Commonly Asked Questions
1. What requirements are necessary? For Beginning Band and Mixed Chorus there are no requirements other than an interest by the child and support from the parents. Concert Band requires one year of experience and or director audition.
2. Are students required to take private lessons? The combination of private and group instruction is the ideal situation. Both types of instruction have their merit. It is not a requirement for any music class but I do recommend them to players of all skill levels.
3. How does my child obtain an instrument for the year?
There are 3 options for students and parents:
1. Renting an instrument from a music store.
2. Already owning an instrument.
3. Using a school instrument. School instruments are available to students on a need basis. We request a $30.00 repair donation for the entire year.
4. Does the school furnish books and music? Yes, all music classes are supplied with music for the year.
5. Should I encourage my child to continue in music? There are numerous studies that conclusively show that musical training develops educational growth. Think of it as “P.E. for the mind, body and soul.” The middle school and high school years are the only time that the vast majority of students will have to nurture their musical abilities and talents. During the first year, it is sometimes difficult for students to see the “light at the end of the tunnel”, so parental support is of the utmost importance.
6. Is a musical background necessary? While it certainly does help (especially piano), some of our finest young musicians have been those without any prior training. Our program is designed to discover and develop the abilities a child already possess.
7. How will my child decide which instrument to play? During the first two weeks of the school year, every instrument in the band will be demonstrated to the students. They will also be allowed to play a variety of woodwind and brass mouthpieces. At the conclusion of this time, the student will decide which instrument is best for them. If they can’t decide, I will assist them with their choice.
8. What if my child chooses the wrong instrument? This will occasionally happen. If a child is really trying to learn their chosen instrument and is having a difficult time, I will recommend a switch to a different instrument. If however, a child is not trying and wants to switch for switching’s sake, they will not be allowed to change. I will usually suggest a change someplace between the first and second month of playing which is usually the middle to the end of October.
Privately owned and rental instruments should be stored in the music rooms (M-5 & M-6) during the day. The Simi Valley Unified School District assumes no responsibility for privately owned or rental instruments while at school.
1. What requirements are necessary? For Beginning Band and Mixed Chorus there are no requirements other than an interest by the child and support from the parents. Concert Band requires one year of experience and or director audition.
2. Are students required to take private lessons? The combination of private and group instruction is the ideal situation. Both types of instruction have their merit. It is not a requirement for any music class but I do recommend them to players of all skill levels.
3. How does my child obtain an instrument for the year?
There are 3 options for students and parents:
1. Renting an instrument from a music store.
2. Already owning an instrument.
3. Using a school instrument. School instruments are available to students on a need basis. We request a $30.00 repair donation for the entire year.
4. Does the school furnish books and music? Yes, all music classes are supplied with music for the year.
5. Should I encourage my child to continue in music? There are numerous studies that conclusively show that musical training develops educational growth. Think of it as “P.E. for the mind, body and soul.” The middle school and high school years are the only time that the vast majority of students will have to nurture their musical abilities and talents. During the first year, it is sometimes difficult for students to see the “light at the end of the tunnel”, so parental support is of the utmost importance.
6. Is a musical background necessary? While it certainly does help (especially piano), some of our finest young musicians have been those without any prior training. Our program is designed to discover and develop the abilities a child already possess.
7. How will my child decide which instrument to play? During the first two weeks of the school year, every instrument in the band will be demonstrated to the students. They will also be allowed to play a variety of woodwind and brass mouthpieces. At the conclusion of this time, the student will decide which instrument is best for them. If they can’t decide, I will assist them with their choice.
8. What if my child chooses the wrong instrument? This will occasionally happen. If a child is really trying to learn their chosen instrument and is having a difficult time, I will recommend a switch to a different instrument. If however, a child is not trying and wants to switch for switching’s sake, they will not be allowed to change. I will usually suggest a change someplace between the first and second month of playing which is usually the middle to the end of October.
Privately owned and rental instruments should be stored in the music rooms (M-5 & M-6) during the day. The Simi Valley Unified School District assumes no responsibility for privately owned or rental instruments while at school.