Thoughts on Why to Continue Band after 5th Grade:
It is time to register for classes for middle school. It is my hope that all students continue on for band next year. However, I know that band is not for everyone. As you are deciding here are some things to consider:
It is time to register for classes for middle school. It is my hope that all students continue on for band next year. However, I know that band is not for everyone. As you are deciding here are some things to consider:
- It is a long way off, but students can get a scholarship to college. Even if they aren't studying music. I had a friend who got his pre-med paid for because he was a great trumpet player. 4 years of college. Free. For playing an instrument. Currently, in-state tuition is over $40,000 for 4 years.
- Students who are in music do better in their core classes because of the critical thinking, discipline, and collaboration skills that are emphasized in Band. There is a reason why band students are often the top of their class.
- In 6th grade, band meets every day for an hour. So we move faster and are able to cover more material. If your student is a little bored with the pace currently, know that there will be plenty of opportunities to challenge him/her self next year. Also, currently I have some students who have requested harder music because they want to learn more. I am more than willing to offer more music to students who want it.
- If your student enjoys band but not their instrument, they can switch to a new instrument next year.
- Every other year, there is a trip to California. Last year we went to Disneyland. It was 4 days of jam packed fun. It is not a required trip, but it is available to band, orchestra, and choir students only.
- If you take a year off from band, and want to come back in 7th grade, know that you will have missed a year of instruction and will be behind. Taking a year off in band is like missing 10 years of instruction in any other subject area.
- Some students want to be able to do PE. If they choose that, they will only get PE for part of the year. Many of my best middle school band students are also very athletic, and they do school sports in addition to band. It really is the best opportunity because the sports teams are filled with students who want to be there so they get to be in both music and be active in groups with little to no distractions.