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How to join 6th grade band at Central Middle School
The value of music education cannot be overstated. Band is a wonderful way to begin a new learning experience. If you and your student is considering band as an elective class and missed the sign-up meeting, please contact me as soon as possible.
We can even set-up a time for instrument selection and how to obtain an instrument. Please do not purchase an instrument prior to the meeting. If you already own your own instrument, please bring it to the meeting for inspection. I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely, Mike Hyde Director of Bands Central Middle School hydem@surry.k12.nc.us (school year e-mail only)) www.surrycentralband@yahoo.com (holiday and summer time e-mail)
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Beginning Band Truths...
QUESTION: I’m not sure I want to do band. I am really interested in other classes. If I do not choose to start band in the sixth grade, I will be able to start in the seventh or eighth grade.
ANSWER: Central Middle School’s policy is that sixth grade is the only opportunity to start band. Students will not typically have a chance to join band if they do not seize the opportunity when registering for sixth grade
QUESTION: I don’t know anything about music. I can’t be in the band.
ANSWER: We start at the very beginning and teach you everything you need to know to play an instrument in the band. We start with how to assemble and care for the instrument, the basics of making a sound, and how to read music.
QUESTION: Band is something extra. I don’t have time to take band with my busy schedule of dance, scouts, gymnastics, rec. league ball, etc. I need to concentrate on good grades in my academics. I want to play sports in the seventh grade, too.
ANSWER: Middle school band meets as part of the regular school day. Band is an “Encore” class in the student's schedule. You will receive a grade and it does count towards honor roll and promotion. There is no conflict with athletics because band class is during the school day and sports are after school. Nearly 50% of the band students at Central Middle are athletes.
QUESTION: I don't have an instrument, so I can’t be in the band.
ANSWER: Come to the sign-up meeting in May. We will have instruments for you to look at and we will help you decide which one is best for you. If finances are a problem, we have ways to help you get an instrument. Also know that we must limit the numbers on some instruments. Trombones and saxophones fill up fast. Be sure to attend the meeting to get your first choice!
QUESTION: Band is too expensive. We can’t/don’t want to pay such high fees.
ANSWER: THERE IS NO FEE TO BE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND. Students will need an instrument and a book, but there is no additional cost to join the band – just like any other class in the school.
QUESTION: I don’t want to be stuck in band every year. I want to have a choice about my classes.
ANSWER: Students are encouraged to stick with band for an entire school year before electing not to continue. If band is not “your thing” you can choose to take another class next year.