Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. How long is my child expected to practice at home?
2. What method books are used?
3. What are grades based on?
4. When are the required performances?
5. What accessories are required for my child's instrument?
6. What should my child wear for concerts?
7. What should my child wear for parades?

How long is my child expected to practice at home?

A minimum of two hours a week is required for your child to be successful.  
Of course, the more the better!

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What method books are used?

The only assigned method books so far are for the percussion students.  Roy 
Burns Elementary Method for Percussion.  I will decide on other methods 
later in the year.

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What are grades based on?

Grades are based on four catagories. Lesson attendence (%25); Practice 
sheets (%25); Band attendance and performances (all performances are 
mandatory) (%25) and performance quizzes (%25).

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When are the required performances?

We have five required performances.  Winter Concert (Dec.), Scholarship 
Concert (Feb./March), Spring Concert (May), Memorial Day Parade (May), and 
Eighth Grade Graduation (June).  Of course there may be other performances 
during the school year and students will be informed of any "extra" concerts.  
Also please check the calander for other important dates.

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What accessories are required for my child's instrument?

For clarinet and sax reeds, Rico 2 1/2 strength are a good start.  Some 
reeds may be purchased at the middle school.  The reed prices are as follows;  
CLARINET: $1.00; BASS CLARINET: $2.00; ALTO SAX: $1.50; TENOR SAX: 
$2.00; BARITONE SAX: $2.50.  Trumpets should provide their own valve oil.  
Trombone players should have slide grease/oil.  Drummers should have their 
own sticks (Pro Mark 5Bs are very good), Oboe reeds can be obtained through 
local oboe players who hand make their own reeds, these tend to be much 
better than store bought ones.  
Please contact me for info regarding who to contact.  Also any other questions 
regarding accessories or any other instrumental concerns please feel free to 
contact me at the middle school.

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What should my child wear for concerts?

Boys are expected to wear dark dress pants, white shirts (button down is 
prefferable), and dress shoes.  Girls are expected to wear dark dress 
slacks, skirts/dresses, a white blouse and dress shoes.

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What should my child wear for parades?

Students will purchase marching band polo shirts prior to the parade through 
the school.  They are usually around $13.00.  All students are expected to 
wear black pants with ALL white shoes.

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