5th Grade Families,
We are very excited that you have chosen to become a part of JCMS Bands. You are joining a community of families that understand the value of a musical education and the positive impact that the arts can have on their students' development. We are confident that joining JCMS Bands will be one of the best decisions that you and your student can make. They will develop skills in organization, time-management, planning, leadership, and collaboration - all while making music and, of course, having lots of fun.
Welcome, we can't wait to meet you!
We are very excited that you have chosen to become a part of JCMS Bands. You are joining a community of families that understand the value of a musical education and the positive impact that the arts can have on their students' development. We are confident that joining JCMS Bands will be one of the best decisions that you and your student can make. They will develop skills in organization, time-management, planning, leadership, and collaboration - all while making music and, of course, having lots of fun.
Welcome, we can't wait to meet you!
Frequently asked questions
Can my child participate in both band and athletics?
Absolutely! Current JCMS Bands members are also involved in football, volleyball, basketball, track, tennis, golf, etc. Band classes meet for 50 minutes during the normal school day. Any conflicts with out-of-school band events and athletics or clubs can be resolved by the directors along with the coaches/sponsors.
Is musical experience necessary?
While past experience such as piano lessons, and recommendation from music teachers could be used to determine instrument placements, musical experience is not necessary. We will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful band student and independent musician. In class, students will learn the fundamentals of their instrument, musical literacy (music notation reading), music theory, and ear training.
Does band cost money?
There is a financial aspect to being in band - the cost for supplies will depend on the instrument your child is placed on. Keep in mind that nearly all of the supplies purchased for your student's first year in band are one-time purchases that should last your student through middle school and high school. After the beginner year, expenses are very minimal for items such as reeds or valve oil.
Is instrument fitting required?
We strongly encourage testing a variety of woodwind and brass instruments before being placed. Students playing an instrument for the reason that the instrument was family-owned or because it was the instrument that their parents played in school, often experience less success and/or slower progress if that instrument was not a good fit for them.
The best instrument for each student is best determined by their facial structure and what feels the most comfortable/natural. The instrument chooses the player.
Absolutely! Current JCMS Bands members are also involved in football, volleyball, basketball, track, tennis, golf, etc. Band classes meet for 50 minutes during the normal school day. Any conflicts with out-of-school band events and athletics or clubs can be resolved by the directors along with the coaches/sponsors.
Is musical experience necessary?
While past experience such as piano lessons, and recommendation from music teachers could be used to determine instrument placements, musical experience is not necessary. We will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful band student and independent musician. In class, students will learn the fundamentals of their instrument, musical literacy (music notation reading), music theory, and ear training.
Does band cost money?
There is a financial aspect to being in band - the cost for supplies will depend on the instrument your child is placed on. Keep in mind that nearly all of the supplies purchased for your student's first year in band are one-time purchases that should last your student through middle school and high school. After the beginner year, expenses are very minimal for items such as reeds or valve oil.
Is instrument fitting required?
We strongly encourage testing a variety of woodwind and brass instruments before being placed. Students playing an instrument for the reason that the instrument was family-owned or because it was the instrument that their parents played in school, often experience less success and/or slower progress if that instrument was not a good fit for them.
The best instrument for each student is best determined by their facial structure and what feels the most comfortable/natural. The instrument chooses the player.