We want to provide you with all the information you need! The questions below represent some of the most common questions we have been asked over the years. We know it can be a little overwhelming transitioning to middle school, so we hope this information helps your family make a decision on your child's elective choice. We hope you consider joining band! If you have any questions that are not answered below please contact Mr. Wood at [email protected].
Why should I take band in 6th Grade?
Band is a great way for your child to meet new friends, learn a new skill, and have fun! Students in band learn much more than music. All classes also focus on organization, goal setting, and performing at the highest level. All of these skills are highly valuable both inside and outside of the music room. If students are remotely interested in trying band it is STRONGLY encouraged that they sign up for it in sixth grade as opposed to waiting until seventh grade.
Band is a great way for your child to meet new friends, learn a new skill, and have fun! Students in band learn much more than music. All classes also focus on organization, goal setting, and performing at the highest level. All of these skills are highly valuable both inside and outside of the music room. If students are remotely interested in trying band it is STRONGLY encouraged that they sign up for it in sixth grade as opposed to waiting until seventh grade.
How do we sign up for Band?
First, once you receive your child's schedule card all you have to do is mark band as their NUMBER ONE choice. Once you turn in their card, your child is automatically enrolled in band- even if you do nothing else, you will be signed up for band!
Next- even though you are 'officially' enrolled in band, we hope you take the next step- which is to meet with a band director to decide what instrument is the best fit for you. This FUN appointment is all about seeing what instruments work best for your face, lungs, hands, etc. You will get to make a lot of silly noises, but it is a great way to see what feels 'easy'- you might be surprised at what works and what doesn't, we won't know until we give it a try.
The final step after you have been placed on an instrument is securing an instrument. We will communicate everything to our counselors on our end and have you placed into the correct class.
Again, the only way to guarantee that your child is enrolled in band is to mark it as their NUMBER ONE choice.
First, once you receive your child's schedule card all you have to do is mark band as their NUMBER ONE choice. Once you turn in their card, your child is automatically enrolled in band- even if you do nothing else, you will be signed up for band!
Next- even though you are 'officially' enrolled in band, we hope you take the next step- which is to meet with a band director to decide what instrument is the best fit for you. This FUN appointment is all about seeing what instruments work best for your face, lungs, hands, etc. You will get to make a lot of silly noises, but it is a great way to see what feels 'easy'- you might be surprised at what works and what doesn't, we won't know until we give it a try.
The final step after you have been placed on an instrument is securing an instrument. We will communicate everything to our counselors on our end and have you placed into the correct class.
Again, the only way to guarantee that your child is enrolled in band is to mark it as their NUMBER ONE choice.
What instruments are in band?
The Staley Band has three instrument groups taught across 5 periods and 9 classes in Beginning Band.
Woodwind classes are taught by Mrs. Webb and include Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, and Saxophone.
Brass classes are taught by Mr. Wood and include Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba.
The Percussion class is taught by Mr. Carter and focuses primarily on mallets (similar to piano) and a practice pad (like a quiet snare drum).
The Staley Band has three instrument groups taught across 5 periods and 9 classes in Beginning Band.
Woodwind classes are taught by Mrs. Webb and include Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, and Saxophone.
Brass classes are taught by Mr. Wood and include Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba.
The Percussion class is taught by Mr. Carter and focuses primarily on mallets (similar to piano) and a practice pad (like a quiet snare drum).
What if I have never played an instrument?
You do not need any experience to sign up for band! We begin all students with the basics of posture, air, and sound. You will not believe how quickly your child will go from not knowing how to open the case to playing beautiful music.
If you do have some experience playing other instruments let us know! Piano is great for ALL instruments, but especially percussion since half of their instruction is on keyboard instruments- which is the closest you get to piano instruction in middle school.
You do not need any experience to sign up for band! We begin all students with the basics of posture, air, and sound. You will not believe how quickly your child will go from not knowing how to open the case to playing beautiful music.
If you do have some experience playing other instruments let us know! Piano is great for ALL instruments, but especially percussion since half of their instruction is on keyboard instruments- which is the closest you get to piano instruction in middle school.
Asthma? Braces? Other Concerns
Families and students do not need to worry about asthma, braces, or other concerns as there are proven ways to find success no matter what physical concerns you have.
For Asthma- in many cases band actually HELPS with asthma since many instruments focus on daily breathing exercises and strengthening our lungs!
Regarding braces, it is a fact of life for many families in Frisco, and outside the normal 2-3 week adjustment period, there are very little effects for band. In some cases, braces actually help make better sounds since they prevent you from putting too much pressure on your lips! We have had students on EVERY instrument find success with and without braces!
