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What is the major difference between 6th Grade Band and 7th/8th Grade Band? In 6th grade you were just learning your instrument. Now that you have many basic skills mastered, we can play a greater variety of music. As you get better, you play better music and you play with better musicians! When will the 7th and 8th Grade Band meet? Band meets during elective block. Sometimes, if necessary, after school full band rehearsals are required. These consist of a handful of rehearsals just before a major performance. We work very closely with the cheer/dance/athletic schedules and coaches to make sure conflicts are worked out. We also help to make sure all our students can find transportation. When do the 7th and 8th Grade Bands perform? Performances include 3-4 home football games, pep rallies, Festival field trips, Pre-Festival, Fall, Winter, Spring Concerts and the Gonzales Christmas Parade. 8th Graders also perform at one EA High School Football Game! Can I do sports, cheer, or dance and still be in Band? Yes! There is NO conflict between band and sports at CMS! These students participate in band activities during class time but after school participate in the sports, cheer, or dance activities. Can I switch instruments? This depends! To avoid slowing the progression of the band program, instrument switches are not typical as we rather students master their first instrument. If a switch is made, it is usually because the student he been unsuccessful or unhappy on their current instrument OR they are fulfilling a new need for the band program. For example, we will be looking to switch students to bassoon, French horn, and bass clarinet. We make these decisions on a case-by-case basis through consultation with the band director. 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 Mrs. 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. What about High School credit courses? Band students have the opportunity to take high school credit courses such as Algebra 1 and Health. In high school, band counts as an art elective (required for graduation and TOPS) and simultaneously fulfills PE requirements. Many band students graduate EA top of their class with enough college credits to begin college as a sophomore! What are some other benefits of staying in band for the long term? #BandKidsBestKids Band attracts (and develops) students that value hard work and determination as a member of a team. Studies have shown that students involved in music score higher on standardized tests and stay more engaged in school. College music scholarships are plentiful, even more so that athletic scholarships. For example, LSU offers $1-3,000 a year and ULL will pay student’s housing just to play in the band at football games (not even to major in music)! 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.
BAND SCHEDULE INTENTIONS for 2019-2020 Please return ASAP but no later than May 21 
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