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Program Info Meeting

Watch this video to learn more about our programs for the 2021-2022 year (approx. 65 min.)
or scroll down for links to details about all our programs.

 

 

Beginning Band

Season/s: Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023
Day/Time: Monday - 9:00a - 10:20a
Grades: Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6-8
Audition Required: No
Ability/Prerequisites: none
Course Fee per Semester: 300
Other Fees Charged:
  • Family Band Fee - $100/family/yr (covers band operations)
  • Music deposit fee - $20/semester music deposit (returned at the end of the semester if all music returned in proper condition)
Equipment supplies required:
  • Instrument - See note on instrument aquisition
    • Reeds, oils, etc. as necessary
    • Regular/proper maintenance of instrument
    • Percussionists:
      • Concert Snare
      • Practice bell kit
      • Practice Pad (recommended)
  • Portable Music Stand - See note on Required Music Stand
  • Concert Uniform (White dress shirt/blouse, black dress pants or full length dress skirt, black dress shoes, black socks)
Registration LInk: https://www.midmetroacademy.com/
Attendance Expectations:
  • At least 80% of regular rehearsals
  • All scheduled concerts
  • All concert special rehearsals
Performances: End of semester concert
Course Status: Final - confirmed and all details shown are final
Instrumentation:
Included Instruments

Almost all 'regular' wind band instruments are part of this group, including:

  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone (alto, tenor)
  • French Horn
  • Trombone
  • Baritone
  • Tuba
  • Percussion
Instruments NOT included
  • String / Orchestra instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp)1
  • Guitar
  • Electric bass2
  • Piano / Keyboard3
  • Soprano Saxophone (not included in 'wind band' instrumentation)4
Instruments not excluded but NOT RECOMMENDED

There are several instruments that are not recommended for initial beginners. These are due to their increased difficulty in learning during the first year. For these instruments we recommend alternates that should be started first and then transition to the desired instrument after 1+ year/s of initial learning. The recommended 'starting' instrument is indicated next to the instrument below.

This is a recommendation and it is still the option of the parent to have the student pursue these instruments; however, any student pursuing these instruments in beginning band would REQUIRE private instruction as we do not provide specific instruction in the mechanics of playing these instruments. We also require continuing private lessons for some of these instruments once they transition to Concert Band (See the Concert Band details for more information).

  • Piccolo (Flute)
  • Oboe (Clarinet)
  • Bassoon (Clarinet)
  • Bass Clarinet (Clarinet)
  • Baritone Saxophone (Tenor Saxophone)
  • Bass Trombone (Trombone)
Notes

1We are considering adding a string program in the future. If you or others you know are interested in such a program please let us know.

2Those interested in playing bass in our Jazz Band are encouraged to begin on Tuba or Upright Bass in one of the area string programs.

3Those with experience on Piano are encouraged to consider playing percussion. Percussion includes both 'non-tuned' instruments (various drums) as well as 'tuned percussion' (bells, xylophone, chimes, etc). Students with skills in piano can usually easily transition to percussion.

4Students interested in playing Soprano Saxophone, which is only used in our Jazz Band, are encouraged to play one of the other saxophones or clarinet in the other bands.

 

 

The place to start for all students with no previous experience playing a band instrument. Students will begin learning the basics about their instruments and how to play them during our pre-fall (August) band kick-off program and then will continue to learn their instruments and how to play in a band together.


 

 

PLEASE NOTE

  • Students who have never played their instrument are expected to participate in the August band 'kick-off' program that will give them a fast-start to learning their instrment in a short time before the business of fall classes begin
  • Students who have some experience on their band instrument may be able to skip the kick-off program or possibly even move up to the Concert Band level upon approval of the director (contact us if you have any question about this)