Be Part of the Band!
Sparta Middle School 6th Grade Band
Dear Future Band Parents,
As a future 6th Grade student, your child finally has the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before them—be part of the award-winning Sparta Band Program!
Some of you have been looking forward to this for a long time, and we can’t wait to help you continue the tradition of music in your family! We also know that for some of you, this will be your first exposure to instrumental music education and I wanted to take a brief minute to share some information to you.
On this website is information regarding our program and the different opportunities it presents your child, as well as a timeline of how we will be introducing band to your child and when they can join. This is a time where you and your child can explore the different options and get help choosing the experiences and classes that will help them be successful in middle school and beyond. If you are reading these materials and you still have questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Band is more than just playing an instrument. It is immersing your child in a culture of successful students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each child to use the creative side of the brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language—MUSIC.
All of the current data clearly states that students involved in music education academically out-perform their non-musical counterparts. But, more importantly, studies are showing that music students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors outside of school as well.
Every destination starts with the decision to embark on a journey. Now is the time to start your child in band, and Sparta Middle School is the place to do it. We can’t promise that every child will be a musical prodigy, but we can promise that they will learn, laugh, travel, and grow with a great group of kids along the way. We sincerely hope that you and your child will consider being a part of our Sparta band family next year and beyond.
Sincerely,
Whitney Brainard Jim Walsh
Sparta Middle School Band Director Sparta High School Band Director
As a future 6th Grade student, your child finally has the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before them—be part of the award-winning Sparta Band Program!
Some of you have been looking forward to this for a long time, and we can’t wait to help you continue the tradition of music in your family! We also know that for some of you, this will be your first exposure to instrumental music education and I wanted to take a brief minute to share some information to you.
On this website is information regarding our program and the different opportunities it presents your child, as well as a timeline of how we will be introducing band to your child and when they can join. This is a time where you and your child can explore the different options and get help choosing the experiences and classes that will help them be successful in middle school and beyond. If you are reading these materials and you still have questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Band is more than just playing an instrument. It is immersing your child in a culture of successful students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each child to use the creative side of the brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language—MUSIC.
All of the current data clearly states that students involved in music education academically out-perform their non-musical counterparts. But, more importantly, studies are showing that music students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors outside of school as well.
Every destination starts with the decision to embark on a journey. Now is the time to start your child in band, and Sparta Middle School is the place to do it. We can’t promise that every child will be a musical prodigy, but we can promise that they will learn, laugh, travel, and grow with a great group of kids along the way. We sincerely hope that you and your child will consider being a part of our Sparta band family next year and beyond.
Sincerely,
Whitney Brainard Jim Walsh
Sparta Middle School Band Director Sparta High School Band Director
Beginning Band Frequently Asked Questions
Is band a regularly scheduled class or is it an after school activity? Band is a regularly scheduled class that meets during the school day, every day of the week.
What are some of the costs involved? The primary expense in band is acquiring an instrument. Most students choose to rent an instrument from one of the area music stores. These are “rent to own” plans, where a monthly payment is made until your family owns the instrument. There are also a few school-owned instruments for student use (mostly horns, baritones, and tubas). While every instrument may not available, and there is a small yearly fee to keep the instruments in good playing condition, we will do everything we can to have all students play in band if they really want to. Students also provide their own beginning band method book at a cost of approximately $9.00 (this is free/included for students who are renting through Meyer Music). Some families might choose to use an instrument they already have at home or purchase a used instrument, and this is fine too.
Is band a YEAR class or a semester class? Band is a year-long course. Students DO have the opportunity to take other encore classes if they are in band!
How many performances do the sixth grade students have? Sixth Grade Band students perform in two concerts during the school year, so there is minimal required time out of class.
Can a band student still participate in sports? Absolutely! We encourage students to be well rounded and physically active. School and community sports activities are usually after school and do not interfere with band class--in fact, the majority of our middle school band members are also athletes! We work together with the coaches to ensure that students are always able to participate in both.
How is my child matched to an instrument? Selecting an instrument involves matching a student’s abilities to the musical requirements of a particular instrument. Percussion instruments require a good sense of rhythm; brass instruments require a good sense of pitch, etc. In addition, some instruments are better adapted to physical features such as the structure of the mouth, the size of the fingers and length of arms, etc. We also try to maintain a balance of instruments. For example, it would not be very educational to be in a large percussion section where students had to sit out because there were more people than parts to play, or be in a section where the students were constantly being asked to play softer so they wouldn’t cover up other instruments. Again our goal is to match the child to the instrument he or she will be most successful playing and also enjoy learning. We will show your child all of their options in the coming weeks, and perhaps even give them the chance to try a few!
If my child does not take band in sixth grade but would like to be in band in the seventh grade, is it possible? Sixth grade is the only grade when beginning band is offered. A student wishing to enter band in the seventh grade must meet that grade’s proficiency level. This can be accomplished with instruction from a private tutor and would require a great deal of determination on the student’s part (and money for lessons on your part). If your child wants to learn an instrument, however, NOW is the time to do it! This might be the only time in their life where they can receive free instruction as part of the school’s curriculum.
