Does it cost a lot to be in band?
Not necessarily! There are low-cost options for getting an instrument from Cooper Band Instruments or by using Mena School District instruments. We will have a parent meeting a few weeks into the school year to go over the various options. Please DO NOT let financial concerns keep your child from joining band. We can ALWAYS find a solution.
We bought a piano (or other instrument) and they quit taking lessons. Will they quit band?
Probably not! We have found most students at this age prefer a group experience and are not comfortable with one-on-one teaching from an adult. Group beginner band is fun and our drop rate is low.
How will I know which instrument my child will play?
You don’t. During the week or two of school we will let your child try each instrument. This will enable them to find the one that fits them most naturally and allows the most normal rate of progress. Often students decide to play an instrument they have seen on TV or that a relative has played and they find it does not fit their facial structure. Too many students decide on the drums, thinking it will be easy to play. It requires a great deal of self-discipline and excellent reading skills. Students and parents should come with an open mind on what they are going to play and decide only after all the instruments have been tried.
How much time outside of school is required?
Aside from individual practice at home, not much! Beginning band does not meet after school. For a beginner, home practice time is less than 2 hours per week.
Will band get in the way of making good grades?
Absolutely not. In fact, the majority of students in band actually do better in all of their other classes. Recent studies have also shown that students who study music become better, more-rounded students. The band program is often represented in the top 10% at MHS graduation ceremonies.
Does a student need to have prior band or other musical experience?
No, not any! While prior musical knowledge or training is helpful, it is not required. All note reading, rhythm counting, and playing will be taught in detail from opening the case to playing in a concert.
Asthma? Braces? Is it possible?
ABSOLUTELY! There are plenty of students in band who wear braces or have asthma. In fact, playing an instrument can be beneficial in strengthening the lungs.
Is it possible to be in band & athletics or band & cheerleading?
YES! The Mena School District provides a great opportunity for our kids to be in many activities at the same time. Many band students participate in band and athletics or cheerleading. While students only have 1 elective class in the 6th grade, they will have 2 electives in grades 8-12. So if they take beginning band in 6th grade, they can continue in band while also adding another elective every year after.
Not necessarily! There are low-cost options for getting an instrument from Cooper Band Instruments or by using Mena School District instruments. We will have a parent meeting a few weeks into the school year to go over the various options. Please DO NOT let financial concerns keep your child from joining band. We can ALWAYS find a solution.
We bought a piano (or other instrument) and they quit taking lessons. Will they quit band?
Probably not! We have found most students at this age prefer a group experience and are not comfortable with one-on-one teaching from an adult. Group beginner band is fun and our drop rate is low.
How will I know which instrument my child will play?
You don’t. During the week or two of school we will let your child try each instrument. This will enable them to find the one that fits them most naturally and allows the most normal rate of progress. Often students decide to play an instrument they have seen on TV or that a relative has played and they find it does not fit their facial structure. Too many students decide on the drums, thinking it will be easy to play. It requires a great deal of self-discipline and excellent reading skills. Students and parents should come with an open mind on what they are going to play and decide only after all the instruments have been tried.
How much time outside of school is required?
Aside from individual practice at home, not much! Beginning band does not meet after school. For a beginner, home practice time is less than 2 hours per week.
Will band get in the way of making good grades?
Absolutely not. In fact, the majority of students in band actually do better in all of their other classes. Recent studies have also shown that students who study music become better, more-rounded students. The band program is often represented in the top 10% at MHS graduation ceremonies.
Does a student need to have prior band or other musical experience?
No, not any! While prior musical knowledge or training is helpful, it is not required. All note reading, rhythm counting, and playing will be taught in detail from opening the case to playing in a concert.
Asthma? Braces? Is it possible?
ABSOLUTELY! There are plenty of students in band who wear braces or have asthma. In fact, playing an instrument can be beneficial in strengthening the lungs.
Is it possible to be in band & athletics or band & cheerleading?
YES! The Mena School District provides a great opportunity for our kids to be in many activities at the same time. Many band students participate in band and athletics or cheerleading. While students only have 1 elective class in the 6th grade, they will have 2 electives in grades 8-12. So if they take beginning band in 6th grade, they can continue in band while also adding another elective every year after.
- How will I know which instrument my child will play?
- You don’t. During the first three weeks of school we will let your child play each instrument. This will enable them to find the one that fits them most naturally and allows the most normal rate of progress. Often students decide to play an instrument they have seen on TV or that a relative has played and they find it does not fit their facial structure. Too many students decide on the drums, thinking it will be easy to play. It requires a great deal of self-discipline and excellent reading skills. Students and parents should come with an open mind on what they are going to play and decide only after all the instruments have been tried.
mENA BEARCAT BANDS
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