6th Grade Band in the Sheboygan Area School District
Dear Parents, January 2024
Entering middle school is a big step forward in life for your child. There are so many opportunities available that can make the middle school years very exciting and rewarding! Like any big changes in life, however, there are many things to consider!
You will notice that there are choices to be made when considering your child’s schedule. Please read the following FAQ’s before signing your child up for classes!
Q – What are the Music Class options for Middle School at Farnsworth, Horace Mann or Urban?
(Warriner Charter School does not offer Music Classes. Etude Middle School does not offer traditional band or orchestra classes).
A – All students in 5th Band are encouraged to continue in 6th grade Band. These classes meet during the middle of the day.
*In addition, all students must choose either Choir or General Music (Choir is encouraged).
*Please note that 6th Grade Band is a class meant for 2nd year players. It is not a beginner class. We only offer beginning Band in 5th grade.
Q – How is middle school band different from 5th grade band?
A – There are many differences. Here are some:
Q – May instruments be rented from the school?
A – Some instruments are available from the school for a rental fee. Clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trumpets and trombones are not. If your child wants to continue playing in 6th grade but getting an instrument is not possible at this time, go ahead and register for 6th grade band. There are some different options available for obtaining an instrument. Please talk with your child’s band teacher regarding this. If your child wants to play, we will find a way!!
Q – I want to look into getting my child an instrument. Should I go to a store or can I shop online?
A – If you shop online, “buyer beware” unless you really know what you are looking for. If you would like some guidance, your band teacher will be happy to help – just ask. Check the phone book for the local music stores. There are a variety of programs to make instruments more affordable such as “rent-to-own”programs. Rental returns are an especially good buy! Your band teacher will be providing some information on instrument brands, as well as, purchase information.
Q – I am not sure that I can afford to purchase an instrument or rent from a music store. Are there school sponsored programs that can help?
A – Yes! LINKS (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) instruments are available through the school district. Those students that qualify for free/reduced lunch have access to LINKS instruments. LINKS instruments are “checked out” to qualifying students and are theirs to use as long as they are in the band program. If interested, talk to your child’s current band teacher for a LINKS form. The most important thing to consider is whether or not your child would like to be in band. If “yes”, then sign up!! Instrument needs can be dealt with later. If your child wants to play, we will find a way!
Q – I would like my child to take a foreign language in middle school. Can they still take band in 6th, 7th and 8th Grade?
A – Yes. Foreign language is first available in 7th grade and There is no conflict with taking Band.
Q – Is band offered beyond middle school?
A - Yes! Both high schools in Sheboygan have very active band programs. In high school, since students are much more advanced on their instruments, there are many exciting ways to participate!
Q – Thinking down the road…do colleges like to see participation in the arts on transcripts?
A – Yes. Colleges look for well-rounded students. Participation in music, as well as the other arts, displays to the college admissions that your child has a wide variety of skills and interests. Many colleges give out scholarships for students participating in the band(s) – both for music majors and non-music majors.
Q – Is playing an instrument a life-long skill?
A - It certainly can be, as well as, a life-long enjoyment! There are many adults that, after playing an instrument through middle and high school, now enjoy participating in a community band or orchestra.
Please feel free to contact one of the middle school band teachers if you have further questions.
Mr. Lutz(Urban) Mrs. Plautz (Horace Mann) Mrs. Harder (Farnsworth)
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Entering middle school is a big step forward in life for your child. There are so many opportunities available that can make the middle school years very exciting and rewarding! Like any big changes in life, however, there are many things to consider!
You will notice that there are choices to be made when considering your child’s schedule. Please read the following FAQ’s before signing your child up for classes!
Q – What are the Music Class options for Middle School at Farnsworth, Horace Mann or Urban?
(Warriner Charter School does not offer Music Classes. Etude Middle School does not offer traditional band or orchestra classes).
A – All students in 5th Band are encouraged to continue in 6th grade Band. These classes meet during the middle of the day.
*In addition, all students must choose either Choir or General Music (Choir is encouraged).
*Please note that 6th Grade Band is a class meant for 2nd year players. It is not a beginner class. We only offer beginning Band in 5th grade.
Q – How is middle school band different from 5th grade band?
A – There are many differences. Here are some:
- Band is actually a scheduled class so students have more playing time on their instruments.
- Due to the fact that students are no longer in those basic, beginning steps of learning an instrument, they will enjoy playing more challenging music in a wide variety of styles.
- Students have many more opportunities to perform as a full band, as well as, smaller ensembles.
- Students have the opportunity to play in jazz ensemble, percussion ensemble and other similar groups.
- Not only do students have small-group lessons, they have a large-group rehearsal every day for 30 minutes.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in the annual Middle School Solo/Ensemble Festival.
- There are opportunities for students to attend special concerts, such as the annual bus trip to Madison to watch the UW-Madison Marching Band perform.
Q – May instruments be rented from the school?
A – Some instruments are available from the school for a rental fee. Clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trumpets and trombones are not. If your child wants to continue playing in 6th grade but getting an instrument is not possible at this time, go ahead and register for 6th grade band. There are some different options available for obtaining an instrument. Please talk with your child’s band teacher regarding this. If your child wants to play, we will find a way!!
Q – I want to look into getting my child an instrument. Should I go to a store or can I shop online?
A – If you shop online, “buyer beware” unless you really know what you are looking for. If you would like some guidance, your band teacher will be happy to help – just ask. Check the phone book for the local music stores. There are a variety of programs to make instruments more affordable such as “rent-to-own”programs. Rental returns are an especially good buy! Your band teacher will be providing some information on instrument brands, as well as, purchase information.
Q – I am not sure that I can afford to purchase an instrument or rent from a music store. Are there school sponsored programs that can help?
A – Yes! LINKS (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) instruments are available through the school district. Those students that qualify for free/reduced lunch have access to LINKS instruments. LINKS instruments are “checked out” to qualifying students and are theirs to use as long as they are in the band program. If interested, talk to your child’s current band teacher for a LINKS form. The most important thing to consider is whether or not your child would like to be in band. If “yes”, then sign up!! Instrument needs can be dealt with later. If your child wants to play, we will find a way!
Q – I would like my child to take a foreign language in middle school. Can they still take band in 6th, 7th and 8th Grade?
A – Yes. Foreign language is first available in 7th grade and There is no conflict with taking Band.
Q – Is band offered beyond middle school?
A - Yes! Both high schools in Sheboygan have very active band programs. In high school, since students are much more advanced on their instruments, there are many exciting ways to participate!
Q – Thinking down the road…do colleges like to see participation in the arts on transcripts?
A – Yes. Colleges look for well-rounded students. Participation in music, as well as the other arts, displays to the college admissions that your child has a wide variety of skills and interests. Many colleges give out scholarships for students participating in the band(s) – both for music majors and non-music majors.
Q – Is playing an instrument a life-long skill?
A - It certainly can be, as well as, a life-long enjoyment! There are many adults that, after playing an instrument through middle and high school, now enjoy participating in a community band or orchestra.
Please feel free to contact one of the middle school band teachers if you have further questions.
Mr. Lutz(Urban) Mrs. Plautz (Horace Mann) Mrs. Harder (Farnsworth)
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]