Frequently Asked Questions
Music Classes
What do students learn in music classes?
In music, students will cover a variety of concepts, as outlined in the National Standards for Music Education. These concepts are grouped into four main categories: Creating, Responding, Performing, and Connecting. Through the course of these standards, students will learn the fundamentals of the musical language through rhythm and notation, the technique of playing a musical instrument or singing, and the creativity and expression of performing music. Furthermore, students learn the value of teamwork, patience, and perseverance by working together in rehearsals. For more information about the standards in music, please visit: NAfME Standards for Music Education.
What music classes are offered at El Portal?
Concert Band: For students who want to learn to play an instrument for the first time.
Symphonic Band: For students who have been playing for at least one year.
Wind Ensemble: For students qualify by recommendation.
Choir: For students who want to learn to sing.
Why are band students required to commit for the entire school year?
Band is unique is many ways. Unlike other classes, band is a whole-group activity. There are five ways in which the level student commitment impacts the quality of a band class and the quality of the experience an indvidual student has:
1. Travel/Competition-Planning trips, performances, and other activities depends on consistent numbers and instrumentation in each class. If numbers fluctuate dramatically, the cost of a trip must change to compensate for the discrepancy. Additionally, many performances and workshops require a balanced instrumentation. This means that having too few students on certain instruments may disqualify a band from performing.
2. Morale-Students entering and leaving a band class throughout the school year is highly disruptive, and can be discouraging for the more steadfast students in the group. Band is a team activity, and losing a member of the team can have a negative impact on the team as a whole.
3. Planning-Unlike other classes, music curriculum is planned after the class roster is set. Music is selected based on the number of students on each instrument, as well as the skill level of those students. Changes in instrumentation may require the purchase of different music, or a change in the performance plan.
4. Self Esteem-Learning to play an instrument requires a certain level of vulnerability. Everyone sounds terrible when they first start, and many students become self-conscious about this. Without encouragement and support, students become insecure about their playing, music in general, and their own ability to learn something new. Failure in the first few years of band is something that often stays with an individual into their adult years. If a student decides to no longer participate, it should not be because it is "too difficult." The level of difficulty fluctuates throughout the year, and as students improve on their instruments, the difficult becomes easy.
5. Integrity-Like team sports, music ensembles require a level of commitment for the group to be successful. The quality of the group depends on the quality of the individuals. When committing to a group, and when other people are counting on someone to participate, is simply the right thing to do. A student who quits mid-year misses out on an opportunity to learn them importance of follow-through and honoring commitments.
What instruments are offered in band?
The standard concert band includes flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. Jazz band also includes guitar, bass, and piano.
What is the difference between band and jazz band?
Band is a class for learning the fundamentals of playing a musical instrument. Jazz Band is a class for learning to play the various subgenres of jazz. In Jazz Band, students learn to play in a swing style and to improvise solos. These skills require an advanced understanding of music and playing a musical instrument.
I thought music classes were supposed to be "fun." Why does this seem like a lot of work?
There is a difference between "fun" and "rewarding." Music is rewarding. As is the case with other rewarding activities, it can be a lot of fun at times, but it can also be a lot of work. Music is a language that is learned over time with diligent study and constant practice. Much like learning a foreign language, more practice yields better fluency. Students who work hard and stay committed to learning music develop a skill that will bring them exciting opportunities and great joy for the rest of their lives.
Why are percussionists separated into their own class?
Percussion instruments require a unique set of skills that is unlike the skills needed to play woodwind and brass instruments.
Being Supportive
My child is never going to be a professional musician. What’s the point in studying music?
First of all, we have no idea of knowing what our children will grow up to be. One of the great joys of parenting is to help them discover their interests and their strengths. Secondly, does your child play sports? According to the NCAA, the overall probability that a child athlete will qualify to play sports in college is between 2.9% and 7.1%, depending on the sport. If a student plays in college, the probability of playing professionally is between 0.9% and 9.5%, depending on the sport. Does this mean kids shouldn’t play sports? There are benefits to activities beyond potential for career options. By participating in sports, music, and other activities, children learn skills such as cooperation, perseverance, patience, coordination, multitasking. To learn more about the benefits of music education, please take a few minutes to read this article published by the National Association for Music Education:
20 Benefits of Music Education.
I’m not a musician. How can I help my child with his/her instrument?
