| 2021 Summer Starter Band Camp |
THE MOST EXCITING TIME OF THE YEAR!!Clare Beginning Band students can play flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium and percussion. Follow the link to the Be Part of the Clare Middle School Band page for instrument demonstrations or watch the video from our partner, Marshall Music, for helpful examples.
Be Part of the Clare Middle School Band! |
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Herter Music Instrument Rental PortalMarshall Music Instrument Rental Portal
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Frequently Asked Questions about Joining the Clare Bands
Does my student have to know how to play an instrument?
Of course not! We will learn to play our instruments together. Students will learn to manage their time, overcome challenges with learning something new, and work together as we become an ensemble.
How does 6th grade band work?
Sixth grade band is a class that meets during the school day only. A total of four concerts occur outside the school day, one each quarter. This means that your child can participate in after school sports and clubs without worrying about any interference. We love how active our band students are within the school. Our students participate in all sports, and all clubs. Band does not interfere with any of the other programs. Children NEED to be involved in something during their middle school years. Band is a fantastic program that helps students build and develop life skills that will serve them well through middle school, high school, and beyond.
Can my student be in both the band and activity rotation classes?
Sadly, no, not during their sixth grade year. They will be eligible for activity rotation during seventh and eighth grades.
I've heard about Summer Starter Band Camp. What's that all about?
Clare Summer Starter Band Camp is an exciting tradition that started over 50 years ago by legendary Clare band director, Lloyd Conley. Meeting at different times during the summer, this camp allows students to get a jump start on learning their instrument prior to the coming school year. Sessions are held during the first few weeks after school gets out in June and again just prior to school starting in August. Details will be made available on our website and through communications from Mr Lowe.
Is Summer Starter Band Camp mandatory? Do I have to attend all the sessions?
Certainly not! But it will accelerate your progress on the road of musical learning. Showing up to as many session as you can will only increase your skill on your instrument.
Is Band a financial obligation?
Yes, but think of this as investing in your students education. Instruments require maintenance, mouthpieces, reeds, valve oil, etc. Please note that we want ALL students to be able to participate in the band. We will not allow finances to keep a student out of the band. We will work with all families to make sure that students can participate.
My student is in 6th grade, how do we get an instrument?
Over the course of my career, I have found that student interest regularly overcomes any physical matching to an instrument - Where there's a will, there's a way. I have terrific partnerships with Marshall Music in Traverse City & Herter Music in Bay City. Each of them operates a reputable state-wide music business that specializes in school music service. Here is a direct link to the Marshall Music rent-to-own instrument program. Herter Music is another excellent option. Please do not rent or purchase any instruments until Mr. Lowe has confirmed the instrument assignment.
Should we rent or buy an instrument?
My personal opinion is rent first. If your student does not enjoy the class or if we switch instruments, you will not be burdened with the process of having to find someone to buy it if it is being rented. We will simply return it back to the music store. If your student enjoys the class and is going to stick with band through high school you should look into purchasing an instrument at that time. Many music stores implement a "rent to own" program - depending upon the instrument, rental costs are somewhere between $25-80 per month. The monthly rate goes toward the purchase of your student's instrument.
Do I need to rent through your preferred music providers?
I cannot tell you exactly where to go to rent or purchase your student’s instrument, but I have made things easier by partnering with Marshall Music - a reputable state-wide music business that specializes in school music service. A direct link to their rent-to-own instrument program can be found on our website. Herter Music is another excellent option for us as we look into an instrument for your student.
I hesitate to have you purchase your student’s instrument from online stores. Marshall Music and Herter Music each have an exceptional repair staff that will work on your student's instrument as part of your rental agreement. Online purveyors do not have this service. Occasionally, instruments purchased online are not made of the highest quality material and you may find your student having difficulty through no fault of their own - it may be the instrument’s deficiency. Additionally, our partners at Marshall and Herter may not be able to work on these instruments due to the quality of manufacture.
