SKDS BANDS               Parents and Guardians               

How often does my child need to practice?
It is especially crucial in the beginning that children practice every day, for at least 15 minutes. Consistency (practicing every day) is much, much more important than total number of minutes practiced.  Consistent practice will give your child

• quick progress
• a solid foundation to build on in years to come
• increasing confidence
• increased interest in band because of self-confidence
• more progress
• more self-confidence 
• and more progress!

Kids who practice consistently SUCCEED Whether they have inborn musical talent or not!!

What are my responsiblities as the parent/guardian? 

• Provide your child with an instrument and accessories, a music stand, and a quiet place with a straight-back chair to practice on a daily basis.
• If your child is moving between homes, make sure everyone works to make a plan so your student can practice in both homes.
• Take an interest in your child's improvement. Comment on his or her progress. You will be amazed how much your student accomplishes by Christmas!
• Help your child manage their new responsibility in the beginning. Ask your band student to make a practice schedule each week, and hold him or her accountable to it.
• Enjoy the music! You will be amazed come Christmas.

Isn't practicing his/her responsibility?
Eventually, remembering to practice will be your child's responsibility- but not yet. Students this age are not ready for this big responsibility without some guidance, expectations, and "checking up" from their families. You will need to help them set up a weekly schedule for practice, and hold them accountable to it. Practicing should be like homework. Once the school year starts, allow two days off per week (plus the day of their lesson), and schedule those ahead of time. Most students will find taking two days off becomes a necessity when sports start.  However, students involved in sports and other activities can and should learn how to schedule their time to include practice, just as they make time for homework. And in the beginning (and for many students all the way through 8th grade), they will need you to help them manage all these activities. Kids these days are very busy and have many scheduled events- what a great opportunity we have to teach them how to manage all these activities and still excel in school.

• Make a weekly calendar and STICK TO IT! Choose two days off ahead of time- pick days that are already packed practices and other activities. Now your student must stick to the schedule for the week. This is a good way to teach your child responsibility and planning ahead.
• Practice before lunch on the weekends. Weekends somehow slip away till Sunday evening at 9:00, when suddenly children realize they have homework! Practicing before lunch gets it out of the way.
• Make sure your student has a proper place to practice including a hard chair (not the couch), a music stand, and some peace and quiet.
• Show some interest. Make sure to tell them when you hear improvement. Occasionally tell your student to practice a song to play for you in 10 minutes. In 10 minutes sit down and  give him or her your undivided attention for that song.

How do I help my child choose an instrument?
We already know what my child wants to play, so why try them out?
Your child will first hear all the instruments played in the fifth grade band, and then will have an opportunity to try them with the band director. Together, we will find the instrument choices that will give your child the best chance for success. Your student and I will discuss why some choices may be more appropriate than others. At the conclusion of this 2 week process, your student will have much more information on which to base their instrument choice.

Students may start with an idea of what instrument they would like to play; but  it may not fit their teeth or lip structure, or finger size. Students and parents should keep an open mind until all the instruments have been tried.

I don't know a clarinet from a cornet. HELP!
Check out this wonderful link: http://webs.davis.k12.ut.us/rsiegel/AboutInstIndex.html.  You can see and hear each instrument (and by the way, a cornet and a trumpet are pretty much the same thing; but we usually have kids play trumpet). Use this page to have your child show you his or her three favorites.

My student took piano and quit. Will they quit band?
Probably not. Research shows that students this age prefer a group experience to one-on-one instruction. Plus, band is a lot of fun and has tons of opportunities, from jazz band to marching band, to playing at Mass with other band  buddies, to playing at Recheck's Food Pride. Does my child need a new instrument?
Can I get an instrument off ebay?
You want your child to have a good quality and sturdy instrument without breaking the bank. Good options include:

• Rent an instrument to start.  The music stores we deal with offer high-quality band instruments at a reasonable monthly rate. Having a good quality instrument is a must- being able to produce a good sound is one of the best motivators to stay in band! These instruments usually come with maintenance plans, so if they are damaged the repairs will usually be covered. No matter how responsible you think your child is, accidents can and do happen. However, after a year or so, it makes economical sense to purchase an instrument.
• Buy a used instrument. This is an excellent and economical option, and there are many great deals to be had, but make sure to buy from a reputable source! Music stores have used instruments that are high-quality and in good playing condition when purchased. If you have problems, they will find a solution for you. Anothergood source for used instruments is from students graduating from local schools who are selling their instruments. Ebay and similar sites have everything from good quality instruments to instruments that need complete repads ($250-$400), or are misrepresented by sellers who know nothing about what they are selling, or are poor brands. I would not recommend using ebay, unless you are willing to educate yourself first by visiting a local music shop so that you know what brands and information to gather before buying.
• Buy a new instrument. This will cost you more upfront, but will be worth it in the long run.  If you child does not stay in band, there is always a market for used student instruments!

If He/She doesn't like the clarinet, can we try flute?
I do not recommend switching instruments for at least the first year. Students who take band seriously and keep a consistent practice schedule are rarely unhappy with their instrument. In my experience, a child who switches instruments within the first two years is more at risk for quitting band because he/she develops the the attitude that switching instruments will make things better, not practice. Occasionally a student will  be struggling with an instrument due to  physical issues; in this case a switch would be recommended.