The best way you can help, whether a musician or not, is to be encouraging. Learning a new skill is difficult at first, and can be very intimidating. Encourage your child to practice at home. Sign up for Remind messages, check your child's Google Classroom account for assignments, and make note of upcoming performances. Try not to be critical or sarcastic toward music or your child's playing, and try to keep your child’s siblings from saying or doing anything that could be discouraging.
I play an instrument. Would I be able to help?
Absolutely! We would appreciate the help of experienced musicians who would be able to work with a small group of students. Contact Mr. White for more information.
I don’t play an instrument. Would I be able to help?
Absolutely! We could always use chaperones for trips, help with setting up for concerts and events, and help with the logistics of fundraising. Every parent has a strength that could benefit the kids in our music program! Contact Mr. White our band boosters for more information.
What are Band Boosters?
Band Boosters is a 501(c)(3) organization made up of parents who volunteer to support the band program through fundraising, event and trip planning, event set-up, and various other tasks that help the band program to run smoothly. The boosters consist of an official board, as well as committees of parents that help with specific tasks. Board positions are elected, but any interested parents are encouraged to participate. Contact Mr. White or any member of the Band Booster Board for more information.
Instruments
How does my child obtain an instrument for band?
At the start of each year, we hold an instrument rental night at El Portal. Renting an instrument is the best option, as a portion of the monthly rent will go toward the purchase price of the instrument. Additionally, music stores often provide insurance in case of loss or damage. EUSD and El Portal also has a number of instruments for use, in the event that a family is financially unable to rent an instrument. However, these will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, based on availability. Students who request a school-owned instrument may not receive their first-choice of instrument.
Why are instruments so expensive? I found an instrument for $100 online. Could my child just use that?
The old saying is true. You get what you pay for. If you bought a car for $100, would you expect it to run as well as a $10,000 car? Instruments need to be designed to last. They need to withstand normal daily use, wear-and-tear, and the lifestyle of a middle school student. “Cheaper” instruments are often built using less-durable materials. This means they will typically require repair work much more frequently than their more expensive counterparts. This can be very frustrating and discouraging for a young musician. Unfortunately, quality instruments are expensive. If the price is a concern, you would be much better off finding a better quality used instrument. It will not only last longer and require fewer trips to the repair shop, but will also provide a much more satisfying experience overall for the student.
What about plastic instruments or instruments that are brightly colored?
What do musical instruments have in common with snakes? Generally speaking, bright colors mean “stay away.” Many manufacturers of very poor quality instruments use brightly-colored lacquer to lure students and parents into wanting them. Most of these instruments use lightweight metals that bend and break easily, or use unusual-sized parts that may be difficult to find. Plastic instruments cannot be repaired in the same way metal instruments can. As a result, any serious damage could require total replacement. Furthermore, instruments should typically last several years (20+). A green trumpet might be appealing to an 11-year-old, but older students and adults typically prefer something that looks more professional and more conventional.
Where should my child keep his/her instrument during the school day?
The band room is equipped with an instrument locker room. Each student will be assigned a locker at the start of the school year. Instruments should be kept in the lockers when not being used.
Does my child need to take his/her instrument home every day?
Instruments should be taken home at least three days each week for practice. Students may leave their instruments in the lockers when they are not taking them home to practice.
Practicing
Should my child be playing at home?
Yes. Students cannot learn to play an instrument to any degree of proficiency without practicing outside of class time. To help students develop good practice habits, I assign regular playing assessments in class in the form of Pass-Off's and Playing Tests. Each log should be completed on a different day. Practice logs should be completed while practicing or soon after. Students who do not have reliable access to the internet may complete their practice log the next morning at school. All three logs for the week are due before the start of school on Friday.