Please check with me before making your rental or purchase, if not from Marshall or Herter Music. I am happy to guide you towards a quality instrument that will last throughout your student’s musical journey.
What instruments are played in Sixth Grade Band?
Please click on the following instruments to see what is offered in band class:
Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Percussion (Mallets, Drums)
How much does each instrument cost?
How do I make an informed decision when helping my student choose which instrument to try?
Click HERE to view a chart that will help you make an informed decision. You can also click HERE for a great article about choosing the correct instrument. After you make your selections, we will start testing your student with his/her top 3 choices and go from there to make sure your student arrives at the most suitable instrument.
In the Age of COVID, are band instruments safe for my student?
Absolutely. I am proud that the Clare Bands were the very first student organization at CPS to return to learn. Over the past year, we have had no positive cases linked to band participation. We have been in close contact with our friends at the CMDHD regarding safety protocols and proper distancing. Additionally, studies from the University of Colorado, University of Minnesota, and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra have been consulted to ensure that the environment for instrumental music education is safe for each and every student. As for rent-to-own instruments, our partners at Marshall and Herter Music clean and sanitize all instruments prior to leaving their stores for student use.
What supplies do we need besides an instrument?
Parents should receive a green Habits of a Successful Beginning Band Musician method book at the time of rental. I highly encourage the purchase of a music stand if you don't already own one; it will make home practice much easier. Students playing a woodwind instrument should have a small mouthpiece brush, and four reeds in rotation (like your car's tires!). Students playing a brass instrument should have a small bottle of valve oil and a mouthpiece brush in their case. Percussion students should have a stick/mallet bag with snare drum sticks, and bell mallets with the ability to add to their collection as they proceed through the band program.
Will we need instruments the first day of School?
Yes, we will have a way to jump in right from the start of school. We will also discuss classroom procedures and expectations, but your student joined band to play and we want to do that on the very first day of school!
Can parents volunteer to help make copies, organize fundraisers, etc.?
Of course!!! Teamwork makes the dream work!!! The Band is what WE make it. Our Band Boosters welcome and encourage participation from parents, guardians and interested parties of ALL band members. Feel free to click the Boosters tab at the top of this page.
Of course not! We will learn to play our instruments together. Students will learn to manage their time, overcome challenges with learning something new, and work together as we become an ensemble.
How does 6th grade band work?
Sixth grade band is a class that meets during the school day only. A total of four concerts occur outside the school day, one each quarter. This means that your child can participate in after school sports and clubs without worrying about any interference. We love how active our band students are within the school. Our students participate in all sports, and all clubs. Band does not interfere with any of the other programs. Children NEED to be involved in something during their middle school years. Band is a fantastic program that helps students build and develop life skills that will serve them well through middle school, high school, and beyond.
Can my student be in both the band and activity rotation classes?
Sadly, no, not during their sixth grade year. They will be eligible for activity rotation during seventh and eighth grades.
I've heard about Summer Starter Band Camp. What's that all about?
Clare Summer Starter Band Camp is an exciting tradition that started over 50 years ago by legendary Clare band director, Lloyd Conley. Meeting at different times during the summer, this camp allows students to get a jump start on learning their instrument prior to the coming school year. Sessions are held during the first few weeks after school gets out in June and again just prior to school starting in August. Details will be made available on our website and through communications from Mr Lowe.
Is Summer Starter Band Camp mandatory? Do I have to attend all the sessions?
Certainly not! But it will accelerate your progress on the road of musical learning. Showing up to as many session as you can will only increase your skill on your instrument.
Is Band a financial obligation?
Yes, but think of this as investing in your students education. Instruments require maintenance, mouthpieces, reeds, valve oil, etc. Please note that we want ALL students to be able to participate in the band. We will not allow finances to keep a student out of the band. We will work with all families to make sure that students can participate.
My student is in 6th grade, how do we get an instrument?
