In addition to the individual skills needed to play an instrument, students need to learn how to play with others in an ensemble. Students should not start in the lesson book until they can demonstrate proper breathing, embrochure, and tone production. Percussionists use the Dave Paiva Drum Method. Instructional Setting Lessons are taught in like instrument and like ability groups free of charge, once a week. Students will have a band rehearsal once a week where scheduling permits.
Students qualify for band when they reach a predetermined page in the lesson book.
There is a three month evaluation period for beginners. At the end of this three months, a written evaluation will go home to parents, which will give a detailed report of their child's progress. This will help families, especially those paying monthly instrument rental fees, to make informed decisions regarding their child's continued involvement in this program. See attached Sixth Grade Beginner Policy Statement. This level is in many ways the key to a successful band program.