Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- Do students need prior experience with an instrument to join the band class?
- Do students have to supply their own instruments?
- Where should I shop for an instrument?
- What fees are assosicated with being in the band?
- How many required performances are there per year?
- Where can I obtain a private teacher for my child?
Do students need prior experience with an instrument to join the band class?
*For incoming 6th graders the answer if no. The 6th grade band
class is geered for beginners with no experience with music or
playing an instrument.
*For current 6th or 7th grade students wishing to joing the band
as a 7th or 8th grader, the answer is maybe. If we have enough
new students interested in joining band at the 7th or 8th grade
level as beginners we will make a beginners' section of the
class. In this case students would not need experience prior to
the first day of school. If not, any student wishing to join as
a beginning band 7th or 8th grader would need to begin taking
private lessons immediately to get as caught up as possible
before school begins in August.
Do students have to supply their own instruments?
Most students rent or purchase instruments on their own. Some
school owned instruments are available for a fee of $50 per
year. These instruments are either hand me down instruments from
former band students or specialy instrumemnts which would be too
expensive to reasonbly expect someone to rent or purchase. If
you are interested in a school owned instrument, please email Mr.
Ray for more specific details.
Where should I shop for an instrument?
I would shy away from bargain stores, internet or catelogue
companies or online yard sales. You may find a steal, but every
instrument will need maintenance. A few extra dollars to a local
dealer, especially one that visits the school weekly like Conrad
Music will go a long way toward keeping the instrument in your
child's hands, not on a repair shelf.
What fees are assosicated with being in the band?
If your child plays an instrument that is owned by the school
board, the Oldham Co. Board of Education has set an annual fee of
$50 which can be paid by semester at $25 per semester. Otherwise
there are no required fees for middle school band participation
other than the purchase of the performance attire and cost of any
field trips during the year. The School Board has set the fee to
participate in the HS concert band at $60.00. Instruments
traditionally provided by schools are Bassoon, Bass Clarinet,
Bari Sax, French Horn, Baritone or Euphonium, Tuba, and Large
Percussion.
How many required performances are there per year?
Traditionally we have 3 concerts per year for the middle school,
one in December and one in late April or May. 7th, 8th, and high
school also will participate in the Kentucky Music Educators
Association Concert Fetival in March. This event is usually held
during school hours. For the high school band, in addition
to those mentioned above, students must also perform as part of
the Taste of Broadway in November and with the Athletic Bands.
Total of number of games and for which sports will be published
by the beginning of school.
Where can I obtain a private teacher for my child?
Mel Owen Music
Don Wilson Music
The Oldham Co. Arts Center
Louisville Acadamy of Music
Miles Ahead Music
Notable Beginnings
Calvin Acadamy of Music
University of Louisville Prep Department
or check the "private tutors" link on the home page to
see about possible
tutors on the North Campus
