Does band last all year?
Yes. When your child enrolls in Band, they are making a commitment to play that instrument for the entire school year.
Can students be in band and strings and chorus?
Students can enroll in both band and chorus or strings and chorus, but not in both band and strings. Students can also enroll in GT seminars while still participating in both band and chorus or strings and chorus.
Often, students who play multiple band and string instruments take private lessons on one or more instruments at home and play the other one at school.
What are my child’s expectations at band lessons?
To be successful in band, all musicians must follow these guidelines:
How does the Band pullout schedule work? Will the schedule ever change?
Your child will have two 30-minute live lessons each week with their instrument group. The schedule will rotate to minimize the time that students are out of other classes (RA, content, recess, ELA, etc.)
Occasionally, the schedule will need to be altered for special days (i.e. half days, assemblies, testing, etc) and I will let you know those changes ahead of time.
Does my child need to practice at home?
Yes - Since instrumental music meets live only twice a week, home practicing is essential! By playing more days each week (even only 10 minutes), they will build mouth and finger muscle memory more quickly and retain what they are learning in lessons. By playing each song assigned 3 times, this can easily be accomplished!
What safety procedures are in place to protect my child in band class during the pandemic?
I take COVID-19 safety very seriously, and GCES had a very successful return to in-person band instruction this spring. We plan to continue mitigation measures from the spring for as long as necessary.
COVID-19 Safety in Band:
Should my child continue the same instrument every year?
4th graders are able to choose a new band instrument, or continue on their string instrument from 3rd grade.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that all 5th graders continue on their instrument from last year. By continuing on that instrument, they will be in their advanced ensemble and playing with their peers. Switching instruments means going back to the beginning ensemble and potentially performing with the younger grades. It also means they will need to meet individually with me and therefore may not get to practice right away with their classmates. Some instruments, like clarinet to bass clarinet, alto sax to tenor sax, and euphonium to tuba are much easier to navigate.
If your 5th grader really wants to switch instruments, then you must contact me (either by phone or email) to let me know before enrolling in Band/Orchestra. In this case, it would be beneficial to sign your child up for private lessons on that new instrument to help your child progress more quickly so they can rejoin their classmates. Based on instrumentation, only certain instruments will be available in 5th grade.
Do I need to supply my child’s instrument and book?
It is the family’s responsibility to obtain their child’s instrument and book. Once your child chooses an instrument and you complete the online registration, I will send home specific details on what equipment we will use in lessons. Please reach out to Dr. Burbank ([email protected]) if you need any assistance.
How much does an instrument cost? Should I rent or buy?
Every music store in the area has individual rental policies and costs. You will need to contact these stores to find out the costs for renting or purchasing an instrument. I recommend that most students begin by renting. That way, if they change their mind the following year, you haven’t purchased it outright. Plus, most stores have a rent-to-own program, so your rental cost is going towards the final purchase price. Finally, most rentals will provide a loaner instrument if yours needs to go into the shop.
If you decide to purchase an instrument, please avoid “warehouse-type” stores. While their instruments may be cheaper, their quality is much lower. Not only will they not sound as nice as a more reputable brand, they often require more repairs during the year.
Some families have had success finding used instruments on Amazon and Craigslist. If you go this route, make sure you choose a reputable brand and model (see supply list) and send me the link to look it over BEFORE you buy.
Where should I get an instrument?
Please see the “Resources” tab for a list of local music stores. Once your child is registered for an instrument, I will send home specific information on what they need for lessons.
What supplies does my child need to play in band?
How can I help my child succeed in Band?
Family involvement and encouragement is crucial to the success of your budding musician! There will be times when your child may become frustrated and not want to practice. As the saying goes “Practice makes perfect!” If they put the work in at home, I promise they will be successful. Please encourage your musician with these suggestions...
How do my musician and I care for the instrument?
Keep in a safe place at home. Never leave your instrument in the car overnight!
Always put the instrument back in the case when not being played.
Only the musician should play the instrument! Many accidents are caused by siblings trying the instrument out.
If something breaks or does not work, ALWAYS bring it to Dr. Burbank first. Please don't try to fix it at home.
Brass - do not use too much oil on your valves!
Students are largely responsible for getting to their lessons on time. Dr. Burbank will meet the students at the band room door at the beginning of their lesson. While walking to lessons, student musicians may use the bathroom or pick something up from their classroom, if needed, but must be efficient and quiet in the hallways.
Yes. When your child enrolls in Band, they are making a commitment to play that instrument for the entire school year.
Can students be in band and strings and chorus?
Students can enroll in both band and chorus or strings and chorus, but not in both band and strings. Students can also enroll in GT seminars while still participating in both band and chorus or strings and chorus.
Often, students who play multiple band and string instruments take private lessons on one or more instruments at home and play the other one at school.
What are my child’s expectations at band lessons?
To be successful in band, all musicians must follow these guidelines:
- Come to every lesson on time and be ready to learn.
- Have your instrument, book, folder, PPE, & pencil available at EVERY lesson
- Practice at home as many days as you can.
- Always try your best!
How does the Band pullout schedule work? Will the schedule ever change?
Your child will have two 30-minute live lessons each week with their instrument group. The schedule will rotate to minimize the time that students are out of other classes (RA, content, recess, ELA, etc.)