Every student has their own unique path to musical success. The best option is always for students and parents to discuss their concerns with their child's director so we can be aware of any concerns and start forming the path to achievement.
Families and students do not need to worry about asthma, braces, or other concerns as there are proven ways to find success no matter what physical concerns you have.
For Asthma- in many cases band actually HELPS with asthma since many instruments focus on daily breathing exercises and strengthening our lungs!
Regarding braces, it is a fact of life for many families in Frisco, and outside the normal 2-3 week adjustment period, there are very little effects for band. In some cases, braces actually help make better sounds since they prevent you from putting too much pressure on your lips! We have had students on EVERY instrument find success with and without braces!
Every student has their own unique path to musical success. The best option is always for students and parents to discuss their concerns with their child's director so we can be aware of any concerns and start forming the path to achievement.
Can I do Band and Athletics, or theatre, or...
YES! Our program is one of the largest and most active on campus. There are band members in literally EVERY activity on campus.
This is possible since in 6th grade you only get 1 elective, but in 7th grade you get 2, and in 8th grade you get 3. Most electives you can jump in as a 7th or 8th grader and not be behind, but band is one that you have to start in beginning band, so the best time to sign up is in 6th grade. Remember that athletics is not offered in 6th grade, and when it is offered, it does not count towards an elective choice. For example, in 7th grade you can take Band, Athletics, AND another elective class!
We work with coaches, sponsors, and teachers to allow our students to participate in football, basketball, cheer, NJHS, volleyball, guitar, etc.! In 7th and 8th grade the Staley Band averages 70-80% of our students in athletics in addition to band.
YES! Our program is one of the largest and most active on campus. There are band members in literally EVERY activity on campus.
This is possible since in 6th grade you only get 1 elective, but in 7th grade you get 2, and in 8th grade you get 3. Most electives you can jump in as a 7th or 8th grader and not be behind, but band is one that you have to start in beginning band, so the best time to sign up is in 6th grade. Remember that athletics is not offered in 6th grade, and when it is offered, it does not count towards an elective choice. For example, in 7th grade you can take Band, Athletics, AND another elective class!
We work with coaches, sponsors, and teachers to allow our students to participate in football, basketball, cheer, NJHS, volleyball, guitar, etc.! In 7th and 8th grade the Staley Band averages 70-80% of our students in athletics in addition to band.
How many trips will we go on?
We are not shy about how hard our students work throughout the year. Learning an instrument takes time, patience, and dedication. Since we work so hard we like to have MONTHLY reward events throughout the year. Beginning Band students have the opportunities to participate in the following reward opportunities:
We are not shy about how hard our students work throughout the year. Learning an instrument takes time, patience, and dedication. Since we work so hard we like to have MONTHLY reward events throughout the year. Beginning Band students have the opportunities to participate in the following reward opportunities:
- Family picnic
- Trip to Main Event
- Trip to Interskate Roller Rink
- Movie Party
- Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange
- Luau Party
- Trip to Urban Air
- Trip to Nerfies (indoor nerf wars!)
- and more...
How many performances will there be?
Most of Beginning Band's focus will be on learning an instrument through personal practice and time during the school day. We will have performance opportunities and look forward to 'showing off' how much we have progressed.
Most of Beginning Band's focus will be on learning an instrument through personal practice and time during the school day. We will have performance opportunities and look forward to 'showing off' how much we have progressed.
- Preview Recital: Towards the start of the year we will show our basic fundamentals and beginning sounds.
- Holiday Recital: In December we will play some holiday favorites.
- Winter Concert: This event (usually early February) will be the first time the band performs as one large ensemble!
- Solo Contest: Students will prepare and perform a solo to develop their personal skills.
- Spring Contest: Students will get to miss a day of school to perform for a judge and then go to Main Event!
- Spring Concert: This is a special event that features every student in the program from 6th-8th grade!
How often do we have music class?
In elementary school students only have music one day a week. If your child marks band #1 on their schedule they will have band EVERY DAY! You will be amazed at how much they will progress with daily instruction.
In elementary school students only have music one day a week. If your child marks band #1 on their schedule they will have band EVERY DAY! You will be amazed at how much they will progress with daily instruction.
What is the average class size?
While typically band has almost half of the entire sixth grade class, we break the large group into ten separate band periods. Our larger classes (clarinet, trumpet, trombone) are around 10-14 students and the smaller classes could be as few as 5 students (double reeds).
