Beginning Band
In Fenton Schools, we begin band in 6th grade, and fit students to instruments during April of their 5th grade year. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help students and parents select a beginning band instrument for 6th grade at AGS Middle School:
1. Sign up for band class! The MOST important step is to choose band as an elective class for 6th grade when scheduling your classes for next year. Mrs. Hall (AGS Counselor) needs to see band as your chosen 6th grade elective in order to put you in the right class, so this is critical!
2. Choose your instrument and Complete the AGS Band Enrollment Form! Fenton beginning band students can play the Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, or Trombone in band class. (Follow the links to see demonstrations of these instruments, and consider which instrument your student prefers.) Also, watch Marshall Music’s fitting demonstration to help your child assess if they will be successful producing a sound on the instrument(s) they like best. If you have questions or would like help choosing an instrument, please contact me (Mr.Perkins) for further discussion, you can reach me at aperkins@fentonschools.org. Once you’ve made a choice, Complete the AGS Band Enrollment Form so we know what instrument you’re going to play, and which class to put you in. Note: In order to have a balanced band, some instruments will be capped once enough students have selected it. Complete the enrollment form ASAP to get your top choice, it’s first come, first served.
3. Get an instrument for your child! The Fenton Band program partners with Marshall Music and recommends their rent-to-own program for your student’s instrument. Marshall Music uses the instruments and equipment I recommend, and the instruments are safe and sanitized. All maintenance and insurance on the instrument is free of charge, so your student’s instrument will always be in proper working order! The instrument will be shipped free directly to your home in August, before school begins. (Click the button below to begin your instrument rental) If choosing another source or purchasing a used instrument, please consult with me to make sure your student receives a quality instrument on which they will be successful. Be wary of seemingly inexpensive instruments, particularly when shopping online. Check with me first! Many “off-brand” instruments can be easily found at extremely low prices, but are often of poor quality, play out-of-tune, and are not repairable.
Auditions are held at the end of 6th grade to advance to Oboe, Alto Saxophone, French Horn, Euphonium, and Percussion. Spots for these instruments are limited, and require success on one of the four beginner instruments and an outstanding attitude. Students who successfully audition for these instruments can swap their rental instrument with Marshall Music. (Be advised, these instruments are generally more expensive to rent or buy.)
1. Sign up for band class! The MOST important step is to choose band as an elective class for 6th grade when scheduling your classes for next year. Mrs. Hall (AGS Counselor) needs to see band as your chosen 6th grade elective in order to put you in the right class, so this is critical!
2. Choose your instrument and Complete the AGS Band Enrollment Form! Fenton beginning band students can play the Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, or Trombone in band class. (Follow the links to see demonstrations of these instruments, and consider which instrument your student prefers.) Also, watch Marshall Music’s fitting demonstration to help your child assess if they will be successful producing a sound on the instrument(s) they like best. If you have questions or would like help choosing an instrument, please contact me (Mr.Perkins) for further discussion, you can reach me at aperkins@fentonschools.org. Once you’ve made a choice, Complete the AGS Band Enrollment Form so we know what instrument you’re going to play, and which class to put you in. Note: In order to have a balanced band, some instruments will be capped once enough students have selected it. Complete the enrollment form ASAP to get your top choice, it’s first come, first served.
3. Get an instrument for your child! The Fenton Band program partners with Marshall Music and recommends their rent-to-own program for your student’s instrument. Marshall Music uses the instruments and equipment I recommend, and the instruments are safe and sanitized. All maintenance and insurance on the instrument is free of charge, so your student’s instrument will always be in proper working order! The instrument will be shipped free directly to your home in August, before school begins. (Click the button below to begin your instrument rental) If choosing another source or purchasing a used instrument, please consult with me to make sure your student receives a quality instrument on which they will be successful. Be wary of seemingly inexpensive instruments, particularly when shopping online. Check with me first! Many “off-brand” instruments can be easily found at extremely low prices, but are often of poor quality, play out-of-tune, and are not repairable.
Auditions are held at the end of 6th grade to advance to Oboe, Alto Saxophone, French Horn, Euphonium, and Percussion. Spots for these instruments are limited, and require success on one of the four beginner instruments and an outstanding attitude. Students who successfully audition for these instruments can swap their rental instrument with Marshall Music. (Be advised, these instruments are generally more expensive to rent or buy.)