Occasionally, the schedule will need to be altered for special days (i.e. half days, assemblies, testing, etc) and I will let you know those changes ahead of time.
Does my child need to practice at home?
Yes - Since instrumental music meets live only twice a week, home practicing is essential! By playing more days each week (even only 10 minutes), they will build mouth and finger muscle memory more quickly and retain what they are learning in lessons. By playing each song assigned 3 times, this can easily be accomplished!
What safety procedures are in place to protect my child in band class during the pandemic?
I take COVID-19 safety very seriously, and GCES had a very successful return to in-person band instruction this spring. We plan to continue mitigation measures from the spring for as long as necessary.
COVID-19 Safety in Band:
- All woodwind and brass instruments will wear bell covers at all times to prevent aerosol spread
- All woodwind and brass players will wear special instrument face masks at all times in band class
- Woodwind and brass PPE (bell covers and masks) are provided free of charge by GCES
- Woodwind and brass PPE has been lab-tested in peer-reviewed studies by UMD and NFHS (National Federation of High Schools)
- Percussion students will wear their normal masks, any shared materials (i.e. music stands, mallets) will be wiped down
- GCES-provided hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, and Sani-Spray are available around the band room
- Music stands and chairs will be wiped down after each class
- Seating charts for contact tracing
- Social Distancing Goal - at least 3 feet apart (GCES band room is very large, more than 3 feet will be feasible for most classes)
- Brass players will empty water keys into trash can or directly outside band room exterior door
- When possible, beginning wind and brass classes will be held outdoors, distanced, and in the shade on GCES property
Should my child continue the same instrument every year?
4th graders are able to choose a new band instrument, or continue on their string instrument from 3rd grade.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that all 5th graders continue on their instrument from last year. By continuing on that instrument, they will be in their advanced ensemble and playing with their peers. Switching instruments means going back to the beginning ensemble and potentially performing with the younger grades. It also means they will need to meet individually with me and therefore may not get to practice right away with their classmates. Some instruments, like clarinet to bass clarinet, alto sax to tenor sax, and euphonium to tuba are much easier to navigate.
If your 5th grader really wants to switch instruments, then you must contact me (either by phone or email) to let me know before enrolling in Band/Orchestra. In this case, it would be beneficial to sign your child up for private lessons on that new instrument to help your child progress more quickly so they can rejoin their classmates. Based on instrumentation, only certain instruments will be available in 5th grade.
Do I need to supply my child’s instrument and book?
It is the family’s responsibility to obtain their child’s instrument and book. Once your child chooses an instrument and you complete the online registration, I will send home specific details on what equipment we will use in lessons. Please reach out to Dr. Burbank ([email protected]) if you need any assistance.
How much does an instrument cost? Should I rent or buy?
Every music store in the area has individual rental policies and costs. You will need to contact these stores to find out the costs for renting or purchasing an instrument. I recommend that most students begin by renting. That way, if they change their mind the following year, you haven’t purchased it outright. Plus, most stores have a rent-to-own program, so your rental cost is going towards the final purchase price. Finally, most rentals will provide a loaner instrument if yours needs to go into the shop.
If you decide to purchase an instrument, please avoid “warehouse-type” stores. While their instruments may be cheaper, their quality is much lower. Not only will they not sound as nice as a more reputable brand, they often require more repairs during the year.
Some families have had success finding used instruments on Amazon and Craigslist. If you go this route, make sure you choose a reputable brand and model (see supply list) and send me the link to look it over BEFORE you buy.
Where should I get an instrument?
Please see the “Resources” tab for a list of local music stores. Once your child is registered for an instrument, I will send home specific information on what they need for lessons.
What supplies does my child need to play in band?
- Instrument in good working condition - see important documents tab for more information
- Instrument supplies such as reeds, valve oil, etc - see important documents tab for more information
- 4th & 5th grade - Measures of Success for your instrument
- Name Tag for case (Very Important! Many instrument cases look identical!)
- Metronome/tuner - sold at any music store. There are also free metronome/tuner websites, and metronome/tuner apps available for iPhone and Android (Soundcorset and Frozen Ape are personal favorites!).
How can I help my child succeed in Band?
Family involvement and encouragement is crucial to the success of your budding musician! There will be times when your child may become frustrated and not want to practice. As the saying goes “Practice makes perfect!” If they put the work in at home, I promise they will be successful. Please encourage your musician with these suggestions...
- Help them find a quiet place to practice at home
- Display their schedule somewhere at home so everyone can stay organized
- Visit the band Canvas page often for updates & announcements
- Call, email, or write a note with any questions or concerns
- Consider getting private lessons for your musician
How do my musician and I care for the instrument?
Keep in a safe place at home. Never leave your instrument in the car overnight!
Always put the instrument back in the case when not being played.
Only the musician should play the instrument! Many accidents are caused by siblings trying the instrument out.
If something breaks or does not work, ALWAYS bring it to Dr. Burbank first. Please don't try to fix it at home.
Brass - do not use too much oil on your valves!
Students are largely responsible for getting to their lessons on time. Dr. Burbank will meet the students at the band room door at the beginning of their lesson. While walking to lessons, student musicians may use the bathroom or pick something up from their classroom, if needed, but must be efficient and quiet in the hallways.