Over the course of my career, I have found that student interest regularly overcomes any physical matching to an instrument - Where there's a will, there's a way. I have terrific partnerships with Marshall Music in Traverse City & Herter Music in Bay City. Each of them operates a reputable state-wide music business that specializes in school music service. Here is a direct link to the Marshall Music rent-to-own instrument program. Herter Music is another excellent option. Please do not rent or purchase any instruments until Mr. Lowe has confirmed the instrument assignment.
Should we rent or buy an instrument?
My personal opinion is rent first. If your student does not enjoy the class or if we switch instruments, you will not be burdened with the process of having to find someone to buy it if it is being rented. We will simply return it back to the music store. If your student enjoys the class and is going to stick with band through high school you should look into purchasing an instrument at that time. Many music stores implement a "rent to own" program - depending upon the instrument, rental costs are somewhere between $25-80 per month. The monthly rate goes toward the purchase of your student's instrument.
Do I need to rent through your preferred music providers?
I cannot tell you exactly where to go to rent or purchase your student’s instrument, but I have made things easier by partnering with Marshall Music - a reputable state-wide music business that specializes in school music service. A direct link to their rent-to-own instrument program can be found on our website. Herter Music is another excellent option for us as we look into an instrument for your student.
I hesitate to have you purchase your student’s instrument from online stores. Marshall Music and Herter Music each have an exceptional repair staff that will work on your student's instrument as part of your rental agreement. Online purveyors do not have this service. Occasionally, instruments purchased online are not made of the highest quality material and you may find your student having difficulty through no fault of their own - it may be the instrument’s deficiency. Additionally, our partners at Marshall and Herter may not be able to work on these instruments due to the quality of manufacture.
Please check with me before making your rental or purchase, if not from Marshall or Herter Music. I am happy to guide you towards a quality instrument that will last throughout your student’s musical journey.
What instruments are played in Sixth Grade Band?
Please click on the following instruments to see what is offered in band class:
Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Percussion (Mallets, Drums)
How much does each instrument cost?
How do I make an informed decision when helping my student choose which instrument to try?
Click HERE to view a chart that will help you make an informed decision. You can also click HERE for a great article about choosing the correct instrument. After you make your selections, we will start testing your student with his/her top 3 choices and go from there to make sure your student arrives at the most suitable instrument.
In the Age of COVID, are band instruments safe for my student?
Absolutely. I am proud that the Clare Bands were the very first student organization at CPS to return to learn. Over the past year, we have had no positive cases linked to band participation. We have been in close contact with our friends at the CMDHD regarding safety protocols and proper distancing. Additionally, studies from the University of Colorado, University of Minnesota, and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra have been consulted to ensure that the environment for instrumental music education is safe for each and every student. As for rent-to-own instruments, our partners at Marshall and Herter Music clean and sanitize all instruments prior to leaving their stores for student use.
What supplies do we need besides an instrument?
Parents should receive a green Habits of a Successful Beginning Band Musician method book at the time of rental. I highly encourage the purchase of a music stand if you don't already own one; it will make home practice much easier. Students playing a woodwind instrument should have a small mouthpiece brush, and four reeds in rotation (like your car's tires!). Students playing a brass instrument should have a small bottle of valve oil and a mouthpiece brush in their case. Percussion students should have a stick/mallet bag with snare drum sticks, and bell mallets with the ability to add to their collection as they proceed through the band program.
Will we need instruments the first day of School?
Yes, we will have a way to jump in right from the start of school. We will also discuss classroom procedures and expectations, but your student joined band to play and we want to do that on the very first day of school!
Can parents volunteer to help make copies, organize fundraisers, etc.?
Of course!!! Teamwork makes the dream work!!! The Band is what WE make it. Our Band Boosters welcome and encourage participation from parents, guardians and interested parties of ALL band members. Feel free to click the Boosters tab at the top of this page.
