Beginning Band FAQ's
Where do I get an instrument?
Be very careful if you decide to purchase an instrument on your own. Every year there CMS students who find out they've purchased an instrument that can't be repaired. Many online instrument dealers will sell you an "instrument" that will not last through the year. While these prices might seem attractive, keep in mind you are getting what you pay for. My recommendation is that you rent or purchase a quality instrument from a music store!
Click here for the online instrument rental page.
Does the school have instruments to rent?
The school does have a few instruments to rent for $55.00 per year. Please email Mr. Wynes (jwynes@cherrycreekschools.org) or Ms. Wynes (swynes@cherrycreekschools.org) to see if there are any school instruments available. The instruments are available on a first come basis.
Where can I get my instrument repaired?
If you are renting an instrument, take your instrument to the store you are renting from. If you own your instrument, you can take it to Flesher Hinton or Music and Arts Center. These stores will properly repair the instrument and get it back to you in a timely manner. You can visit their websites for more information or call them directly and have them pick up the instrument at Campus.
Flesher Hinton - www.flesherhinton.com
Music and Arts Centers www.musicarts.com
What method book should I get for my student?
If you rent an instrument online, you will have the option to purchase the correct method book. If you need to purchase one separately, you will buy: Essential Elements Book One (Yellow) Plus DVD. Make sure you get "Plus DVD" this purchase comes with DVD and CD-ROM Discs.
Can my son/daughter be in Jazz Band?
Campus does have an auditioned jazz band, it is a before school ensemble and open to all grades. If there is a high interest for this genre of music you can also pursue this with the Colorado Conservatory of the Jazz Arts (www.jazzarts.org/index.php)
How much time should be spent practicing?
The best way to ensure success on an instrument is to practice regularly! The recommendation at Campus is to get 100 minutes per week. This should be spread over 5 days at 20 minutes each day. Practicing regularly reinforces the classroom instruction and helps develop good fundamentals and habits.
Can you recommend a private teacher?
Yes, Click Here to go to our private lessons page. Here you will find the recommended private lesson teachers in our area. Please email me if you have any additions to this page.
Where will I store my instrument at school?
There is space in the band room to store your instrument. Students will drop off their instrument in the cabinet and pick up their instrument after school. Please remember to have your nametag on your instrument!!
Can my son/daughter play the drums?
The drums are always very popular among 6th graders. In order to achieve a well-balanced band, we must limit the number of students who play the drums. We call students who play drums, percussionists, because they play mallet instruments for 50% of the time. To be a percussionist you must have had at least one year of piano lessons, and be proficient on the rhythm and note assessment given during class.
Does everyone already know what instrument they are playing?
During the first week of school, band members will be expected to try out instruments they have interest in and decide on a first and second choice of instrument they would like to play. Occasionally a student might be placed on his/her second choice instrument due to the overall instrumentation of the band. Parents will be notified via phone if a second choice is recommended.
What instruments will my child get to choose from?
Your child will choose from the following instruments:
Trombone, Trumpet, Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone
Can my son/daughter play guitar or piano?
Guitar and piano are not beginning band instruments. Most students who study these instruments choose a band instrument to learn and continue to study on guitar or piano.
What if I want to switch instruments? This is a big undertaking and will take a lot more work than continuing on your original instrument. If you are approved by the band director to switch instruments, you must practice even more and work from behind. Please don't think of switching if you think your instrument is too hard; switching will only increase your frustration!