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Band Information

Band Information

Illustration of various woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, categorized on a white background.

Why Should I Join Band?

There are a ton of great reasons to join band! Here are a few of them:

  1. You get to learn an instrument.

  2. You will be in a class with your friends.

  3. You get to meet some really amazing people and will mak life-long friends. 

  4. There is something for everyone. There are so many different instruments to choose from and a lot of different styles of music to play.

  5. You will become a musician. It doesn't matter what your favorite style of music is - you'll start listening to music with a better ear and will learn how to create music that sounds amazing.

  6. You get to go places! Our ensembles perform in 4 concerts a year, travel during the school day for festivals, march in parades, and so much more! 

  7. You get prepared to play in groups later on, such as pep band, jazz band, and wind ensemble. 

  8. You get paid! Just kidding - but there are tons of benefits from being in band (like jolly ranchers)!

 

 

What Instrument Should I Play?

The best way to decide which instrument to play is by coming to the instrument rental night at the beginning of the school year. There you will see and hear all of the different instruments and will have an opportunity to try them out yourself. More information about the date and time for the instrument fair to come soon. If you cannot make it to the instrument fair, contact the band director to set up a time for an instrument fitting.

When you are trying to decide which instrument to play, the most important question to ask is: "What do I want to play?" If you like the look and sound of an instrument, it might be a great choice! You don't want to play an instrument that you dislike, or you'll get discouraged quickly.

Instruments that DO NOT require an audition:

Flute

Clarinet

Alto and tenor saxophone

Trumpet

Trombone

Euphonium

Tuba

Instruments that DO require an audition:

Oboe

Bassoon

French Horn

Percussion

Oboe, horn, bassoon, and percussion are all highly demanding instruments. Students who would like to play these instruments will need to complete an audition or demonstrate prior musical knowledge. If a student does not pass an audition this year, they are welcome to audition again in the spring. These instruments require dedication, perseverance, and vulnerability. If you are interested in purchasing an oboe, horn, or bassoon, please speak with Director Araiza for advice on purchasing quality instruments.

Audition Information:

Auditions will be held Tuesday-Thursday before our instrument rental night. Students who have been approved to play an audition-only instrument will be sent home with an approval letter (also sent via Skyward). This will contain information on what is needed for the instrument, and what to do Friday evening.

Auditions will include a playing sample (to see if it comes “naturally”), a theory component, and auralization (matching sung pitch).

 

FAQ

  • No! You do not need to know how to read music or play an instrument before joining band. The band director will teach you everything that you need to know.

  • Learning an instrument can sometimes be challenging, but mostly it's fun! We all learn together at the same pace, and the band director will help you if something does get difficult.

  • The band director will help you find the perfect instrument for you! During the first week of school, before our instrument rental night, we will trial different instruments and learn about our options. Auditions for oboe, basson, French horn, and percussion will also happen during this week. During our instrument rental night, you will have another chance to try a flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and a baritone/euphonium to see which is the right match for you. You will be given suggestions for which instrument might be best for you, but the final decision is always yours! 

  • Band only has brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments. Guitar, puano, drum set, bass guitar, and other string insruments are not band instruments. However, many band students who know how to play those instruments too will find opportunities throughout the year, such as jazz band, accompanying our choirs, and more!

  • No one should have to miss our from being in band because of money! FMS Director Araiza, and CMS Mr. Hill, do their best to ensure instruments are maintained and avalible for students. Instrument options are limited to what is in the inventory, but no student will ever be turned away from being in band! 

  • 6th grade is where student learn all the fundamentals of being in band. Some students have found success after joining band in their 7th and 8th grade years, but it is often times very difficult and requires individual motivation and practice. Students may join later, but working hard being prepared to catch up has led to students finding success and not feeling discouraged. If you think you may want to do band later on, it is always recommended that you begin in 6th grade. 

  • If you aren't completely sure, that's okay. Try it out! What do you have to lose? You might love it! Director Araiza and Mr. Hill are always avaliable to chat and answer any questions you may have.  

  • Don't worry! When you perform, you will be performing with so many other students that any mistake you make will not be heard. Your director will also teach you some great tips for learning how to deal with stage fright in a healthy way.