CRAIGMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND
The following is basic information concerning enrolling in BEGINNING BAND at Craigmont Middle School
WHO: Any sixth or seventh grader with good conduct interested in learning to play a band instrument. Students need no previous musical experience to enroll. The student, parent, and director will work together to choose from the following instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn, Tuba and *Percussion.
Disciplinary problems are not and will not be tolerated in band. Band is fun, not foolish.
*NOTE: Beginning percussionists will play mallet instruments only (xylophone, marimba, orchestra bells, etc.….) for at least the first 10 weeks of school. Drums are only a small part of learning to be a percussionist and will be introduced after mallet instrument fundamentals are mastered.
- WHAT: 1. Most students will need to provide their own instruments by renting or purchasing the instrument from area music stores. The director will have information concerning this once the student, parents, and band director have decided together what instrument the student will learn. The school does have a very few instruments that can be provided. These are usually the more expensive or large instruments. The instruments available from the school are underlined in the list above. Students playing school instruments must supply the band fee and supplies such as mouthpiece, oils, swabs, reeds, etc. The supply list for the various instruments is on the Craigmont Band Web Site.
(http://www.geocities.com/craigmontband/bandpage.html)
2. There is a small band fee ($25.00 per semester) that is used to supply all printed material. This includes instructional book (s), band performance music, (our biggest expense) solo and ensemble literature and other printed instructional materials. It is necessary for parents to provide these materials since Memphis City Schools does not. The fee also provides entry into Solo and Ensemble Festival and Concert Band Festival as well as any other earned field trips and off campus performances. The band fee replaces numerous, non-instructional fund-raisers. In recent years, Memphis City Schools has severely limited the type and frequency of fund-raisers making the band fee necessary for most area bands. The first semester fee of $25.00 will be collected after band classes begin. There will be more information on the web site and handed out in class.
- WHEN: Band meets everyday all year in the Middle School Band Room. Band grades are listed on the report card. Band is not an exploratory course. Band does not conflict with any athletics, any other activities, or classes. Band members may play any sport offered on campus. In fact, research proves that successful participation in musical training enhances academic performance and boosts self-esteem. Successful band students are usually the most motivated students in the school.
- HOW: If you want to sign up for band, just tell the band director, Mr. Turner, a guidance counselor, or your homeroom teacher, or sign up at registration. If you want to be in the band, JUST ASK!