SSMS Band FAQ Sheet

1. How do I join the band?
Answer: Sign up on the schedule card you get at your school. If you have already turned
in your card and need to change it, just see your guidance counselor.

2. What do I need to be a successful band member?
Answer: You need a winning attitude, a desire for excellence, and a quality band instrument with all the accessories such as care and cleaning kits, reeds (clarinets, oboes, saxophones), and books. Quality is important because students sometimes give up in despair when an old, barely working instrument gets in the way of success.

3. How do I get a band instrument?
Answer: Most students rent from a local store the following instruments: Flutes, Clarinets, Oboes, Saxophones, Trumpets, and Trombones. At most stores rental money applies toward the purchase of that instrument or an upgraded one when you decide to buy. Large instruments such as Baritones, Tubas, and French Horns can be rented from the school for $20.00 for the whole school year. A few of the smaller instruments are available from the school for those who have a problem renting from a store. Those who pass the tests to become drummers must purchase or rent sticks, mallets and a bell kit from a local store. The school does not supply these items. Reminder to drummers: This is a school band, not a rock band. Very few drummers get to play the drum set at school.

Note: Buying an instrument right now may not be a good idea. You might change your mind about which one you really want to play.

3. When do I need to get a band instrument?
Answer: Unless you plan to start taking private lessons right away, you should wait until
school starts so that you can get more information towards making a wise decision.

4. Do I have to take private lessons?
Answer: Many students have been successful without taking private lessons, but it is very difficult to get really good at music without a private teacher.

5. How much time does it take to be successful in band?
Answer: Daily, individual practice of at least 20 to 30 minutes is essential for success. Some students practice much more, some do not practice at all on their own. The ones who do not practice tend to give up on themselves during the first year, because they see other kids really enjoying getting good at making music, and they begin to think that they can't do it like the others (of course they could have). Beginners usually have two to four public performance opportunities during the school year. Outstanding beginners may have additional performance opportunities as part of special ensembles like the jazz band.

There are many immediate rewards for hard work, and success in band tends to be a lot of fun. Many studies have shown that the long range rewards for music students tend to be higher grades, better standardized test scores, greater self-esteem, and possibly a richer, fuller life. Music students are also more likely to attend college, and the really hard working ones often earn college scholarships.

All students are welcome to join the band. No experience is needed, just a desire for personal development, a team spirit, and a love for music!

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT RENTAL/PURCHASE
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
(click here for a printer frendly PDF version)

All Broward County middle and high schools inventory a limited number of school owned musical instruments which are available for student rental. The intended use for most of these instruments is to allow students with little or no instrumental background a chance to explore total music at a minimal cost and to provide students, who would not otherwise have the opportunity to continue with the band or string program, with an instrument. This information will allow parents to rent instruments for students so that every student will have the opportunity to participate in the music curriculum at their school. The attached packet of information is intended to assist parents, who wish to obtain musical instruments for their child's use in these programs, towards making informed decisions about available purchase and rental programs in the area.

QUALITY OF INSTRUMENT AND ACCESSORIES
One of the most critical determinants of your child's success or failure on a musical instrument is the quality of the instrument that is obtained. There is nothing more frustrating or defeating to a student than spending hours on an instrument that has inherent tuning or mechanical problems. Likewise, there is nothing more reinforcing than playing an instrument that consistently performs as intended. There are many different brands of instruments, some of which perform and hold up much better than others. The quality of mouthpieces and bows must also be considered. This document does not intend to specify instrument brands to parents. The following chart is a listing of brands that have performed satisfactorily. It is not intended to be an all inclusive list, but may be used by parents as examples.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

1. Is this instrument a top line "student model" or will the child quickly outgrow it as he/she becomes musically proficient?

2. Is a quality mouthpiece or bow included?

3. Are all necessary items essential to playing the instrument included?

Brass: valve oil, slide cream or rotor oil; slide grease (if needed)
Woodwinds: swab, key oil and neck strap (if needed)
Strings: rosin, bag, end pin stop (if needed)

3. Is free maintenance included with the monthly rental cost?

4. What is the "turn around" time for instruments needing repair? Is there an on-site, trained repairman? Is a "loaner instrument" given (during repair) so that a child can continue to participate in class? Are repair costs included in the rental price?

5. What percentage of the rental cost applies towards the purchase of the instrument if you decide to buy? For how long? Can it be applied towards an upgraded or different instrument without a penalty?

6. Again, is the instrument quality? Just because an instrument is shiny doesn't mean it's quality.