• GETTING STARTED IN THE BOYCE MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND

    If you played in your school band last year, and are returning on the same instrument this year, you will be automatically enrolled in the appropriate instrument/grade class. I will contact you through your student email with your assigned lesson time. In the event of a missed lesson, Pride Time is available for make-up lessons.

    If you did NOT play in your school band last year, or you're switching to a DIFFERENT instrument this year, you will be enrolled as a beginner. The instruments offered are:  flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone. Beginner percussion lessons may be offered 2nd semester, pending schedule availability.

    Step one for beginners is to determine which instrument to study. Daily instrument screenings are held at pride time in the band room for interested students. These run approximately the first 2 weeks of school. This allows students to try each instrument individually, to learn a little about how it's played, and to learn about its role in the band. Additional considerations discussed are: best physical match for the student, and maintaining a proper overall balance in the instrumentation of our bands. Rental information is also distributed.

    Step two is for parents to select a vendor to rent or buy an instrument. These arrangements are all made directly between parents and vendors. You may take delivery yourself, or have it delivered to the school, whichever is more convenient for you. Discuss this w/your vendor and if you have any questions, contact me. You will also need to purchase the method book we use:  Sound Innovations for Concert Band, by Robert Sheldon, Book 1.

    All beginner students are invited to join full band for their grade level after the 2nd nine weeks. This allows the students to acquire the rudimentary skills and confidence on their new instruments necessary for a positive experience. Special consideration will be given to any students desiring to join full band prior to the third nine weeks. This can be done via a playing quiz to determine the student's readiness. Large ensemble rehearsals are held in the Boyce band room, once a week, before school, from 7:50 am to 8:30 am as follows:
     
    • FIFTH GRADE WOODWINDS REHEARSE MONDAYS FROM 7:50 AM TO 8:30 AM.
    • SIXTH GRADE WOODWINDS REHEARSE TUESDAYS FROM 7:50 AM TO 8:30 AM.
    • FIFTH GRADE BRASS REHEARSE WEDNESDAYS FROM 7:50 AM TO 8:30 AM.
    • SIXTH GRADE BRASS & PERCUSSION REHEARSE THURSDAYS FROM 7:50 AM TO 8:30 AM.
    • FIFTH GRADE PERCUSSION REHEARSE FRIDAYS FROM 7:50 AM TO 8:30 AM.

    If you have any questions, please contact me. Thank you!