FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS - BAND

 

Question: How can I tell if my child is musical?

 

Answer: Most children are musical in the sense that they respond to rhythm, melody and harmony.  A musical aptitude test is the first step in ascertaining whether a student has the ability to succeed in the school instrumental program.  No child who passes this test should be denied the opportunity of a musical experience. 

 

Question: Will music training be of lasting value to my child?

 

Answer: Definitely YES!  After school years have passed, he/she can derive satisfaction from music all through life.  A child's music training is never lost!

 

Question: Can a child with braces play a wind instrument?

 

Answer: Yes.  Thousands of students with dental braces start playing musical instruments every year.  In fact, orthodontists have found that the playing of certain wind instruments not only is permissible for students with braces, but often adds to the effectiveness of braces.

 

Question: What are the possibilities of music scholarships to college?

 

Answer: There are millions of dollars worth of college music scholarships available.  In fact, over $900,000.00 in music scholarships are unused each year.  A college student need not major in music to receive a music scholarship.  The opportunities for these scholarships are innumerable for serious students. 

 

Question: Will band interfere with my child's grades in other school subjects?

 

Answer: No.  It has been found that students participating in school instrumental music programs generally average higher grades in other subjects.

 

Question: Will music narrow his/her interests?

 

Answer: Students who play a musical instrument usually have a much greater range of interests in their scholastic and social activities than students who do not participate in instrumental music.

 

Question: To whom should I go for further advice on the music training of my child?

 

Answer: Go to the instrumental director.  He/she is an expert in this field.  He/she understands music and children.

 

 

 

 

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTION - PRIVATE LESSONS

 

Question: Why should my child take private lessons?

 

Answer: Playing a musical instrument requires that each student learn many individualized skills.  The private teacher can identify and work through the problems and weaknesses of each student.  Private lessons insure that each student is given every chance to succeed.

 

Question: Does my child have to take private lessons?

 

Answer: Band directors can not force or require a student to take private lessons or to be in the band.  However, as music educators, it is our job to present to you the best possible music program that can help your child grow to his/her potential.  This is why we recommend that every student take private lessons.

 

Question: Can I start my child on private lessons at a later time, after I know he/she will stay in band?

 

Answer: Students with private lessons achieve the most success because the fundamentals of playing are taught from the very beginning.  These students are not given the chance to develop bad habits.  Students with private lessons enjoy success and are the least likely to drop out of band.

 

Question: How long should my child take private lessons?

 

Answer: Developing musicianship is a continuous process.  In order to insure proper development of the student, private lessons should be a continual endeavor (year round).  The District 146 Band Program provides for that development.  Remember, excellence is a journey not a destination.

 

Question: What can we do if we can not afford private lessons?

 

Answer: Playing a musical instrument involves the following expenses:

1. Instrument rental
2. Instruction materials
3. Accessories (music stand, reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures, valve oil, etc.)
4. Private lessons
5. Organizational costs (marching band shoes, summer band fee, etc.)

 

With these types of expenses, leaving private lessons out would be like buying a car and not filling it with gasoline.