Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent or purchase an instrument?
To avoid such a large initial monetary investment, we
recommend
renting
an instrument.
Advantages:
Guaranteed working condition
Proper selection of equipment and mouthpiece
Ability to return the instrument without further
obligation
What if my child is chosen for an instrument but REALLY
wanted to play a different one?
Remember that each of the band directors at Wester
Middle School is a trained music professional interested
solely in your child’s success on his or her instrument.
We WILL NOT set your child up for failure. While desire
plays a large role on a student’s willingness to work
hard, practice, and learn – physical and academic
characteristics MUST be taken into consideration.
May I purchase an instrument from another source?
Absolutely -
HOWEVER, take
into account that the different brand may be inferior in
quality and can be detrimental to your student’s
progress. Similar to buying a used car, there are many
things you will want to consider before purchasing –
please see a director for help.
May I purchase a used instrument?
Yes, but be careful of the same problems mentioned
above (another source section). We
strongly
encourage you to stick with
the brand
and model recommendations made by the band directors
AND to consult a director
BEFORE
purchasing the used
instrument. If you still choose to purchase from another
source or to purchase a used instrument, your student
will still need to have the necessary listed accessories
(book, etc.)
What happens next?
Students will have the opportunity to come to Wester
Middle School and go through the instrument selection
process. A Band Director will interview the child, try
out different instruments on the child, and counsel them
in the instrument that would be the best fit for them.
How was my child chosen for this instrument?
Instrument selection is based on a series of criteria
so to best fit students with instruments in which they
will be most successful. These criteria include (but not
limited to): facial characteristics (lip, teeth, and jaw
structure), body characteristics (arm length, frame
size, hand/finger size), score on a standardized musical
aptitude test, participation in piano lessons,
participation in musical groups in elementary school
(honor choirs, etc.), citizenship, academic performance,
enrollment limitations within each section, and a quick
interview with the directors.
Should my child take private lessons?
ABSOLUTELY
!
Private lessons are the best way to increase your
child’s chances for success. It means they will meet
once a week with a professional player of their
instrument for some one-on-one instruction time. We even
encourage your student to start private lessons in the
summer so as to get a good time slot with a private
teacher and to get a good fundamental start for the
Fall.
** Private lesson times filled completely up last
year and a lot of students were left on a waiting list.
You can avoid the waiting list by signing up for lessons
now. Fill out the attached interest form and a private
instructor will be in contact with you.
We will begin from scratch – no prior musical knowledge
is required!
