Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- When can my child join band?
- What is the process for getting my child an instrument?
- Can my child switch instruments if they want?
- Do you give private lessons?
- How often should my child practice their instrument?
- Will my 7/8 grade have homework in your class?
- How does a rental program from Ellis Music Company work?
When can my child join band?
Students are able to start band in 4th grade.
What is the process for getting my child an instrument?
At the beginning of the students 4th grade year they will attend a assembly to
see the different
instruments demoed. After seeing the different instruments the student will
bring home a packet of
information; this includes a sheet where they can choose their top three
instrument choices. Also
included in this packet is information about the price of renting an
instrument from Ellis Music Co.
(who is our instrument provider), a sheet explaining the dangers of I.S.O's
(instrument shaped
objects) that can be found at big chain stores.
when I have received the sheet with the students three choices I will go
through them all and order
the instruments. After the order has been placed we will have the instrument
pick up night, where
you will sign the contract and receive the instrument.
Can my child switch instruments if they want?
Yes they can, however if your child wants to switch to an instrument that has
a huge number of
students already they can not switch to that instrument and would have to
choose another.
for example: your child wants to switch to percussion and there are five
percussionist in grade 4
band already. I can not let them switch because there are not enough
percussion parts for everyone
to play; grade 4 band music only has between 2 and 4 different parts, and we
already have too many
students in the percussion section, meaning one student already has to sit out
every piece.
Do you give private lessons?
I give private lessons a number of instruments and if you are interested
please contact me via email at
dkeeney@plainfieldschool.org, or call the school and they will connect you to
my office.
How often should my child practice their instrument?
Depending on the age of the student they should practice between 15-30 minutes
a day.
I know that it is hard to manage an everyday practice schedule at this age,
with all of their extra
activities; my recommendation, in this case, is to get at least an hour a week.
Will my 7/8 grade have homework in your class?
My hope is that they will not have homework in my class, however if class work
is not completed by the assigned date then it will become home work.
How does a rental program from Ellis Music Company work?
Renting is a great way to try an instrument without making a large financial investment and has
additional benefits as well. If you decide you want to switch instruments, your rental instrument
can be easily exchanged for a different instrument. The instrument can be returned if you decide
to stop playing. And while you rent, most repairs are covered at no charge when you sign up for
the optional repair and replacement plan.
Ellis Music's rental plan makes playing (and eventually owning!) an instrument affordable. For the
equivalent of as little as 60 cents per day, you can have a quality instrument in your hands or
those of your child. Rental payments you make accrue as "rent credit" that applies toward the
purchase of your rental instrument or a new intermediate/professional model instrument. Our
"repair and replacement" plan keeps your mind at ease by guaranteeing that the instrument will
be replaced if stolen or destroyed in a fire and the instrument will be repaired at no cost while
you are renting. (Refer to the rental agreement for specific coverage details, limitations, and customer
responsibilities.)
For instructions on returning an instrument, please see our FAQ
Rental Basics:
• Minimum commitment: 2 months for students, 3 months for adults
• Monthly Cost: $18-$45 per month for most instruments
• Repair & Replacement Plan: one-time only charge of $4-$10 (depending on instrument)
covers instrument for entire rental period!
• For a list of rental instruments available, see our Instrument page
Rent is due monthly. Payments can be made by mail, by phone, or in person at our store.
You can choose to either use our traditional coupon system (send in one payment coupon
each month with a check), or you can have the rent automatically charged to a debit or credit card
(MasterCard or VISA). The form required for switching to automatic payment can be requested by
sending a message from the contact page of this website or by calling the store.
For more information about our rental program, please call (802) 234-6400
