FAQ
- My child wants to be in band, but our family cannot access an instrument. Can they still participate?
It is the goal for the Spring Lake Schools Band Program to be accessible to all students who are interested in learning about music through playing an instrument. Please contact the band directors for more information.
- Where/how do I get an instrument?
Once you register for band, your band directors will communicate information about how/where to go about obtaining an instrument. In the case that you are selected to play a "school owned instrument" you will rent this instrument from the school.
- What is a "school owned" rental instrument?
The school has a number of instruments that would be cost prohibitive for beginning band students/families to purchase. These include bassoon, bass clarinet, French horn, Euphonium, Tuba. The cost for a school-owned rental instrument is $100. The school also has a few other instrument that are available for families in financial hardship.
- We have a drum set. Can my child play percussion?
While drum set is something that is played in our extra-curricular groups (jazz band), drum set is not typically played in a classroom band setting. The only drum from the drum set that uses similar technique to the classroom setting is the snare drum. Additionally, so much of the percussion music that students perform is on mallets, which is why piano experience is a necessity.
- Where do I get music books or supplies?
We work with local family owned Schmitt Music in Brooklyn Center. You can order through school or online: https://shop.schmittmusic.com/school-band-orchestra/
Schmitt also rents instruments. Once your child is approved for an instrument, we will also send this information out.
- What other playing opportunities will my student have?
As students progress in their playing and continue in the band program, they open themselves up to additional performing activities at Westwood: Jazz Band (6-8), Drumline (7-8), Pop Ensemble (7-8). In high school, students have additional opportunities such as: Pep Band, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, Solo/Small Ensemble, International Performance Tours
- What about the Baritone (Bari) Sax or soprano sax?
Bari Sax: 6th grade students who have been learning the Alto or Tenor Saxophone will have the chance to try out the bari saxophone in the second half of sixth grade. Because it is big and can be difficult to play, students need to be a little bigger and also have more saxophone playing technique down before trying this instrument. This is a school-owned instrument.
Soprano Sax: While popularized by Kenny G as a sweet sounding instrument, this is what we in the music world consider a secondary instrument or a double. This means that students will learn the alto or tenor sax first, and will pick up other saxophones as they progress and get more serious about playing. Additionally, the music that is written for school concert band does not include parts for soprano saxophone.