| From selecting the right instrument to learning to | | | | may experience schedule conflicts if they sign up |
| read music, being in band can enhance a student's | | | | for band. Both sports and band are time |
| education. Even children with no musical | | | | consuming activities. Before a student registers |
| background can join their school's band. How is | | | | for band, his or her parents need to consider the |
| this possible? It's because all the basic aspects of | | | | child's other needs and activities, including studying |
| playing a musical instrument and reading musical | | | | and time for fun. Like other music courses, band |
| notation are taught at school. No one can predict | | | | is an elective. In addition to the time spent in |
| whether a child will have musical ability, but even | | | | class, students will also be expected to attend |
| those whose parents are not musical have a | | | | rehearsals and performances outside of school |
| chance of success. The most important factors in | | | | hours. |
| whether a child will do well are regular practicing | | | | Sheet music is the road map |
| and desire. | | | | Learning to read music is an important part of the |
| Finding an instrument | | | | band experience. The songs to be played are |
| Selecting the right instrument is an important part | | | | written in musical notation on paper which is called |
| of joining a band class. Band directors will consider | | | | sheet music. The way the information is put on |
| the student's preferences, musical aptitude and | | | | the page determines what notes will be played, |
| physical characteristics before recommending the | | | | for how long and how loudly. |
| most appropriate band instruments for each | | | | The composer records his intentions on the sheet |
| student. The flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, | | | | music and the conductor leads the musicians in |
| french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba and | | | | the proper interpretation of those intentions. Not |
| percussion are good choices for beginners. | | | | every conductor sees the music the same way. |
| Band instruments can be purchased from local | | | | Recordings of the same music by different |
| musical instrument dealers or online. Prices vary | | | | conductors will have subtle variations in the way |
| widely depending on the level of quality. Beginners | | | | the music is played even though the sheet music |
| should select lower priced, entry level instruments. | | | | used was the same. |
| Upgrading to better quality instruments should the | | | | While musicians may have their own ideas about |
| students have a gift for music can always be | | | | how to play the music, when they are in a band, |
| done later. Those with a strong interest in | | | | they are expected to follow the directions of the |
| improving their skills can take private music | | | | conductor. If all the musicians went their own |
| lessons to supplement the school instruction. | | | | ways, the audience would hear a mishmash of |
| Band can be time consuming | | | | sound instead of music. |
| Students who also wish to participate in sports | | | | |