Our Rising 6th Grade Instrument Try-Out Night will be on April 28th, if you are interested in attending, please make sure and fill out the sign up genius to schedule a time to let your student have a hands on experience with the instruments he or she could be playing next year.
How can I be in the WEMS band program?
Your children’s days of middle school is rapidly approaching, and I wanted to take this time to inform you about a great opportunity - Your child will get a chance to join the middle school band! Students will need to join band their 6th grade year so they can successfully learn how to play their instruments in the beginning course. This is a once in a lifetime chance to better your child’s educational experience.
It is my belief that every child should have the chance to experience the many benefits of participating in a middle school band program. Through this participation in the Ellis Middle School band your child will learn an endless amount of life skills such as self-confidence, teamwork, lasting friendships, and above all, a life long appreciation and enjoyment of music.
It is my belief that every child should have the chance to experience the many benefits of participating in a middle school band program. Through this participation in the Ellis Middle School band your child will learn an endless amount of life skills such as self-confidence, teamwork, lasting friendships, and above all, a life long appreciation and enjoyment of music.
How can I sign up for band?
You can sign up for band by doing one of these three things:
1. Return your Middle School Registration form with the box marked for Band.
2. Sign up for and attend the 6th grade instrument try out day on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021. During this time you and your child will have a chance to meet the band director, try out which instrument your child thinks he/she may want to play next year, and receive information on how to rent/buy an instrument from a music dealership. It is important and highly recommended to come to this meeting so that we can pick the instrument that will best suit your child and set him/her up for success.
3. Notify the band director by email that your child is interested in taking band next year.
1. Return your Middle School Registration form with the box marked for Band.
2. Sign up for and attend the 6th grade instrument try out day on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021. During this time you and your child will have a chance to meet the band director, try out which instrument your child thinks he/she may want to play next year, and receive information on how to rent/buy an instrument from a music dealership. It is important and highly recommended to come to this meeting so that we can pick the instrument that will best suit your child and set him/her up for success.
3. Notify the band director by email that your child is interested in taking band next year.
What instruments do we begin in 6th grade?
Your child will be able to choose from these instruments: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone (4), tenor saxophone
(2), trumpet, trombone, and percussion (8). Students wanting to play percussion will need to sign up with Mrs. James. Instruments such as oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, and baritone saxophone will be chosen later in the school year after students have learned the fundamentals. PLEASE DO NOT GO OUT AND PURCHASE ANY INSTRUMENT UNTIL YOU HAVE EITHER COME TO THE PARENT MEETING OR YOU HAVE CONTACTED ME.
(2), trumpet, trombone, and percussion (8). Students wanting to play percussion will need to sign up with Mrs. James. Instruments such as oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, and baritone saxophone will be chosen later in the school year after students have learned the fundamentals. PLEASE DO NOT GO OUT AND PURCHASE ANY INSTRUMENT UNTIL YOU HAVE EITHER COME TO THE PARENT MEETING OR YOU HAVE CONTACTED ME.
How do I get an instrument?
The parent will be responsible for attaining the instrument over the summer. Ellis Middle School works with The Music Center, Separk, The Band Compony, and Counter Point (Music and Arts) music companie. They offer a great Rental-Purchase plan that is designed specifically for the beginning band student. They are also aware of what brands we use at Ellis Middle as well as our Method Book (what the student’s play from in the beginning) and the needed accessories that are required for the class next year.
If you already have an instrument to use, that is fine too! I do encourage you to have a music company look at the instrument before you join the band program. This way we can make sure it’s in the proper playing condition.
Please do not purchase cheap instruments from China or Wal-Mart/Sam's. These instruments break really easily and they cannot be repaired at any of the music stores. Please read the below article!
If you already have an instrument to use, that is fine too! I do encourage you to have a music company look at the instrument before you join the band program. This way we can make sure it’s in the proper playing condition.
Please do not purchase cheap instruments from China or Wal-Mart/Sam's. These instruments break really easily and they cannot be repaired at any of the music stores. Please read the below article!
How much will band cost?
If your child wants to participate in the band but money might be a conflict, please let me know. We have a few school instruments that can be checked out and used. I believe every child has the right to participate in the music program and I don’t want finical reasons to prevent your child from being a part of this experience.
Each student will need to buy a band method book at the beginning of the year. Depending on the instrument that the student plays, they will also need to buy reeds, valve oil, and cork grease periodically through out the year.
Each student will need to buy a band method book at the beginning of the year. Depending on the instrument that the student plays, they will also need to buy reeds, valve oil, and cork grease periodically through out the year.
What programs are offered in band?
Beginning Band – 6th Grade
Concert Band – 7th Grade
Symphonic Band – 8th Grade
Jazz Band – 7th/8th Grade
Concert Band – 7th Grade
Symphonic Band – 8th Grade
Jazz Band – 7th/8th Grade
Can my student take other class than band?
Please remember that even though your child has joined the music program they are still able to explore their other interests in other exploratory classes. The students are still able to take physical education, computers, art, spanish, life skills, chorus, and drama. Don’t forget that this is THE ONLY year you child can sign up for the band!
How long does my student take band?
Band is a year long class. The only time that students can decide that they would no longer like to be a part of the WEMS band program is at the end of the year. It is my hope that every student will give band a chance before deciding whether or not they have a talent in music. Students progress each year they take band and then can continue band in high school.
