How to join Band
- Click here to begin registration: https://qrgo.page.link/6sgvU
- Attend one of our two sign-up nights to make a final instrument choice, get more information, purchase your band shirt and to meet with Quinlan and Fabish Music about renting an instrument and purchasing class materials and instrument accessories. The entire process takes about an hour.
- Tuesday, September 14th, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 21st, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Who is eligible to sign up for band?
- Any current 5th or 6th grader is eligible to sign up for Beginning Band in the fall of 2021.
- No previous musical knowledge is required.
- Current 5th graders will not have a beginning band option in 6th grade. This school year is an exception for 6th grade because we did not sign up the current 6th grade last year because of COVID.
- Since band meets during the school year in 6th grade and beyond, it is possible for a student to be in band AND sports. We have many students in the program who participate in sports and other activities.
How to get an instrument
Where do I get an instrument?
We have a long-standing relationship with Quinlan and Fabish Music and strongly recommend renting from them. They provide quality instruments at competitive prices through their rent-to-own program and make weekly visits to James Hart and Churchill to deliver supplies and pick up instruments for repairs. Included in the rental fee is a free maintenance plan, which is a HUGE benefit, because repairs typically range from $80-$100 each time. Students who rent from Q&F also get free loaner instruments to use during repairs. If you choose to get your instrument elsewhere, please do not purchase an instrument at a big-box or popular online store that sells household items and is not specifically a music store. These appear be a bargain but are ultimately a waste of the money you spend. They do not play in tune and break easily. Most repair shops will not repair them. If you wish to purchase a quality used instrument, please contact us for guidance. We will be happy to assist you in finding one that fits your budget. We also have some school-owned instruments for rental. If you would like to consider this option, please contact us. What if I already own an instrument for my child? Do we still need to attend sign-up night? Yes. Please bring the instrument with you to sign-up night so we can make sure it is in good shape or can help you with getting it repaired. You will still need to purchase the accessory kit from Quinlan and Fabish. Please also make sure to fill out the Information Form in the section above. Percussionists need to pass our assessment, and will need a bell set in addition to a practice pad or drum to practice on at home. We will conduct try-outs at sign-up night or meet students at school for this. What instruments do you offer?
How much does it cost?
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All about Band class
When does band meet?
When will lessons and rehearsals start?
When will concerts be held?
We have two concerts scheduled this school year: January 11 and May 3. We may have to alter our plans due to COVID. For the most up-to-date info, check the Calendar page.
How much practice is required?
We ask for a minimum of 90 minutes of practice per week, outside of school lessons and rehearsals.
What Covid mitigations will you follow?
We will be continuing to follow the most current guidance for music instruction from the CDC, IDPH, and National Association for Music Education (NAfME). This includes:
- 6th Graders will meet every day during 8th period. Students who also sign up for choir will go to band three days per week and choir the other two.
- 5th Graders will meet twice per week from 7:25-8:10 am; students’ rehearsal days will be determined based on which instrument they play and will be communicated at a later time. All 5th Grade Band students should be dropped off at James Hart between 7:10-7:20 on their rehearsal days and will be bussed to Churchill after band rehearsal.
When will lessons and rehearsals start?
- 6th graders will begin meeting in early September. As soon as instruments are delivered from Quinlan & Fabish we will begin to play them in class, and until then we will work on additional musical skills.
- 5th Graders: Morning rehearsals will begin the week of September 27 and lessons will begin the week of October 4. A weekly lesson schedule will be given to students at morning rehearsals.
When will concerts be held?
We have two concerts scheduled this school year: January 11 and May 3. We may have to alter our plans due to COVID. For the most up-to-date info, check the Calendar page.
How much practice is required?
We ask for a minimum of 90 minutes of practice per week, outside of school lessons and rehearsals.
What Covid mitigations will you follow?
We will be continuing to follow the most current guidance for music instruction from the CDC, IDPH, and National Association for Music Education (NAfME). This includes:
- All students will take part in weekly SHIELD testing per ISBE guidance.
- We will provide a bell cover and band mask for each student
- Maintaining 3-foot distancing between percussion players, 6-foot distancing (as much as possible) between woodwind and brass players, and an additional 3-feet of space for trombone players
- Limiting indoor rehearsals to no more than 50 minutes of playing
- Rehearsing outdoors when possible
- Allowing at least one complete air change cycle in between indoor rehearsals
- Keeping up to date on changes in recommendations as they are announced