F.A.Q.'s About Continuing Band in 7th and 8th Grade
When will the 7th and 8th Grade Band meet?
Students practice during their elective block. Generally, NO after school rehearsals are required. Sometimes a special event may occur that might warrant a mandatory after school rehearsal, but this is rare.
When do the bands perform?
Performances include 3-4 home football games, pep rallies, Festival field trips, Christmas and Spring Concerts. 8th Graders perform at two special events, an EA High School Football Game and a Halloween themed concert in October!
Can I do sports, cheer, or dance?
Yes! We have many students on the football, cheer, and dance teams. They participate in band activities during class time, but at the games they play, dance, or cheer! There is NO conflict between band and sports at CMS!
Can I switch instruments?
To avoid slowing the progression of the band program, we rarely allow instrument changes. They are taken on a case-by-case basis through consultation with the band director and usually have to do with the student being unsuccessful on their current instrument or fulfilling a need for the band program. Any switches are contingent upon the student progressing over the summer through private lessons so as not to begin the following school year as a beginner. Please contact Ms. Codina to discuss this further.
Can I “try another elective” and come back to band later?
This is highly discouraged. You need to stay the course! Missing a year and coming back is extremely difficult.
Worried about missing out on High School credit courses?
Band students have the opportunity to take several high school credit courses including Algebra 1 and Health. Band students can also opt to take Journey to Careers in 8th Grade as a packet course if they are interested. In high school, band counts as an art elective (required for graduation) and fulfills their PE requirements. This helps to free up their schedule to take even more electives! Many band students graduate EA top of their class with enough college credits to begin college as a sophomore!
What is the cost?
There is the annual $35.00 band fee, a $20.00 uniform shirt that is used all three years the student in band, and participation in an annual fundraiser to cover other expenses is required.
Students practice during their elective block. Generally, NO after school rehearsals are required. Sometimes a special event may occur that might warrant a mandatory after school rehearsal, but this is rare.
When do the bands perform?
Performances include 3-4 home football games, pep rallies, Festival field trips, Christmas and Spring Concerts. 8th Graders perform at two special events, an EA High School Football Game and a Halloween themed concert in October!
Can I do sports, cheer, or dance?
Yes! We have many students on the football, cheer, and dance teams. They participate in band activities during class time, but at the games they play, dance, or cheer! There is NO conflict between band and sports at CMS!
Can I switch instruments?
To avoid slowing the progression of the band program, we rarely allow instrument changes. They are taken on a case-by-case basis through consultation with the band director and usually have to do with the student being unsuccessful on their current instrument or fulfilling a need for the band program. Any switches are contingent upon the student progressing over the summer through private lessons so as not to begin the following school year as a beginner. Please contact Ms. Codina to discuss this further.
Can I “try another elective” and come back to band later?
This is highly discouraged. You need to stay the course! Missing a year and coming back is extremely difficult.
Worried about missing out on High School credit courses?
Band students have the opportunity to take several high school credit courses including Algebra 1 and Health. Band students can also opt to take Journey to Careers in 8th Grade as a packet course if they are interested. In high school, band counts as an art elective (required for graduation) and fulfills their PE requirements. This helps to free up their schedule to take even more electives! Many band students graduate EA top of their class with enough college credits to begin college as a sophomore!
What is the cost?
There is the annual $35.00 band fee, a $20.00 uniform shirt that is used all three years the student in band, and participation in an annual fundraiser to cover other expenses is required.
Joining Band in 7th and 8th Grade as a Beginner
Getting a late start in 7th and 8th grade can be very difficult, which is why we encourage students to start in 6th grade. However, we have had students with late starts be very successful. Please contact the band director to discuss you options if you are interested in starting in 7th or 8th grade. [email protected]