Why do students need to practice at home? Don’t they practice in class?
Music ensemble classes are rehearsals, a time for students to learn to play together as a group and to receive help in areas that may be challenging for them. In order for students to be successful on their instruments, they need to spend time playing outside of class so that they can apply the concepts learned in class.
What music should my child be practicing?
Students should prioritize practicing their music for upcoming performances. They may also practice music they find online. YouTube provides many instructional videos on playing popular music. Additionally, students may order their own solo parts or books through the sheet music websites Sheet Music Plus and JW Pepper.
How should my child be practicing?
Practicing an instrument is like treating an illness. Good musicians start from a macro perspective, work their way down to a micro view of their music, and then return to a macro view to check their work. A great starting point is to focus on something that needs improvement-a short song or a specific passage out of a longer piece of music. Start by playing through the passage to figure out what is wrong. From there, break the music down into smaller parts-one or two measures. Play through the music slowly, utilizing a tuner to help find the correct notes and a metronome to make sure the tempo and rhythms are correct. Use this time to look up unfamiliar terms or notes. Once the music starts to sound correct, try playing it in context by playing the whole phrase or the whole piece.
Performances
Why are music events required?
We cannot perform without a full ensemble. Music is often written to feature certain individuals or sections of instruments within the band. If a featured section happens to be missing, the whole group may be disqualified from performing. Music ensembles are very much a team effort. If individuals are missing, the rest of the team suffers. Furthermore, music is considered a “Performing Art.” As such, learning to perform in front of an audience is part of the National and State Standards for Music Education.
Our family has a scheduling conflict with one of the required performances. What should we do?
First, refer to the attendance policy in the syllabus. Excused absences are defined in accordance with the district policy for school attendance. If the absence is considered "Excused," notify Mr. White as soon as possible either by e-mail or by phone. At this point, a makeup assignment will be given. If the absence is considered "Unexcused," the student will receive a score of "0" for the concert with no opportunity to make up the points.
What should my child wear for concerts?
Concert attire is “white and black.” This consists of a white collared shirt and black pants for boys with black shoes and socks. Girls may wear a white shirt with black pants or a black skirt, or may choose to wear all black. This attire is required as part of the performance grade to create a professional appearance for the ensembles, and to prevent clothing from becoming a distraction during performances. With the exception of the Fall Spooktacular Concert, the same attire is required for all performances. If you are financially unable to provide the appropriate clothing for your child, please contact Mr. White or the Band Boosters.
What is a music festival?
A music festival is a competitive concert. Ensembles perform for judges and receive ratings and constructive critique of their playing. Judges are often retired music teachers, college music professors, and professional musicians. Festivals are a great opportunity to hear ensembles from other schools perform, and to receive advice from experienced and knowledgeable musicians.
Extracurricular Music Activities
What are private lessons?
Private music lessons are an excellent opportunity for students to receive one-on-one instruction from a professional music who specializes in one or a few instruments. Private lessons provide a challenge for advanced students and individual help for struggling students.
What is honor band?
An honor band is a band comprised of the top musicians from a certain region. There are honor bands at the county, regional, and state levels. Students must audition and be accepted to participate. Honor bands are directed by guest conductors including renowned high school teachers, college professors, and professional conductors and composers.
What is Jazz Band?
Jazz Band is an extracurricular ensemble in which students learn to play in the styles of Jazz, Blues, Rock, Latin, and other genres not typically performed in a concert band setting. In addition to the standard concert band instrumentation, Jazz Band also includes guitar, bass, piano, and drum set. In Jazz Band, students learn to play solos, and may choose to play a secondary instrument.
What are chamber ensembles?
Chamber ensembles are small extracurricular groups of similar instruments. These groups are student-led with advisement from Mr. White. Chamber ensembles allow students to choose their music, play music at an advanced level, and play in a small group with their friends. Playing chamber music promotes confidence, creativity, independence, and advanced musicianship.