While typically band has almost half of the entire sixth grade class, we break the large group into ten separate band periods. Our larger classes (clarinet, trumpet, trombone) are around 10-14 students and the smaller classes could be as few as 5 students (double reeds).
What are school owned instruments?
In most cases families are encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music store. Some instruments are very expensive though and the music stores do not provide a rental option. For our most expensive instruments FISD will provide the instrument for student use for a small maintenance fee of $100 for the entire year. Students are still responsible for purchasing mouthpieces and reeds as well as keeping the instrument in good working order. The following instruments are provided by FISD:
In most cases families are encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music store. Some instruments are very expensive though and the music stores do not provide a rental option. For our most expensive instruments FISD will provide the instrument for student use for a small maintenance fee of $100 for the entire year. Students are still responsible for purchasing mouthpieces and reeds as well as keeping the instrument in good working order. The following instruments are provided by FISD:
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- Horn
- Euphonium
- Tuba
How much does it cost... really?
This can obviously be a huge deciding factor for many families. It the goal of the band staff to make band a possibility for EVERY child- no matter how great the need! There are three main costs associated with band- the instrument, supplies, and band fee. We have done our best to give you a 'real world' estimate for beginning band to help you determine the costs. As it states multiple times below, do not let any of the numbers below steer you away from band- we have many families that utilize our financial aid program, many of them paying NOTHING for their child to be in band!
1) Instrument Costs: Instrument rentals range from $15-55 a month. Some instruments are owned by the school and the usage fee is $100 for the year (or about $8.50 a month). Most families will rent through a local music store as your monthly payment is going towards the purchase of the instrument. In many cases, families choose to try to find a deal online or use an instrument that was owned by a family member or friend. In either of these cases be sure to include the band staff so we can be sure the instrument is of good quality and worth the investment. Financial Aid is available to help cover instrument reservations.
2) Supplies: Instrument supplies vary greatly ranging from $3 for a bottle of oil to $80 for a mouthpiece. Most music stores offer a package that includes all the basics (like the school pack pre boxed supplies you may have purchased in elementary school). Financial aid is available to help cover instrument supplies.
3) Band Fees: We have a one time fee to help cover the cost of our transportation, contests, and events throughout the year. The one time, general fee is $50 in addition to the supplies mentioned above There is also a T-shirt that we ask students to purchase as their uniform to wear at all events that costs $15. If you are on free/reduced lunch the band fee is $25 and the tee costs $10. Financial aid is available to help cover band fees.
This can obviously be a huge deciding factor for many families. It the goal of the band staff to make band a possibility for EVERY child- no matter how great the need! There are three main costs associated with band- the instrument, supplies, and band fee. We have done our best to give you a 'real world' estimate for beginning band to help you determine the costs. As it states multiple times below, do not let any of the numbers below steer you away from band- we have many families that utilize our financial aid program, many of them paying NOTHING for their child to be in band!
1) Instrument Costs: Instrument rentals range from $15-55 a month. Some instruments are owned by the school and the usage fee is $100 for the year (or about $8.50 a month). Most families will rent through a local music store as your monthly payment is going towards the purchase of the instrument. In many cases, families choose to try to find a deal online or use an instrument that was owned by a family member or friend. In either of these cases be sure to include the band staff so we can be sure the instrument is of good quality and worth the investment. Financial Aid is available to help cover instrument reservations.
2) Supplies: Instrument supplies vary greatly ranging from $3 for a bottle of oil to $80 for a mouthpiece. Most music stores offer a package that includes all the basics (like the school pack pre boxed supplies you may have purchased in elementary school). Financial aid is available to help cover instrument supplies.
3) Band Fees: We have a one time fee to help cover the cost of our transportation, contests, and events throughout the year. The one time, general fee is $50 in addition to the supplies mentioned above There is also a T-shirt that we ask students to purchase as their uniform to wear at all events that costs $15. If you are on free/reduced lunch the band fee is $25 and the tee costs $10. Financial aid is available to help cover band fees.
What if our family cannot afford band?
We understand that many families naturally hesitate when considering band due to financial reasons. As far as the band department goes, we feel strongly that EVERY child interested in band should have the opportunity no matter how many financial hardships they have. We have an amazing booster program (SMSBPA) that raises scholarship money for band fees and instruments. We also have a very successful student work program for students to earn credit towards any items they need. Every family has a unique situation and we are happy to work with you. If needed we can provide your child with 100% free instrument rental and supplies. We discuss our financial program at our parent meeting towards the end of the school year. If you need more specifics on the program before signing your child up for band please contact Mr. Wood at [email protected].
