1. Schimelpfenig Middle School Band
Beginning Band
Parent FAQ’s

2. Did You Know?
Students that stick with a music instrument throughout their K-12 years reap many benefits including:
Studies clearly show that musical training develops the parts of the brain involved with processing language and spatial intelligence. (The ability to form mental pictures of things to solve problems).
Students who study the arts are more successful on standardized tests (STAAR, SAT, etc…) and often get better grades in school.
Music students learn the value of sustained effort and teamwork to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of working together towards a single goal.
Every child has some degree of musical talent, and effort and determination will trump natural talent every time.

3. SMS Middle School Band Staff
Bob Straka, Director of Bands Ben Altom, Associate Director Cluster Band Staff
Clark High School
Laura Lewis, Director of Bands
Michael Scott, Associate Director
Plano Senior High School
Jason Lewis, Director of Bands
Michael Hernandez, Associate Director
Mark DeHertogh,  Associate Director

4. Program Philosophy Success-Based
Personal Responsibility and Ownership of Learning
Cooperation and Interdependence
Goal-Setting and Problem-Solving
Tradition of Excellence
“Vision without action is just a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with vision is making a positive difference.”
-Joel Barker

5. Honors and Awards Consistent UIL and Plano ISD Sweepstakes.
Three-time state finalist in the TMEA Honor Band competition.
National Wind Band Honors Award Winner
30 students named to the Region 24 All-Region Band this year
Over 300 students received first-division awards at Solo and Ensemble contests last year.

6. The Realities of Formal Music Education
Music is a performance-based, curricular subject as well as a fine art. It is not merely an activity.
Beginning band has a set of assessed objectives tied to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) just like the other core classes.
Band also coexists as an activity and a campus organization.
Band should be enjoyable, but is not always recreational.

7. Our Curricular Goals
Performance Proficiency- Students learn at their own rate, but every student can learn to perform.
Music Literacy- We teach a wide variety of songs and musical styles.
Cultural and Historical Perspective- How does music fit into the times and locations of it’s origins.
Aesthetic Appreciation- We want students to learn to appreciate excellence and beauty.
Self-Esteem Through Achievement- Students learn self- motivation through preparation and participation.

8. Class Structure French Horn Flute Trumpet Oboe and Bassoon Euphonium
Beginning Band classes meet in like-instrument classes in order to maximize individual student learning by focusing on specific skills required of each instrument family. Full Band meets daily from 7th grade on.
Flute
Oboe and Bassoon
Alto Saxophone
Clarinet
French Horn
Trumpet
Euphonium
Trombone
Tuba
Percussion

9. Requirements Beyond Class
Daily Practice- This changes throughout the year, but around minutes most days each week.
Dress Rehearsals
Concerts / Contest- 3 Concerts/ 1 Contest and one Solo Festival option

10. Practice
Students who practice consistently and correctly will the most be successful in band.
Contrary to the popular saying, practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent.
A typical sixth-grade practice session should last about minutes after six weeks of instruction.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”
-Aristotle

11. Instrument Selection Educated versus Emotional Decisions
Parent Objectivity is Crucial
The Three Critical Components of Instrument Selection
Preference
Physical Suitability
Ensemble Balance and Instrument Limitations

12. School-Provided Instruments
Some instruments are provided by the school.  There is an annual fee for usage. Lessons are required or strongly encouraged for these school instruments.
Oboe
Bassoon
French Horn
Euphonium
Tuba

13. Rented or Purchased Instruments
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion
Practice Pad
Practice Marimba (Wood only - no bell kits)

14. Okay, What Does it Cost?
There are some initial supplies for each instrument (books, binders, mallets and sticks for percussion, etc.). These vary quite a bit.
Monthly rental rates depend on the instrument and its condition.
Flutes, Trumpets, and Trombones are about $40 per month ($1.35 per day)
Clarinets and Percussion (Xylophone) are about $50 per month ($1.65 per day)
Saxophones are about $75 per month ($2.50 per day)
More expensive school-owned instruments (oboe, bassoon, French Horn, euphonium, and tuba) are available for an annual fee.

15. Approved Instruments
Our list of approved instruments is based on several key criteria:
Performance (tone, response, tuning, etc.)
Durability
Consistency
Value (cost vs. quality)
We thoroughly evaluate and reevaluate makes and models of instrument each year to keep our list current.

16. Where to Get an Instrument
Local Music Stores
Provide competitive pricing
Know our expectations
Couple service with sales
Often package to our specifications
Internet Companies
Sometimes are less expensive
Often have to purchase accessories and substitute components separately, which may negate cost savings of the instrument
Service can be a concern

17. Rental Program
Most local stores encourage a rental plan option for obtaining an instrument:
You rent the instrument for the first year with option to purchase later- a large portion of each rental payment is applied to the final purchase price of the instrument.

18. Rent vs. Purchase
Purchasing is less expensive over time and well cared-for instruments retain most of their original value for later resale.
Renting allows you to spend less money up front and opens up several options down the road.

19. New versus Used Instruments
Used costs less, but they get snatched up quickly.
Good quality used instruments often play as well or better than new instruments
Poor quality used instruments may have damage that is irreparable and can impair your child’s chances of success.

20. Family Instruments Family instruments are sometimes a good option.
Keep in mind that manufacturing technology has changed a lot over the years for the better.
Keep in mind that just because you have it doesn’t mean that your child should play it. It is one consideration among many.
Be sure to have a director inspect any instrument you already have for quality and possible repair or service needs.

21. Where Not to Get an Instrument
BEWARE OF INSTRUMENT- SHAPED-OBJECTS (ISO’s)!
Cheap is not synonymous with bargain, value, or inexpensive.
Students will not succeed on a poor- quality substitute instrument.
Mainstream department stores have begun to sell inferior, toy-grade instruments claiming that they are “great for school music programs.” They are not.

22. Other Warnings
Instruments purchased in foreign countries often do not work well in U.S. schools. They are often set to different tuning specifications and can even use different key systems. Quality control also varies greatly in different countries, including allowing the use of potentially harmful substances like lead.
Always contact Mr. Straka before obtaining any instrument that is not listed on our approved list.

23. Mr. Straka’s Recommendation
Shop with a reputable dealer, preferably locally.
Never purchase an instrument from a discount department or online store. (ISO’s)
Never purchase an instrument in a foreign country.

24. Delivery Options
Local music stores will deliver instruments to the school in August if you choose for them to do so.
If you take possession of your instrument before school begins, do not allow your child to handle the instrument unless he/she is taking private lessons.
Practice Marimbas (percussion) should not be delivered to the school. These should be taken home.

25. Private Lessons Private lessons are available in Plano ISD.
Private teachers are district-approved and screened for quality and professionalism.
There may be limited availability.
You may start lessons in the summer to get a “head start”, if you choose.
Lessons are currently $20 per minute lesson.
Lessons are held once per week, usually during your child’s band class.

26. Ongoing Parent Involvement
Monitor home practice
Weekly Assignment Sheets
Practice Records
Objective Sheets
Opportunities to Volunteer
Several opportunities in 6th grade during  Sixth grade activities
Some trips
Other events (Fundraiser pick-up, etc.)

27. CHARMS We use the CHARMS music management software district-wide.
CHARMS includes many features that are helpful for parents and students.
   You will have the opportunity to update the information we have entered for your student on Saturday, 4/6.

28. Keeping Current Check out our website: www.smsband.org
Follow us on Twitter/Instagram: @schimband
Update your information on our Charms page:

29. Contacting the Directors
Bob Straka, Director (469) Ben Altom, Associate Director (469)