All current 4th grade band students are eligible to sign up for beginning band class! They have heard the KHS Mini Pride play in an assembly at their school, met the band teachers and tried the experience all the instruments.
Now it is time to pick the instrument that fits you the best and sign up!
A flier with information on the best instrument fit is coming home with 4th grade students this week! Make sure to check their backpacks and ask them what instrument they want to choose!
Beginning Band Registration
Dear 4th grade students and parents,
We loved meeting the fourth grade band classes at the Band KHS Mini Pioneer Pride assembly and at instrument evaluation day! We are excited to invite you to be part of the Pioneer Pride Band Program!
All 4th grade students have completed the following:
Heard the KHS Mini Pride Band Performance on April 18th
Took part in teacher demonstrations on how to make the correct sound on instrument mouthpieces and percussion instruments.
Tried Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone and Percussion instruments.
Next Steps
Instrument Recommendations are being sent home in backpack mail this week. These recommendations are based on the best fit for each student.
1. Consider the following when choosing what instrument you will play in 5th grade.
What felt the most natural to play?
What instrument best fits the student?
What instrument does the student like the sound of?
Feel free to discuss this with one of our band staff or your school music teacher.
If you wish to play bass clarinet, saxophone, oboe or bassoon you will begin with the clarinet. If you wish to play tuba you will begin with the baritone. Teachers will evaluate possible candidates for bass clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon and tuba at the end of the first year. Recommendations will be made at that time for these instruments. Percussion class size is limited; participation is based on teacher approval.
Why Band?
Here are a few quotes from our 2022 Senior Class when asked what has been the best part of band for you?
Where to find us
"The Connections you get to make with everyone, both teachers and students, It really does feel like a band family." Isabella Knopfel - clarinet
"The feeling you get when you walk into the band room and you can just be yourself" Hattie Lechner - clarinet
"All of the opportunities given by the program. Concert Band, Jazz Band, Pit Orchestra....." Jake Meyer - baritone
"it gave me a "bamily" (band family) that was so supportive of everything I did and helped me to grow into the person I am today." Christopher Plants - oboe
"Being able to grow my leadership skills and meet some amazing people." Mac Key - trumpet
"Having a lot of opportunities to explore music." Ethan Coble - percussion
Families can rent or purchase from any reputable Music Dealer in the area. The Kirkwood School District uses Nottelmann Music for all School owned instrument. They also make deliveries to Kirkwood on a weekly basis and will have an instrument pick up at Kirkwood High School. If you choose to rent new, you may rent via the link below. If you choose to rent gently used or purchase, please call the store directly. Beware of instruments sold at Costco, Sams, Target and Walmart. Although the price is appealing they are often not "real instruments" and are not appropriate for beginning band class. If you are purchasing a used instrument online or from a neighbor or friend make sure to take it in for servicing prior to the start of band class as it may need adjustment or repairs if it has not been played regularly.
If you have questions please contact Mrs. Wright or Mrs. Friesen for further details.
