Beginning Band FAQ.
If I do not choose to start band in the sixth grade, will I be able to start in the seventh or eighth grade? No. Pitt County Schools’ policy dictates that sixth grade is the only opportunity to start band.
Do I need to know something about music or be able to play an instrument in the band? No, we start at the very beginning and you are taught everything you need to know.
Are there any after school practices? Middle school band meets as part of the regular school day. Students always have the opportunity to come in before and after school for extra help.
Is band a regular class? Do I receive a grade? Yes, band is an encore class in the student's schedule. You will receive a grade and it does count towards honor roll.
Are there any required performances in the sixth grade? Yes, the students perform a Holiday Concert in December and a Spring Concert at the end of the school year.
Is there a band uniform for concerts?
Yes, students wear khaki pants and a Band Polo they must purchase. This is worn at all performances. This polo can also be worn as part of the Pitt County School uniform on a daily basis during school.
What instruments are you able to play in the sixth grade? Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. There is a limited supply of school owned instruments such as the French Horn, Baritone and Tuba. These are on a first come first serve basis.
I don't know which instrument I would like to start on. How do I decide? Start talking to your student about it early. I can also help you here at the school.
Are there any limits on how many people can play each instrument? Yes. In order to have a balanced band, we must limit the numbers on saxophone, bass, and percussion.
Can I participate in athletics and still be in the band? Yes. There is no conflict because band class is during the school day and sports are after school. Many band students at Hope are also athletes.
Which instrument is easiest to learn? No one instrument is easier than another instrument. Some instruments are better suited for certain people due to physical characteristics. I can help you choose one that will work for you.
Does the school provide an instrument? There are a limited number of larger school owned instruments. These are handled on a first come first serve basis. If financial or other problems arise, I may be able to suggest resources to help you. See number 6 above.
How do I get an instrument? I strongly recommend you consider a rent-to-own option offered at a reputable full-service music dealer.
Can I purchase a used instrument? Yes, as long as it is a good quality instrument. PLEASE CONSULT THE BAND DIRECTOR FIRST. I CAN GIVE A LIST OF REPUTABLE INSTRUMENT BRANDS.
Is it acceptable to purchase an instrument from Sam’s or Wal-Mart? I have not been pleased with most instruments from Sam’s or Wal-Mart. They may play well for a few months, but do not maintain the quality. They look really nice, but after a short time need repair, and most local repair technicians will not repair them. Like many things in life, you get what you pay for.
Is there a fee charged to be in middle school band? No.
If I take band in sixth grade, will I be in band in seventh and eighth grade? Yes, and hopefully you will choose to continue band through high school. Students can be removed from the band program by Mr. Castro.
What if I decide I do not wish to continue in band, can I get my schedule changed? Students are encouraged to stick with band for an entire school year before electing not to continue. Sometimes students may get discouraged after a few weeks. It’s not until after several months and a couple of performances that students really get an appreciation for what they're doing.
Does the band compete? Yes, there is a state band competition each year that we may participate in. This is an all day event that students look forward to each year. We also go to competitions at Busch Gardens and Disney World.
If I don’t take band in middle school, can I be in band at the high school? No, you must begin in the sixth grade.
Can I be in the Band as well as the Orchestra or Chorus? No. This is a Pitt County policy.
If I do not choose to start band in the sixth grade, will I be able to start in the seventh or eighth grade? No. Pitt County Schools’ policy dictates that sixth grade is the only opportunity to start band.
Do I need to know something about music or be able to play an instrument in the band? No, we start at the very beginning and you are taught everything you need to know.
Are there any after school practices? Middle school band meets as part of the regular school day. Students always have the opportunity to come in before and after school for extra help.
Is band a regular class? Do I receive a grade? Yes, band is an encore class in the student's schedule. You will receive a grade and it does count towards honor roll.
Are there any required performances in the sixth grade? Yes, the students perform a Holiday Concert in December and a Spring Concert at the end of the school year.
Is there a band uniform for concerts?
Yes, students wear khaki pants and a Band Polo they must purchase. This is worn at all performances. This polo can also be worn as part of the Pitt County School uniform on a daily basis during school.
What instruments are you able to play in the sixth grade? Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. There is a limited supply of school owned instruments such as the French Horn, Baritone and Tuba. These are on a first come first serve basis.
I don't know which instrument I would like to start on. How do I decide? Start talking to your student about it early. I can also help you here at the school.
Are there any limits on how many people can play each instrument? Yes. In order to have a balanced band, we must limit the numbers on saxophone, bass, and percussion.
Can I participate in athletics and still be in the band? Yes. There is no conflict because band class is during the school day and sports are after school. Many band students at Hope are also athletes.
Which instrument is easiest to learn? No one instrument is easier than another instrument. Some instruments are better suited for certain people due to physical characteristics. I can help you choose one that will work for you.
Does the school provide an instrument? There are a limited number of larger school owned instruments. These are handled on a first come first serve basis. If financial or other problems arise, I may be able to suggest resources to help you. See number 6 above.
How do I get an instrument? I strongly recommend you consider a rent-to-own option offered at a reputable full-service music dealer.
Can I purchase a used instrument? Yes, as long as it is a good quality instrument. PLEASE CONSULT THE BAND DIRECTOR FIRST. I CAN GIVE A LIST OF REPUTABLE INSTRUMENT BRANDS.
Is it acceptable to purchase an instrument from Sam’s or Wal-Mart? I have not been pleased with most instruments from Sam’s or Wal-Mart. They may play well for a few months, but do not maintain the quality. They look really nice, but after a short time need repair, and most local repair technicians will not repair them. Like many things in life, you get what you pay for.
Is there a fee charged to be in middle school band? No.
If I take band in sixth grade, will I be in band in seventh and eighth grade? Yes, and hopefully you will choose to continue band through high school. Students can be removed from the band program by Mr. Castro.
What if I decide I do not wish to continue in band, can I get my schedule changed? Students are encouraged to stick with band for an entire school year before electing not to continue. Sometimes students may get discouraged after a few weeks. It’s not until after several months and a couple of performances that students really get an appreciation for what they're doing.
Does the band compete? Yes, there is a state band competition each year that we may participate in. This is an all day event that students look forward to each year. We also go to competitions at Busch Gardens and Disney World.
If I don’t take band in middle school, can I be in band at the high school? No, you must begin in the sixth grade.
Can I be in the Band as well as the Orchestra or Chorus? No. This is a Pitt County policy.