FAQs
Welcome to our Frequent Asked Questions Page! If you do not see something addressed that you have questions about please email us so we can get you an answer and possible add that information here!
1. Can I do SPORTS & BAND? YES!!
In middle school it is possible to be involved in both sports and band! The directors and coaches work together to avoid conflicts with regard to games and performances and work together to make sure students get to practice both their sport and their instrument! The biggest means of success being a multi-talented individual is to be sure to communicate with both directors and coaches if any issues should arise. Students are responsible for practicing both for their sport and for their band class so making sure that time is used wisely outside of school is very important. Many of the students in the top band are also top athletes here at Jefferson. For 10 years Jefferson Athletics and Band have been working together and doing great things!
2. Can't I Take a Year Off and Try Something Else then Come Band to Band? No, Because...
If you plan to participate in band your 8th grade year you would be a year behind- an entire year away from playing your instrument leads to muscle and memory atrophy. Band is a cumulative subject- each year we learn new and different things, often at your own pace. Think of it as if you jumped from 6th Grade Math to Trigonometry- it would be very difficult because skills would be missing!
3. Can I take Spanish & Band, FCS & Band, Yearbook & Band, Theater & Band, Orchestra & Band, etc...? Absolutely!! But...
Not until your 7th grade year! Here at Jefferson we have 2 elective spots for 7th grade and 8th grade. Athletics takes the place of your PE so it does not take an elective spot. We are all about students pursuing their interests in other areas and certainly about helping students get ahead and receive high school credit- BUT continued work in band will help with getting those high school credits more quickly when you reach high school and you're working you brain in ways other classes can't! Ask a director for more information about how band helps you get high school credit!
4. I'm Not Sure I Will Take Band in High School....Why Take Band in High School? NOT JUST BECAUSE IT'S FUN!!
Beside being a ton of fun, High School Band will give you 2 High School Credits!! You will receive both a PE credit and a Fine Art credit for each year of band that you take! This opens up your schedule to pursue all kinds of interests and get those language credits you need! Add to that the long list of benefits that high school band brings and you've got a free ticket to the football games and some of your favorite high school memories made.
5. Is Band in 7th & 8th Grade Harder/More Work? Not Really...
Band in your second and third year is not more work- it's different work! After the beginner year all students are placed into one of 3 bands based on their ability level. These classes are full band each day so there is not as much instrument specific instruction. So if we've placed you in the correct band the amount of work is not more- you are still expected to practice regularly, turn in your practice logs and prepare for tests/performances. There are more performances and depending upon the ensemble you make there may be additional performance opportunities.
6. Is Band More Expensive in my 2nd Year? 3rd Year?
For most instruments the expense will only be greater if you are looking to move to a "step-up" instruments. We highly recommend that during the 2nd students consider moving to one of the step-up instruments listed on our supply list. These instruments are better quality and often can be played through high school. Percussion is slightly different- each year there is equipment (mallets/sticks) that we ask percussion students to use. Percussion students will need to keep their beginner kit for home practice. These new mallets and sticks will be used all the way through high school and are far less expensive than the initial kit rent/purchase! Though new instruments are great if you have to choose between private lessons and a new instrument we suggest private lessons! This is a worthy investment and will provide greater results than a new instrument. All students will be asked to purchase one new book for use in there advanced band- 3rd year students will only purchase this if they do not have it from the previous year. All students will also be asked to pay a band fee which includes our t-shirt and any other expense (minus our optional trip) throughout the year.
7. What if I Don't Make the Band I Wanted to Make? Keep Working!
Most students in their 2nd year of playing will make the Concert Band, however a few will show they are ready for more challenge and will be invited to be a part of Symphonic Band and Honor Band. Our students in their 3rd year of playing are at a variety of levels and are placed in all 3 bands based on their skill level. We do make band changes during the year either due to a need to move students up for more challenge or down for a more appropriate challenge. We prefer NOT to move students down but want students to be successful!
8. How Do I Register for Band for Next Year? Jazz Band?
You will simply log into your HAC account and follow the steps located on the Jefferson Middle School Website under the Transitions Tab (click here). Choose the band course related to your level of experience: If you are continuing in your 2nd year of band you will select Intermediate Band 6024. If you are continuing in your 3rd year of band you will select Advanced Band 6032. If you are beginning in band for the first time or playing an instrument for the first time you will select Beginning Band 6017. If you are an 7th or 8th grader you can register for jazz band with director approval (you must also concurrently be enrolled in a band/orchestra class). You will select Jazz Band 1 6081.
9. What if I Want to Play a Different Instrument?
We want students to be successful and enjoy making music. We encourage students to remain on their starting instrument because we find that it takes some students more than one year to feel successful. Changing instruments can happen and will be handled on a case by case basis. In 8th grade when students are given 2 elective choices students CAN take band twice playing a different instrument in each class.
If you do not see something addressed that you have questions about please email us so we can get you an answer and possible add that information here!
Have more questions? Contact us!