Beginning Band 2020-2021
Due to the school closure stemming from Covid-19 many things that take place at year’s end were left undone. Unfortunately, beginning band orientation is one of those things. This is a big step and the first major commitment for many of the students entering 6th grade band. I will attempt to outline the major points of 6th grade band class below. I understand that there are many questions that I can’t possibly cover. I monitor my email daily. Please do not hesitate to email me with any questions you might have. No question is too small. That’s what I’m here for.
If we start the year distant learning, 6th grade band students will learn basic music theory...counting, breathing exercises, note recognition, learning the staff, etc. Once we’re able to come back to school, we’ll begin screening students for instruments.
My email address is arnold.garza@stbobcats.net
Band Hall Phone: (361)287-3426 x3013
Respectfully,
Arnold Garza
Director of Bands
Basics:
Instrument Selection
Students will have the opportunity to play one of the following: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone. Once a student’s instrument selection is set (see #2,3 &4 above) they may not change instruments during the year. At year’s end, there will be some opportunity to switch to a different instrument as determined by the band director.
Special Percussion Note: If a student is interested in percussion, they must start on a standard band instrument listed above. At the end of 6th grade if they have proven their ability to read music, count rhythms, and properly care for their equipment they will be switched to percussion. At that time, they will be required to rent/purchase an approved percussion kit of the band director’s choosing. Percussion kits are not provided by the school. This includes all sticks and mallets. When the percussionists advance to 8th grade, all drums and auxiliary percussion equipment is provided by STISD.
Warning Concerning Inferior Instruments
We’ve all heard the phrase “If it sounds too good to be true it must be”. That phrase certainly applies to musical instrument brands. Many inferior brands are being sold, mostly online, for unbelievable low prices. Most of these have little to no quality control, are made out of thin inferior metals, and have little to no parts availability. I have personal experience through students, colleagues and instrument repair technicians that there are some brands to be avoided at all cost. The money you save on the purchase price resurfaces on multiple repairs due to bent keys, valves, etc. In many cases, instrument repair shops simply refuse to work on inferior instruments because the repair won’t hold and they know it will be back over and over with no chance of a permanent solution. Before making a purchase from any “big box” store or online please contace me. I will research the instrument and give you the facts.
If you are about to make a purchase and are not sure, send me an email or call the band hall. I’m here to help.
Other Necessary Equipment
All beginning band students use a band book. Currently, we are undergoing a book change, so very limited information is available. This section will be updated as soon as more information is available.
Local Music Dealers
The following are dealers we have had success with. These are not the only good music dealers around. Please research anyone you work with when renting or purchasing an instrument. They all pick up and deliver. They’re all good dealers. Call each and find the best deal!
Tee’s Music House
212 N Washington St,
Beeville, TX 78102
(361)362-0828
South Texas Music Mart
4250 S Alameda St,
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
(361)993-7866
Hillje Music Center
11654 Bandera Rd # 109
San Antonio, TX 78250
(210)680-0181
Melhart Music Center
3325 N 10th St.
McAllen, TX 78501
(956)682-6147