Clark Middle School and Band
We would like to invite your child to take part in the Band Program at Clark Middle School! Fine Arts education is not only a creative activity; it is a cultural experience for the child. Other benefits of being in band include: responsibility, hard work, dedication, teamwork, confidence, and pride.
Band students consistently have much higher SAT scores than the state and national average. In a recent study it was found that 80% of all physicians in America at one time played a musical instrument!
For your information, athletics and cheerleading are NOT offered in the sixth grade; however, BAND is offered starting in 6th grade. When the students reach 7th grade they can take both athletics AND band. Band does not conflict with other middle school activities such as athletics or cheerleading.
Musical instruction is provided free from F.I.S.D., but every child will need to have a musical instrument with which to study. We recommend that parents do not buy an instrument, but rent an instrument the first year until they are confident that the student will be committed to learning that instrument. At a reputable music store, beginning band instruments may be rented at a low monthly cost where all the rent applies to the purchase. You are not obligated to purchase the instrument! Again, we prefer you only rent an instrument the first year. The school provides rental of the more expensive instruments on a very limited basis (tubas, baritones, French horns, oboes, bassoons); however, playing these instruments is based on suitability, not financial need.
If your child wishes to take band in 6th grade, he/she must choose “Beginning Band” as their FIRST CHOICE for their elective when you enroll in middle school for the fall and attend an instrument selection meeting. Students and parents will be contacted this month to discuss trying out an instrument. There will be NO OBLIGATION to be in band if you attend this meeting!
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions not covered in the links below. We are sure that your child will have a positive and rewarding band experience!