored in the band hall’s storage room during the initial week of school. Following formal instruction on the instrument’s care and assembly during the first week of school, your child will commence taking the instrument home. This measure is intended to safeguard your investment. If you rent or purchase from a music company, the store will deliver the instrument and necessary materials to our band hall prior to the commencement of the school year. An additional option for enthusiastic students is to enroll in private lessons this summer with a professional music instructor. This opportunity provides personalized guidance and prepares students for success with a seasoned musician.

Great question! Just so you know, athletics isn’t part of the 6th-grade curriculum (everyone takes PE). However, in 7th and 8th grades, students have the chance to explore more electives than they did in 6th grade. Many middle school students are involved in band, athletics, art, choir, and more. Since playing a musical instrument is so special, we suggest starting band in 6th grade and then adding other electives like band, choir, or orchestra to your 7th and 8th-grade schedule. If your child is interested in learning a band or orchestra instrument or singing, make sure to list band, orchestra, or choir as either your first or second elective choice. In 7th and 8th grades, the school administration, coaches, classroom teachers, and band directors collaborate to minimize scheduling conflicts. We even have current MS Band, Choir, and Orchestra members who are also active in 7th and 8th-grade football, volleyball, basketball, math, science teams, and cheerleading!

Yes! Starting in the second week of school, we’d love for students to practice 15-30 minutes, 3 days or more each week outside of class. They can keep track of their practice time on a “Practice Card,” which they’ll turn in and get graded on. For practicing at home, we suggest getting a folding music stand (maybe it’s included in the rental) and a metronome (either electronic or an app on a device). We’ve noticed that these tools really help young musicians grow. It’s great if parents can offer positive encouragement as the student gets better. Also, please remember to bring all instruments home each day, even if you can’t practice that evening, since we don’t have much space in the classroom.

Private lessons can really help students who are learning quickly and those who need a bit more time to catch up. They’re not a must, but you’ll likely see great progress! It’s often better to rent a less expensive instrument and join the private lessons program than to buy a high-end instrument and skip lessons altogether. Remember, lessons are super important!