FAQ’s

DO I HAVE TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MUSIC TO JOIN BAND?

NO! Any training in music that you might have will be helpful, but everything you need to know to play an instrument will be taught in BAND.  You just have to choose BAND as one of your elective choices on your 7th grade course selection sheet.  If you have lips and lungs there is a place for you in the Mighty Mustang Band!

WHO WILL BE IN BAND?

The SJ Band is made up of the most elite, intelligent, hard working, strong, courageous, bold, creative, amazing, disciplined kids in the school.  The majority of the SJ band are members of the National Junior Honors Society.  Over the years many valedictorians and salutatorians of high school classes were band kids.  The SJ Band is made of winners.  We work hard, and we play hard.

Your friends and fellow classmates will join you in what will be some of the most exciting times in your school days.  The more friends, the more fun you will have.  Get all of your friends together and encourage eachother to be in the band with you.  The band is the largest spirit organization at our middle school. San Jacinto Band students are the leaders in academic achievement, school spirit, and club activities.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT INSTRUMENT TO PLAY?

Come to the Beginning Band Fitting on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 10am to 3pm .  At this time we will let you play on all the beginning band wind instruments and further discuss which instrument would be best suited for you.  Because of physical characteristics, you might progress faster on one instrument than another.  The band directors will be able to steer you toward the instrument that is right for you.

DOES IT COST A LOT OF MONEY TO BE IN THE BAND?

NO, but it does cost.  The main cost is your instrument and supplies. Students choosing Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone and Percussion are responsible for buying or renting their own instruments.  The school does not provide these instruments for the students who choose to play them.  These instruments can be rented for as low as $20 a month at NTune Music on Cuthbert Street or Guitar Star on Big Spring.

If your child is using quality materials in band then they can find success.  Success is more fun.  Substandard equipment proves frustrating.  When you invest in your child’s band equipment you ensure that they will be more successful, therefore, stay in band longer.  Think of it as buying good cleats for football, or a quality baseball glove.  Your child will probably out grow it, but you want them to have the best opportunity to be successful and to compete with their peers. When kids are successful and they feel like they were able to compete then they want to participate in the next season.  Band instruments and supplies work the same way.

Reputable online locations to purchase instruments include:

You can also talk to Ms. Monclova.  She has a knack for finding good deals on used instruments that need a little repair.  Maybe she can find one for you!

The school does provide the following instruments:  French Horn, Bassoon, Oboe, Euphonium, and Tuba; however, even these instruments require the purchase of mouthpieces, reeds and supplies.  Please contact the band director, and discuss any needs you may have.  No student will be turned away based on financial need. 

Please wait until your first meeting with your band directors before purchasing an instrument.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO PLAY?

If you want to play percussion you need to come to the April 23rd percussion tryout and wind tryouts are on the 24th of April. Parents will need to park near the auditorium and the double door will be open for you. Signs will posted for your convenience.

With the help of a band director, parents and students will be able to shop around for the perfect instrument for each student. Because of physical characteristics, you might progress faster on one instrument than you would another. We will offer you the best advice possible in your instrument selection.

WHAT WILL A BAND DIRECTOR LOOK FOR IN MY INSTRUMENT SELECTION?

We look for good attitude, a desire to be in band, and a willingness to work and have fun. We also look at teeth and mouth formation, hand and finger coordination, and the band’s instrumentation needs.

I ALREADY PLAY A STRINGED INSTRUMENT. CAN I BE IN BAND TOO?

Absolutely!!!  We encourage all students who are currently participating in their elementary school strings program to add band to their musical experience.  Being in band makes you a better orchestra member and being in orchestra makes you a better band member.  Because strings students often have a strong grasp of music theory and have a strong work ethic, they often get to play our most coveted instruments in the band.

HOW MANY ELECTIVES DO I GET IF I TAKE BAND?

Students in the 7th grade regular classes get two electives unless they need help with the STAAR test.  Those kids only get one elective. Students in 7th grade Pre AP/GT classes will get three electives. All students must take an elective that gives PE credit.  Students who take band are welcome to, but not required to, take P.E.  This means that band kids get an extra elective choice.  This allows band students to take a cool elective and an elective that gives them high school credit.

WILL I HAVE TIME TO DO MY SCHOOL WORK WHILE I AM IN BAND?

YES.  Beginners main responsibility is to learn their instruments.  There are very few  practices outside of the school day  when you participate in the Beginning Band.

DO I HAVE TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MUSIC TO JOIN BAND?

Everything you need to know to play an instrument will be taught in your band class. Any previous training in music you may have will be very helpful, but not necessary.

I’M AN ATHLETE. DOES BAND AND ATHLETICS CONFLICT? CAN I BE IN BAND AND PLAY SPORTS OR BE A CHEERLEADER?

YES. We encourage our band members to participate in athletics and other school activities. Many of our band members are the star athletes and cheerleaders at San Jacinto Junior High School, as well as leaders in ACADEMICS.