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?
- What items do percussionists need to provide and what is supplied by the school?
- Where should I shop for an instrument?
- What supplies does my child need for daily rehearsals?
- What supplies does my child need at home?
- 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.
What items do percussionists need to provide and what is supplied by the school?
Percussion students need to make sure that they have a drum pad
and drum sticks, hard mallets, yarn mallets, and timpani mallets
in a stick bag at all rehearsals. I recommend a package that has all
of these items in one since they can get expensive if purchased
as single items. Such packages are made by Mallet Masters or Vic
Firth among others. Percussionists also need a pocket metronome
and some ear buds so that may practice silently at thier own
pace. Metronome apps for smartphones and ipod touch are availble
often for free. Percussionists also need access to something to
practice mallets at home. Most students rent a bell kit in thier
early years which comes with many of these items. While this
instrument is not the most practical for
public performance, it works well for home practice. The school
will provide all instruments for rehearsals and performances.
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 supplies does my child need for daily rehearsals?
Students should have a working instrument, pencil, music and
method books, a reflection notebook and thier agenda each day.
Students' habbits with preparedness will be reflected in their
process grade.
What supplies does my child need at home?
It is best if possible for students to have a music stand, a
tuner, a metronome, and access to any computer software or
listening media that came with their method book while they
are practicing at home.
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. 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 and 8th graders will participate in the Kentucky Music Educators
Association Concert Fetival in March. This event is usually held
during school hours.
Where can I obtain a private teacher for my child?
We have teachers at NOMS weekly. Email me for detials.
St. John UMC Fine Arts Acadamy
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