Join BAND at NLMS!

  • Learn how to play a musical instrument!
  • Make new friends.
  • Be a part of a special group in the school.
  • Experience teamwork at its best.
  • March in parades!
  • Be on stage with your friends.
  • Enhance your math and reading skills through reading and playing music.
  • Play at sporting events in the Pep Band.
  • Use parts of your brain that normally don’t get stimulated.
  • Learn important life skills like responsibility, hard work and dedication.
  • Be challenged by learning something new.
  • Perform, perform, perform.
  • TRAVEL!

IMPORTANT!!!!

Turn in your registration form to your classroom teacher no later than MAY 1st. If you decide to join at a later time, have your parents call the school to sign you up.

(See back for more information and frequently asked questions.)

Frequently Asked Questions about the NLMS Band

“How much does it cost?”

Students are required to provide their own instrument for band. Rental on a brand new instrument will be $30-$40 per month, depending on which instrument your child chooses. The company we use is Hurst Music. They provide a rent-to-own plan in which each rental payment goes toward the purchase of the instrument. However, if your child decides to quit band after giving it a try, you may turn in the instrument at anytime and owe nothing else on the instrument. Rental Night will be held at the middle school during the first week of school. Other costs include a one-time investment of $8.00 for a band book and $10.00 for a folding music stand for at home practice.

If you have access to a used instrument, I would like to look at it. There are some brand names that are very good and have proven to be durable and reliable. Some brand names that I recommend are Selmer, Bach, Conn, Gemienhardt, Jupiter, Artley and Yamaha. It has been my experience that any instrument that is “Made in China” or only cost $100-$200 brand new is not of good quality, often needs repair after repair, and plays out of tune. I don’t recommend these.

“How much after school time is involved?”

At the middle school level, band requires very little after school time. It will, however, require that you practice at least 25 minutes 4 times per week at your own convenience. We will perform at least 2 concerts, one in December and another in May. Also, students will perform at a festival, where they will play for a panel of judges and receive a rating. NLMS sixth grade bands have earned “Distinguished” ratings for the last three years in a row.

Students are able to participate in band and other after school activities such as dance, cheerleading and other sports.

“Will my child be in band the entire school year?”

Yes, band is a year long class that meets every day at school. Students who enroll in band will not get electives such as art, music or P.E.

“What if my child doesn’t like band?”

You or your child can let me know, and I will have his/her schedule changed at the end of the nine weeks grading period. You simply return the instrument to Hurst Music and you will not have to make another payment. The account will be closed.

“What instrument will my child play?”

During the first week of school, we will listen to, look at, and hold every instrument. I will make a recommendation based on formation of the lips and teeth and after allowing students to experiment with mouthpieces. Usually, I allow each child to choose if there is no apparent physical limitation. The only instrument section that requires an audition is the percussion section. There are a limited number of students who will be allowed to play percussion (drums).

Students will pick-up their instruments to take home on instrument rental night and we’ll be ready to begin learning technique and sound production the next day. Instrument rental night will be during the 2nd week in August.

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Dear Parent,

It is my sincere hope that your child will decide to give band a try. There are so many possibilities and opportunities that band can offer your child in the future. First of all, they will be learning a skill they can use and enjoy for the rest of their lives. Playing music is so much fun! Granted, it is hard work, but it is extremely rewarding. Secondly, there will be so many performance opportunities throughout middle school and high school, as well as scholarship opportunities available at the college level.

Please take some time to consider this opportunity with your child. I would be thrilled to teach your child to play music!

Sincerely,

Priscilla Wilkerson

North Laurel Middle School Band Director

Sixth Grade Band Registration Form

Dear Parent,

If your child would like to be enrolled in band for the 2013-2014 school year, please sign and return this form to your child’s 5th grade teacher no later than May 1st. It is extremely important that you get this turned in on time, since our counselors will begin scheduling students for next year before school is out.

If you have any questions, please contact Priscilla Wilkerson, band director, at North Laurel Middle at

862-4715.

Please enroll my child in band at North Laurel Middle School. I understand that I must purchase or rent an instrument for my child to play in band class.

Student Name ______

Parent Signature______