What instruments are in the Beginner Band?
Alto Saxophone, Bassoon, Clarinet, Euphonium, Flute, French Horn, Oboe, Percussion (drums), Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba
How does a student choose the correct instrument?
- A professional musician and band director will meet with your student and guide them as they test out different instruments.
- Our “Meet the Instrument” events in January are for students to test out all the different band instruments and discover which instrument they would most enjoy playing
- The band directors will watch for the student’s “natural abilities” that will help match each student to an instrument that would best suit them. Ultimately, it is the student’s choice.
Are certain instruments for girls and others for boys?
- No. Instrument choices are not based on gender, but rather their desire to play that instrument.
- Instrument selection is based primarily upon a student’s natural ability and their personal choice.
Is any previous musical training necessary to be in the band?
- No. We teach students the fundamentals of reading music and playing an instrument.
- Most students have never played an instrument or have read music before Beginner band
My child will most likely get braces, does this mean they cannot play a band instrument?
- No. At some point in middle school, nearly 80% of the band students get braces on and/or removed. There is a brief adjustment period, but generally students report feeling normal after 1-2 weeks.
- The band directors are flexible and understanding. They allow the students frequent breaks and time off during the adjustment period.
When does band class meet? What is Beginner Band class like?
- Band meets during the school day as a normal class. Students have 8 periods of classes, for one of those periods, your student will come to band.
- Beginner Band classes are grouped by instrument, so there is a “Beginner Flute Class”, “Beginner Trumpet Class”.
- The teacher to student ratio is kept low to facilitate individual supervision of student’s progress. There are typically 8-15 students per class.
- Students learn to read music, assemble and take care of their instrument, play songs, learn rhythms, learn how to listen and match pitch, and so much more!
- Students are encouraging to their classmates and work together as a team. We do not do “chair tests” or rank students.
- Even with this philosophy, the Clark Band is a competitive band and was named the State Champion in 2014 and the Sudler Cup Winner in 2016. The Clark Band regularly has a high student success rate at competitions like Region Band and Solo & Ensemble. We want students to love and respect music, band, and one another!
Who is allowed to be in the Beginner Band?
- The Beginner Band is primarily 6th Graders, but we have many 7th and 8th Graders in the Beginner Band, some students even play two instruments!
- We often have students move to Clark from other districts and cities. However, if a student moves in after October and does not have previous band experience, we ask that they sign-up for Beginner Band the following year due to the amount of make-up work they would need to complete.
If my student signs up for Beginner Band, are they required to be in band in 7th and 8th grade? What is the 7th and 8th Grade band like?
- No. However, about 85% of students enjoy Beginner Band so much, they stay in band for 7th and 8th grade!
- The 7th and 8th Graders are divided into 3 different ability-based bands: the Concert Band, Honor Band, and Symphonic Band. They perform concerts, go on trips, play at one football game, school pep rallies, and more!
- There is NO MARCHING BAND in middle school. We do offer Jazz Band where students can play piano and guitar.
How do I sign my student up for band?
- Make sure your student has been fit for an instrument at one of the “Meet the Instrument” events or you have spoken with a band director. If you are unable to attend one of the events, please contact the band directors.
- When your student selects their Elective class, they must put “Beginner Band” as their first choice.
How do I get an instrument for my student?
- We have a parent meeting in May to discuss the best options for getting an instrument. At this meeting, we invite local music companies so instruments and supplies can be reserved through them at that time.
- Some instruments are provided by the school. Band can be free for your student, depending on availability and financial need.
- Please DO NOT BUY an instrument unless you have spoken with the band director and they have approved it
- Some used instruments are good bargains, but you could possibly end up spending more money on repairs than the instrument is worth
- Please let a band director examine it prior to purchase. Local music stores and former band students are excellent sources of used instruments.
- Please wait until the meeting in May to secure an instrument, we will help you!
Can my child participate in both Athletics and Band at the same time? Band and Choir? Band and Orchestra? Band & Theatre Arts?
- Yes, and we have MANY students that do!
- In 6th Grade, students get ONE elective AND must take a Physical Education class, such as P.E. or Pre-Athletics
- In 7th and 8th grade, students are allowed more Elective courses, so they can stay in Band AND participate in “Athletics” (football, volleyball, basketball, track, etc.) AND choose another Elective
- The school administration, coaches, classroom teachers, and band directors work together to try to avoid conflicts in scheduling. The band directors are very flexible!
Are there any extra rehearsals required? Concerts?
- Beginners have a “Joyful Noise” Demonstration Concert in October, “Winter WonderBAND” Concert in December, a Beginner Band Competition Concert in April, and a Spring Concert in May.
- There are only two after school rehearsals in the Spring to get ready for concerts since we combine all of the Beginner classes and play together
Will my child be required to practice at home?
- Yes. We ask that students practice 15-30 minutes at home to help with muscle development and retention.
- If practicing at home is difficult, we can arrange times before and after school for your student to practice in the band hall.
Are private lessons available? Are they required?
- Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students, but are not required.
- If your child takes private lessons, he/she will receive one-on-one instruction from a professional musician (many of which have advanced music degrees).
- Lessons are held once a week at Clark Middle School (supervised by a band director) at a cost determined by Frisco ISD. Private lessons can help challenge faster-paced students and strengthen slower paced students.
Questions or concerns?
Please contact Mr. Ben Katz at KatzB@friscoisd.org or 469-633-4621