Is it ok to purchase the cheapest instrument I can find? We strongly discourage this. These instruments typically do not meet the quality or durability necessary for a long-term successful musical experience. We have also found that some of the brands of instruments offered on Ebay or some stores can be of an inferior quality even though they are new or look nice. We recommend purchasing or renting a known brand instrument. If in doubt, check with one of the directors. Our first priority is giving your student the best chance of success in band, and part of this success comes from playing on a quality instrument. If you have any questions at all about whether an instrument will be suitable for band, PLEASE contact us! We can definitely help you!
What are some of the costs involved? The primary expense in band is acquiring an instrument. Most students choose to rent an instrument from one of the area music stores. These are “rent to own” plans, where a monthly payment is made until your family owns the instrument. There are also a few school-owned instruments for student use (mostly horns, baritones, and tubas). While every instrument may not available, and there is a small yearly fee to keep the instruments in good playing condition, we will do everything we can to have all students play in band if they really want to. Students also provide their own beginning band method book at a cost of approximately $9.00 (this is free/included for students who are renting through Meyer Music). Some families might choose to use an instrument they already have at home or purchase a used instrument, and this is fine too.
Is band a YEAR class or a semester class? Band is a year-long course. Students DO have the opportunity to take other encore classes if they are in band!
How many performances do the sixth grade students have? Sixth Grade Band students perform in two concerts during the school year, so there is minimal required time out of class.
Can a band student still participate in sports? Absolutely! We encourage students to be well rounded and physically active. School and community sports activities are usually after school and do not interfere with band class--in fact, the majority of our middle school band members are also athletes! We work together with the coaches to ensure that students are always able to participate in both.
How is my child matched to an instrument? Selecting an instrument involves matching a student’s abilities to the musical requirements of a particular instrument. Percussion instruments require a good sense of rhythm; brass instruments require a good sense of pitch, etc. In addition, some instruments are better adapted to physical features such as the structure of the mouth, the size of the fingers and length of arms, etc. We also try to maintain a balance of instruments. For example, it would not be very educational to be in a large percussion section where students had to sit out because there were more people than parts to play, or be in a section where the students were constantly being asked to play softer so they wouldn’t cover up other instruments. Again our goal is to match the child to the instrument he or she will be most successful playing and also enjoy learning. We will show your child all of their options in the coming weeks, and perhaps even give them the chance to try a few!
If my child does not take band in sixth grade but would like to be in band in the seventh grade, is it possible? Sixth grade is the only grade when beginning band is offered. A student wishing to enter band in the seventh grade must meet that grade’s proficiency level. This can be accomplished with instruction from a private tutor and would require a great deal of determination on the student’s part (and money for lessons on your part). If your child wants to learn an instrument, however, NOW is the time to do it! This might be the only time in their life where they can receive free instruction as part of the school’s curriculum.
Is it ok to purchase the cheapest instrument I can find? We strongly discourage this. These instruments typically do not meet the quality or durability necessary for a long-term successful musical experience. We have also found that some of the brands of instruments offered on Ebay or some stores can be of an inferior quality even though they are new or look nice. We recommend purchasing or renting a known brand instrument. If in doubt, check with one of the directors. Our first priority is giving your student the best chance of success in band, and part of this success comes from playing on a quality instrument. If you have any questions at all about whether an instrument will be suitable for band, PLEASE contact us! We can definitely help you!
Forms and Handouts
Beginning Band Parent Meeting 4/24 Handouts
6th Grade Band Enrollment and Commitment Form (due 4/24)
"What We Talked About" Handout from Band Director visit on Friday, 3/16
Summer Band Camp!
August 13th, 14th, and 15th
Sparta Middle School Band Room
Cost: FREE!!!
Session I: 12:30-2:30pm
Flute, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba and Percussion
Session II: 3:00-5:00pm
Saxophone, Clarinet, Trumpet and French Horn
Any Meyer Music rentals will be available the first day of camp. To rent from Meyer Music you can apply online at www.meyer-music.com. If you are not renting or are renting through another music store, please make arrangements to get your instrument before camp. Students who use school-owned instruments (baritone, tuba, French horn) should bring their own mouthpieces, and we will sign out instruments to them at camp.
Materials Needed:
This camp is not required, but is highly encouraged!
Sparta Middle School Band Room
Cost: FREE!!!
Session I: 12:30-2:30pm
Flute, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba and Percussion
Session II: 3:00-5:00pm
Saxophone, Clarinet, Trumpet and French Horn
Any Meyer Music rentals will be available the first day of camp. To rent from Meyer Music you can apply online at www.meyer-music.com. If you are not renting or are renting through another music store, please make arrangements to get your instrument before camp. Students who use school-owned instruments (baritone, tuba, French horn) should bring their own mouthpieces, and we will sign out instruments to them at camp.
Materials Needed:
- Pencil
- Instrument (yours will be delivered if you have rented through a music store)
- Mouthpiece (school-owned brass instrument students)
- Drum Sticks (percussionists)
This camp is not required, but is highly encouraged!