Greetings from the Band Hall! I am starting a new venture here into the world of cyber space. I hope that it can become a fun and informative web site for the Ross Middle School band. For now, we have to settle for "informative."
We try to schedule at least one performance every month for the 7th and 8th graders. In September we will play at two events - Meet the Parents night and the Ross v MacArthur football game. Unfortunately, neither of these events has a date yet. I will post them as soon as I know them.
One of the first things we have to do is get everyone set up on an instrument beginning with the 7th and 8th graders. This process takes a little longer with beginners and this year we have nearly 70 beginners.
The best way for a student to get an instrument is to buy a used instrument. These are a lot less expensive and can often be of pretty good quality. A few people have contacted me with instruments for sale and I have checked them out as good instruments at good prices. If you find an instrument and want an objective opinion I would be glad to help.
Music stores also offer instruments for rent. The ones I know of are Bertie's Music, Capshaw-Olivas Music, Richie's Drum Exchange, and White's Music Box.
The third possibility is to rent one through the school. This is the cheapest option but quality and selection can be limited. We will do our best to make sure the instruments are in playing condition. To rent from the school, you need to sign two repsonsibility cards (blue and yellow) and send in the rental fee. The fee for all school instruments is $15 each semester, or you can pay $30 for the year.
Once we get settled with an instrument, we have to think about accessories. Everyone needs a band book, Accent on Achievement Book 1. Make sure it is the correct instrument.
It is my suggestion that even when a student rents a school instrument that they purchase their own mouthpiece. There are hundreds of mouthpieces on the market and I will be glad to help you choose a good one for a good price. Brass instruments need valve oil, or slide cream in the case of trombones. Woodwind instruments need reeds and cork grease, and saxophones also need a neckstrap. Beginners should use Rico reeds in a 2 or 2.5 strength. Advanced players can move up to Rico Royal or Van Doren reeds and a 3 or 3.5 strength. I will try to keep an assortment of reeds in the office. Percussionists at first need one pair of drumsticks (SD1 Generals or 2B) and a practice pad. Later the percussionists will study keyboard percussion and will need their own mallets.
