Hello Prospective Band Kids!!!
We know that you probably have lots of questions about what band is all about, so we will use this page to answer as many as we can think of & keep you updated on upcoming dates and events.
ABOUT US:
The Canyon Vista band consists of approximately 400 students - that's about 1/3 of the school! Our students go from beginners (just like you!) to being some of the best middle school musicians in the state. We regularly place large numbers of students in All-Region Band & Orchestra and consistently receive Superior ratings at UIL concert & sightreading competitions. In 2011, the Full Orchestra (combined band & orchestra group) was named the Honor Orchestra of Texas. There are also three band directors, Mr. Piwetz, Mrs. Ward, and Mrs. Parsons who teach these wonderful children. We have over fifty years of teaching experience and love watching students grow from not knowing how to put the instrument together through to being incredibly skilled & talented musicians!
WHY SHOULD I DO BAND?
There are a number of studies that show how participation in instrumental music helps students academically. From improving reading and decoding skills to improved understanding of fractions, to brain research showing that music helps strengthen neural pathways that are used in all areas of academic achievement, it's not necessarily that band has all the smart kids, but rather that it helps build smart kids! It also instills a sense of self-discipline, responsibility - both personal and to a group, teamwork, and pride in doing a job well. The part that matters most is that it is fun! We operate on a work hard/play hard philosophy and love the magic that happens when the hard work of many comes together to make an incredible performance and memories for a lifetime.
WHAT IS BAND LIKE IN 6TH GRADE?
As a sixth grader, you will be divided into classes based on which instrument you play (all the trumpets will be together, all the flutes, etc.) and you will be taught by one of the three directors. Since we all play different instruments, we are specialists on certain instruments and can give you lots of instrument-specific information on a daily basis. There will be times when we do "full band" which is when we combine classes to prepare for concerts or work on things that the whole group needs to focus on. You will have three concerts throughout the year and two after school rehearsal in preparation for those concerts.
In order to become the best player you can, you will be expected to practice your instrument at home for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours per week. Each week you will turn in a "practice record" which is a log of your practice time each week that will be signed by your parents. Your grade will be based on a combination of these practice logs, performance grades (playing tests) and participation grades (bringing all your stuff and taking care of business).
We try to make our beginner classes structured with strong fundamentals so that you are well prepared, but also a lot of fun! We hope you'll talk to your friends and neighbors - they can tell you even more.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 6TH GRADE?
After a year of beginner band, our students audition for one of our four mixed 7th & 8th grade bands where they will perform music that is appropriate to the level of difficulty they are prepared for. Each band works on the fundamentals of music as a mixed group and may compete on a number of events both as a group and as an individual. Students are still required to practice 2 1/2 hours per week and attend one weekly sectional that lasts for 1 hour either before or after school. In high school band, students can participate in marching band, concert band, and symphony orchestra.
I DON"T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MUSIC. CAN I STILL DO BAND?
Of course! We assume you know nothing about music and teach accordingly, starting from the most basic elements of music literacy and sound production.
HOW DO I CHOOSE AN INSTRUMENT?
Once we have received your choice sheets, we will contact all the students who have chosen band as their elective with information on when & how to choose an instrument. In April you will come & try as many instruments as you like to find the perfect fit for you. While we love to match students with their first choice of instruments, we encourage you to try many different instruments options. Often times the instrument that is perfect for your face, body type & musical strengths is not necessarily one that is your first choice, or that you ever even heard of! When you come to the tryouts, you will find one that feels most natural. This natural feel can make getting off to a good start much easier & can really lead to long term success because the frustration of working with an ill-fitting instrument choice is avoided.
Students who are interested in percussion or saxophone will be required to choose another instrument first, and then audition for sax & percussion. Only those students who are selected for these instruments will be placed in these classes. This is necessary for a number of reasons, including limited number of parts (like having 10 quarterbacks on a football team), balance within the ensemble when they are in 7th & 8th grades, and limited number of available instruments.
HOW DO I GET AN INSTRUMENT? HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Once you've selected an instrument, there are two categories into which they fall. Personal instruments which are provided by the student, and school owned instruments. Personal instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone & percussion. School owned instruments include oboe, bassoon, french horn, euphonium and tuba.
At the instrument tryout we will give you a list of recommended instrument brands and model numbers for those students who will be playing personally owned instruments. This is a district wide list of instruments that have been tried, tested and have passed the durability test over time. Having an instrument that is in good working order is absolutely imperative for our beginner students.
