6th Grade Beginning Band Timeline

The first week of school, all 6th grade students will go through a rotation that gives them an introduction to their choices in band, orchestra and chorus.  The normal middle school schedule includes two periods per day in the connections department, which includes band, orchestra, chorus, P.E., art, business, and technology.  It is during these two daily periods that this introductory rotation will take place.  

Thursday, August 1, first day of school:  All students will attend a presentation in the theater.  They will see and hear performances representing the band, orchestra and chorus to help them decide which group to join.  All students will go home with written information on this day.

Friday, Monday and Tuesday, August 2, 5 & 6:  For these three days, each student will spend one of the two connections in P.E. to get lockers and have orientation.  The other period will be spent in band, orchestra and chorus – one day in each room.  On the day your student visits the band room, they will have a chance to see each band instrument up close, touch it, hear it and learn more about what is involved with actually playing the instrument.  They will also be given the official band registration form on this day.

Wednesday, August 7:  All band, orchestra and chorus registration forms are due today.  Students will attend the music class they have chosen to join.  We will make sure we follow up with all missing forms, so no student is left out!  They will also receive their basic introduction to the band room and daily class procedures on this day.

Wednesday-Friday, August 7-9:  All students will be evaluated and receive their instrument assignment, from the three choices they provided on the registration form.  We will do this during class, and will also have a limited number of slots for before and after school. We use research and years of experience to match each student to an instrument on which they can be successful long-term.  On the day they receive their instrument assignment, students will come home with information about getting an instrument and the required supplies.

Monday, August 12:  All 6th graders bring instruments to school!  They will be assigned a band locker to safely store their instrument.  At this point, band is really underway!

Remember, it takes time to learn a band instrument the right way!  Do not expect lots of songs at first, but you will be amazed at what your child has learned by the first concert!