ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING IN THE BAND?
NEW BAND MEMBERS
The band is open to any student in 3rd grade or higher
Please register via the online band portal ASAP
Choose from the following instruments:
- flute
- clarinet
- alto saxophone
- trumpet
- baritone
- percussion (drums)
- keyboard percussion (xylophone)
If you have not chosen an instrument and want to try the different kinds of instruments available I will be in the music room on August 13th and 14th from 10am-2pm. This is an informal meeting. You will need about 30-45 minutes to try some instruments, get some information about the band and then you can leave. If those times don’t work, please reach out and we can arrange something.
If you want to purchase or rent an instrument, you can inquire at any local music store like Rettig or Skyline. I can also help you locate a quality used instrument, or test an instrument you may already have in the family. Please DO NOT buy cheap instruments from websites like Amazon or Walmart etc… They are junk. If price is a concern, you are better off buying a quality used instrument versus a junk new instrument. No quality new instrument will be less than $250, but $250 can go a long way towards a very nice used instrument.
NEW BAND MEMBER SCHEDULE
This schedule is for New Band members only, for the FIRST TWO WEEKS of school only.
- WED 8/20 8am FLUTES
- THURS 8/21 8am CLARINETS & ALTO SAXOPHONES
- FRI 8/22 8am TRUMPETS & BARITONES
- MON 8/25 8am PERCUSSION & KEYBOARD PERCUSSION
- TUES 8/26 8am FLUTES
- WEDS 8/27 8am CLARINETS & ALTO SAXOPHONES
- THURS 8/28 8am TRUMPETS & BARITONES
- FRI 8/29 8am PERCUSSION & KEYBOARD PERCUSSION
- The normal band schedule begins on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2nd
RETURNING BAND MEMBERS
Welcome back! Please register via the online band portal ASAP. All returning band members will begin rehearsal AFTER Labor Day. The first two weeks of school are for new members only.
If your student was in Beginning Band last year they will continue to be in Beginning Band this year unless they were invited to join the Advanced group. Ideally I prefer that students spend at least 2 years in Beginning Band. This ensures they have a solid musical foundation, and fully understand the material before moving on to Advanced Band. Sometimes exceptions are made based on age and ability.
Please remember to get any repairs done early. Don’t wait until school starts.
Please make sure to order anything you may need before the first rehearsal. Reeds, valve oil, drum sticks, books. (reach out if you have any questions)
All rehearsals will begin at 8am SHARP! Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time to set up and get seated before 8am.
Advanced Band is Tuesday/Thursday and will resume rehearsals on 9/2/24 first note will be at 8am
Beginning Band is Monday/Wednesday and will resume rehearsals on 9/3/24 first note will be at 8am
FORMER BAND MEMBERS
You are always welcome to rejoin the band. We miss you!
Please let me know if you have an instrument you no longer use that you would like to sell to a new member. I will help you coordinate this.
If you still have your music book and wish to donate it as a spare for us to use, please drop it off in the music room.
I look forward to seeing you all soon. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Thanks!
Lauren Frank
Lfrank@ruffingmontessori.org
The cost for participation in the band program for the entire year is $375.00.