Our beginning band resides at Sam Adams Elementary and offers our 5th grade students an entry into the Cassopolis Instrumental Music Program. 4th grade students are fitted for instruments in the Spring, and the in Fall representatives from the Quinlan and Fabish (Q&F) Music Company visit our school to meet with students and parents.
At this meeting, parents may sign rental contracts or purchase instruments from Q+F, which include the following options:
Woodwinds:
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
Brass:
Trumpet, Baritone, Trombone, French Horn
Percussion:
Bell Kit/Snare Drum
You can find information concerning rental prices/plans by following this link.
http://www.qandf.com/
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: "I've heard that if my student is in band, they can't be in gym or other specials?"
A: Just the opposite! If your student is in band, they will come to band three days of the week and attend specials for the other two. (See weekly break-down below)
Q: "My student really wants to play an instrument that they weren't fitted for, what's going to happen?"
A: I am all about finding a compromise that works for everyone. When it comes to band, "everyone" includes: The individual student, and the band. Sometimes, we have to make minor changes after instrument fitting to ensure we don't end up with thirty clarinets and two trombones! The key to getting a balanced ensemble is early instrument fitting and great communication!
Q: "Do you require practice records like other band programs?"
A: Never! In our ensembles, we don't meticulously track every minute of practice, rather, we do what we call "chair tests." This requires a student to play in front of the ensemble every once in a while in front of their peers to show off their skills!
Q: "What purpose do chair tests serve exactly?"
A: Great question. In music class, we aren't graded on lengthy papers or writing tests. Rather, our goal is to improve ourselves as musicians through practice so that we will be able to perform in front of a live audience. To be clear, this is a performance based program/curriculum. Chair tests are the first step in motivating your students to practice in order to become a great performers.
Q: "What if we don't have access to/can't afford an instrument?"
A: We do have school instruments that are available for students to borrow. Of course, I will always encourage parents to go for an instrument rent-to-own through Q&F first. From personal experience, I can say that it feels great for a student to own their very own instrument without any strings attached.
Q: "When will my student perform at a concert for the first time?"
A: Because it's important we build our students up on basic music concepts before we perform, your 5th grade student will be practicing up until May for the Cassopolis Area concert at Ross Beatty High School. Details for this will be posted on the calendar page once the date is set.
Monday/Wednesday
Our 5th Grade Flutes, Clarinets, and Saxophones meet on these days to learn the intricacies of our instruments!
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Tuesday/Thursday
The 5th Grade Trumpets, Trombones, Baritones, Horns, and Percussion attend band class on the "T" days of the week.
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Friday
On Fridays, the whole band gets together to cover the basics of musical notation, cover the basics, or play music games to show off our new instrument skills.
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