We understand that many families naturally hesitate when considering band due to financial reasons. As far as the band department goes, we feel strongly that EVERY child interested in band should have the opportunity no matter how many financial hardships they have. We have an amazing booster program (SMSBPA) that raises scholarship money for band fees and instruments. We also have a very successful student work program for students to earn credit towards any items they need. Every family has a unique situation and we are happy to work with you. If needed we can provide your child with 100% free instrument rental and supplies. We discuss our financial program at our parent meeting towards the end of the school year. If you need more specifics on the program before signing your child up for band please contact Mr. Wood at [email protected].
How does financial aid work?
The Staley Middle School Band Parent Association (SMSBPA) raises funds throughout the year to lower the cost of band and provide opportunities to all members. On average the SMSBPA covers about $15,000 of expenses for our families- so we are serious about helping you out!
The first step is to see if your family is approved for the district's Free and Reduced lunch program. If you are already enrolled in this then you will automatically be able to pay lower dues and be eligible for additional help through our booster club. If you need further discounts please let us know as we are happy to make band affordable for everyone! CLICK HERE to learn more.
The Staley Middle School Band Parent Association (SMSBPA) raises funds throughout the year to lower the cost of band and provide opportunities to all members. On average the SMSBPA covers about $15,000 of expenses for our families- so we are serious about helping you out!
The first step is to see if your family is approved for the district's Free and Reduced lunch program. If you are already enrolled in this then you will automatically be able to pay lower dues and be eligible for additional help through our booster club. If you need further discounts please let us know as we are happy to make band affordable for everyone! CLICK HERE to learn more.
How many directors are there?
The Staley Band has 3 primary directors- Mr. Wood, Mrs. Webb, and Mr. Carter. We also have an additional percussion director (Mr. Grimsley), regular student teachers, and a full lesson staff of professional musicians. There are a lot of people here to help ensure your child gets instruction tailor made for them to be successful!
The Staley Band has 3 primary directors- Mr. Wood, Mrs. Webb, and Mr. Carter. We also have an additional percussion director (Mr. Grimsley), regular student teachers, and a full lesson staff of professional musicians. There are a lot of people here to help ensure your child gets instruction tailor made for them to be successful!
Why do I have to try out (or be 'screened') on the instruments?
Students need to try the instruments to get an idea of what works and what doesn't. In many cases students have an idea of what they like, but then they try it and cannot even make a sound on it. Likewise, many students have found great success in our program playing instruments they had never even heard of until they tried it. Working one-on-one with a band director is the best way to ensure long-term success.
It is actually a lot of fun and most appointments only take about 20 minutes.
Students need to try the instruments to get an idea of what works and what doesn't. In many cases students have an idea of what they like, but then they try it and cannot even make a sound on it. Likewise, many students have found great success in our program playing instruments they had never even heard of until they tried it. Working one-on-one with a band director is the best way to ensure long-term success.
It is actually a lot of fun and most appointments only take about 20 minutes.
What if I cannot make a screening appointment time?
We understand that schedules are crazy- if you cannot make it we are happy to work directly with your family to schedule a personal appointment. Please note that you can still sign up for band even if you do not know when you are going to be screened!
Our counselors mainly want to know what major choice of elective first- then we will sort by classes as we go. Note that February through the start of April is the heart of contest season for our advanced bands. We will do our best to get everyone placed on an instrument as soon as possible, but we will have multiple events with our seventh and eighth graders during this time as well. Keep in mind that we screen some families even into summer or the start of the school year. The important thing is to get your child enrolled in band as we can audition your child on potential instruments at any time.
Note that if you are not placed on an instrument going into summer you are STILL ENROLLED IN BAND! The band staff will place you in a class and give you a chance to try the instruments the first week of school and change your schedule if needed. It is truly never too late to join band! That being said, it is nice to have more time to prepare and get supplies- so please try to set up a time with the directors in January or February if possible!
We understand that schedules are crazy- if you cannot make it we are happy to work directly with your family to schedule a personal appointment. Please note that you can still sign up for band even if you do not know when you are going to be screened!
Our counselors mainly want to know what major choice of elective first- then we will sort by classes as we go. Note that February through the start of April is the heart of contest season for our advanced bands. We will do our best to get everyone placed on an instrument as soon as possible, but we will have multiple events with our seventh and eighth graders during this time as well. Keep in mind that we screen some families even into summer or the start of the school year. The important thing is to get your child enrolled in band as we can audition your child on potential instruments at any time.
