BAND Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most asked questions about Concert Band
Q: How do I join Band?
A: Any RMS student can sign up for concert band regardless of their grade level or past musical experience! It's best to start at the beginning of the school year, so make sure to fill in the google form sign up sheet right away if you are interested! Most ensembles have waitlists due to class size and physical room space limits. If it is midyear, talk to Mrs. McDowell if you are interested in joining to discuss your options.
Sign up for the 2024-2025 School Year here: https://forms.gle/8oJCmSy1kisxsfSe9
Q: When does Band occur?
A: Last year was the the first time in over 7 years that Concert Band was held within the normal school day hours. This was a great accomplishment for RMS as Band was now accessible to all RMS students wanting to participate without families having to worry about the added stress of finding early morning transportation.
For the 2024-2025 School Year, Band will once again be held during the school day! Band is held in a "pull-out" model meaning students will be pulled from their CREW block and about 30 minutes of class time at the beginning of the day, every second day. While Teachers are asked to not schedule new material during this time, it is up to the students to stay caught up in their classwork as well as regularly attend band rehearsals.
Don't worry though, You won't miss out on the Fun! When CREW Assemblies are held, Band is typically cancelled so we can all attend! And sometimes Band's even perform during these Assemblies too!
Please sign up early as we expect there to be waitlists!
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The course itself does not cost a thing! However, students will need an instrument and have a few options to choose from:
School Rented Instruments:
- RMS has a limited supply of instruments; rentals will be on a first come, first serve basis, with priority given to students who played the instrument the year before.
- We do charge a maintenance and cleaning fee for the year. While this fee can be paid in monthly installments, it is not prorated, and will not apply to any rent to own program. **
- For smaller instruments such as: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Alto Saxophone, Electric Bass and Percussion kits, we recommend renting from one of our trusted music rental companies if you are financially able to do so.
- For larger instruments such as: Tenor Sax, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Double Bass, which can be more of a financial burden, we do have some school rental options to help ease this burden and ensure we have students willing to play these important instruments in the ensemble. Since these instruments are also oversized, we sometimes have the possibility of signing out a school instrument and a home instrument for transportation ease.
** As per The Central Okanagan School District's Financial Hardship Clause Within School District Regulation 425R – Student Fees (see www.sd23.bc.ca), the Board of Education has indicated "that a student will not be excluded from any educational program due to financial hardship". This clause in the Regulations provides for the private and confidential consideration of financial circumstances of individual students and families, while preserving the dignity of families who may be unable to pay. Please contact the school Principal if you are facing a financial hardship that may restrict the ability of your child to access a school program.
No child will be denied the opportunity to participate in Band due to not having an instrument. Please speak to either Mrs. McDowell or the school Principal if you find yourself in this situation.
Music Store Rented Instruments:
Currently we have relationships with two wonderful music store companies: Wentworth Music & Tapestry Music.
Both rental companies have online Rental forms. Both companies will deliver your child’s instrument, labeled, to RMS directly if the rental form is completed by that year's due date. Both companies offer rent-to-own and buy-back programs.
Feel free to compare costs:
Wentworth Music:
https://www.wentworthmusic.ca/school-bandorchestral/
Tapestry Music:
https://www.tapestrymusic.com/t-rentalprogram.aspx
Q: I want to look into getting my child an instrument. Should I go to a store or can I shop online?
A: If you are shopping online, please beware of ISO's (Instrument Shaped Objects). While you may find a screaming good deal online or in department stores, these instruments are not made to standard so students will have a harder time getting a good, consistent sound out of them, they will often have tuning issues and they have a tendency to break easily. Most music stores will also not work on these instruments because of their poor quality. You may end up spending more money on repairs for an ISO then you would have if you bought a used student model from a music store which will have been serviced prior to the sale. If you are looking to buy, many music stores will have used student model instruments for a decent price. If you're unsure, feel free to email me a picture & link!
Q: I played ___*insert instrument name here*____ when I was in school, can my student use my old instrument?
A: This is a definite possibility. If your instrument hasn't been played in a while, you may want to take it in to a music store for a clean/service to ensure it is working properly.
Q: What other supplies will my child need?
A: A Method Book will be ordered for your child once instrument selections have been completed. A bulk order through the school ensures lower prices than if you bought your own. The cost of the method book is around $15 and will show up on School Cash Online.
A black, 1 inch binder with 5 dividers, a lined exercise book, and a pencil should be brought to each class.
All instruments have particular instrument accessories to make them work, such as reeds, slide grease, valve oil, patch cords, mallets, etc. For a comprehensive list, check out this page here.
Q: Do I have to practice?
A:Yes! The more time you spend exploring your instrument, the better sound you will develop. The better sound you get, the more confident you will become with playing. The more confident you become, the more fun you will have playing with your friends.
If you have concerns about practicing at home because of closely located neighbours or night shifts/younger sibling sleep schedules, don't worry! There are many ways to "practice" that don't involved directly playing your instrument which will still help you become a better musicians. We will talk about these options in class.
The music room is often open at lunch time for students to use to practice and jam together.
Q: Do I have to perform?
A: YES! Having a big goal, like a performance, gives us something to work towards and once completed, will give you a great feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment. It is also a great way to share our learning with our friends and families and gives us practice in overcoming performance anxiety in a safe, encouraging environment which will help us in future anxiety inducing situations such as public speaking, class presentations, or job interviews. You will never have to perform alone.
Q: What do I need to wear for performances?
A: How an ensemble dresses for concerts is extremely important. A group who comes onto the stage well-dressed shows personal pride, respect for their audience, and gives off an aura of “something special is going to happen.” For all performances, students are required to wear the “uniform” of the professional musician: Concert Dress Black.
This means all black clothing from head to toe, including socks and shoes!
For more details, follow this link: Concert Dress Black.
Q: Is band offered beyond middle school?
A: Yes! Rutland Senior Secondary has a vibrant music department with courses like concert band, jazz band, commercial music, guitar class, as well as many vocal ensembles. There are many ways to continue your music learning into high school.
Q: Thinking down the road...do colleges like to see participation in the arts on transcripts?
A: Yes! Colleges look for well rounded students. Participation in music, as well as the other arts, displays to college admissions that your child has a wide variety of skills and interests. Many colleges give out scholarships for students participating in musical ensembles - both for music majors and non-music majors.
Q: Is playing an instrument a life-long skill?
A: It certainly can be, as well as, a life-long enjoyment! There are many adults that, after playing an instrument through middle and high school, now enjoy participating in a community band or orchestra, jam with friends socially, or play for their own enjoyment and as a form of stress relief. There are also many studies looking at the positive effect playing an instrument during your youth can have on your health later in life and the decreased chances of developing memory diseases such as Alzheimer's. Music's effect on the brain is a very interesting topic!