Note that if you are not placed on an instrument going into summer you are STILL ENROLLED IN BAND! The band staff will place you in a class and give you a chance to try the instruments the first week of school and change your schedule if needed. It is truly never too late to join band! That being said, it is nice to have more time to prepare and get supplies- so please try to set up a time with the directors in January or February if possible!
Where do we get instruments and supplies?
We encourage families to rent their first year and we have many great local music stores.
We encourage families to rent their first year and we have many great local music stores.
- Brook Mays: www.brookmays.com (off 423 and Eldorado)
- Music Arts: www.musicarts.com (off Preston and Gaylord)
- And others- feel free to shop around and reach out to us.
- Note that while supplies are great to purchase online, we ask that you please discuss with the band directors any instruments you find online (Craigslist, Amazon, Facebook Market place, etc.). We can let you know if it is a deal or a dud!
Are there any dates in the summer?
We will have a summer camp just for beginning band before school begins. This camp will take place in the afternoon one day and students will participate in team building activities as well as getting familiar with our staff and program as a whole. This event is meant to ease all our students into the start of the year and we strongly encourage students to attend. If you have travel plans no worries- it is a fun optional event to get to know each other better!
We will have a summer camp just for beginning band before school begins. This camp will take place in the afternoon one day and students will participate in team building activities as well as getting familiar with our staff and program as a whole. This event is meant to ease all our students into the start of the year and we strongly encourage students to attend. If you have travel plans no worries- it is a fun optional event to get to know each other better!
Can our friends join band if they did not mark it on their course card?
Only students enrolled in band will be placed in an instrument class. However, if they did not mark band on their original course card we are happy to still meet with them and see what instrument works best for them. If they want to be in band all we will need is a parent signature and counselor approval!
Only students enrolled in band will be placed in an instrument class. However, if they did not mark band on their original course card we are happy to still meet with them and see what instrument works best for them. If they want to be in band all we will need is a parent signature and counselor approval!
What are private lessons and when can I get started?
Private lessons are a way for students to get additional one-on-one help with a professional musician. While many students think of this like tutoring, for musicians, this is many times not a way for you to get caught up, but for a way for you to 'get ahead' of the class. We are very slow and methodical in how we approach learning music. If your child likes to work ahead private lessons will give them a chance to work at their own pace and on more advanced techniques that the class as a whole may not be ready for. Most students consider starting private lessons after the school year has started, but if you would like to start the summer before beginning band let us know. We may need to make arrangements to get an instrument to you early, but it can be done!
Lessons are once a week for half of your child's class period and the district set rate of $25 per lesson is due each week. If you are interested in a scholarship- we can help bring the costs of lesssons down to $12 per week (the booster club will cover the other $13), but note that this is not an option over the summer. We will discuss this at length at the start of the school year.
Private lessons are a way for students to get additional one-on-one help with a professional musician. While many students think of this like tutoring, for musicians, this is many times not a way for you to get caught up, but for a way for you to 'get ahead' of the class. We are very slow and methodical in how we approach learning music. If your child likes to work ahead private lessons will give them a chance to work at their own pace and on more advanced techniques that the class as a whole may not be ready for. Most students consider starting private lessons after the school year has started, but if you would like to start the summer before beginning band let us know. We may need to make arrangements to get an instrument to you early, but it can be done!
Lessons are once a week for half of your child's class period and the district set rate of $25 per lesson is due each week. If you are interested in a scholarship- we can help bring the costs of lesssons down to $12 per week (the booster club will cover the other $13), but note that this is not an option over the summer. We will discuss this at length at the start of the school year.
I hear high school band is really 'hard core' is that how Middle School band is?
In middle school we focus on learning our instruments and the basics of playing in an ensemble. Our Varsity Ensemble (Symphonic Band) is busy, but we do not perform at every football game and have the outside of school commitments you see in most high school programs. Usually by the time you get to high school our students have already formed lasting friendships and they do not look at the high school schedule as a ton of work- they look at it as a ton of time with their friends. We would love for your child to have the opportunity to participate in High School Band- but that is a ways down the road!
In middle school we focus on learning our instruments and the basics of playing in an ensemble. Our Varsity Ensemble (Symphonic Band) is busy, but we do not perform at every football game and have the outside of school commitments you see in most high school programs. Usually by the time you get to high school our students have already formed lasting friendships and they do not look at the high school schedule as a ton of work- they look at it as a ton of time with their friends. We would love for your child to have the opportunity to participate in High School Band- but that is a ways down the road!
Remember the only way to guarantee that your student is in band is to mark band as their #1 choice.
We hope see your child in the Staley Band and can't wait to work with your family!