Frequently Asked Questions

Remember when your child wouldn't eat something new, and you said, "Try it before you decide you don't like it"? Band is the same way.

If your child is curious, encourage them to give it a try! If band isn't the right fit after 6th grade, they can choose a different elective the following year. Since band is designed for beginners in 6th grade, it's much easier to start now than to join after everyone else has already learned the basics.

That's ok!  We will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step.  From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading music, we will guide your child through every step of the process.  All your child needs from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sounds.

Beginning Band is no different than any other curricular area.  We ask that your child spend some time with their instrument each and every week - on average between 15 to 30 minutes each night.  Think of it as musical homework - but much more fun!  Beginning band members have one rehearsal and one concert each semester, plus two contests in the spring - totalling only 6 total commitments for the entire year. ​

In the 7th and 8th grade performing bands, there are weekly section rehearsals that happen once per week for 60-90 minutes.  The directors work with student schedules to create a schedule that works within their other commitments.  We are the ONLY organization that schedules our weekly rehearsals around student commitments!   

All 7th and 8th grade bands have various concerts and competitions throughout the school year.  We communicate our event dates at the start of each year.  

The answer depends on a wide variety of things, but in the end the most important thing is that your child plays something that they will enjoy.  We encourage you to explore our website, watch the instrument videos with your child, and discuss all the different options.  We will also help guide your child based on his/her musical interests, physical characteristics, and instrument availability.  Your child knows what interests him/her, you know your child, and we know music.  Together we will find the perfect selection that your child will not only enjoy, but will also give your child the very BEST chance for musical success.

Absolutely!  In fact, many of our students participate in a sport or club outside of band and manage to find time to practice and be highly successful in both activities.  

No prior experience is required!  While a background in piano or similar instrument can often be helpful to a student's understanding of musical concepts, it is not necessary to have prior knowledge or training.  Most of the students in the Reynolds Middle School Band had no prior music training outside their regular elementary music classes.  

With very few exceptions, students do not need to begin learning the instrument until we start using them in class.  In fact, many students who try to start ahead of time either learn incorrect habits that then need to be unlearned or get bored in class while materials are being introduced.  As long as you order through our Approved Instrument Vendors, your child's instrument will be delivered to the school when we are ready to begin using them.  

The exceptions:  Oboe, bassoon, and percussion classes require participation in special camps and Prosper ISD private lessons as communicated by the Reynolds Directors.  

Sixth grade is what is called the "official entry point" for band.  The curriculum as well as the school schedule are set up specifically for students to start band in 6th grade.  Additionally, starting band in the 6th grade gives your student the most time to learn the instrument through middle school to eventually join the award-winning Prosper High School Mighty Eagle Band!

We understand that there are a LOT of instrument options and confusing information out there, many of which are great but on the flip side there are also a TON of options out there that are too good to be true that often turn out to be a rip-off.  Don't worry though, we have done the work for you!  Each year the directors research all of the most current instrument options on the market and work closely with approved local music stores to make sure our band students are offered the most high-quality materials for the very best deal.  We most HIGHLY recommend attending our annual instrument reveal day to speak with a local approved instrument vendor about the best option for your budget and for your child's success.  Many of the local Reynolds Band approved stores also offer a very inclusive instrument warranty plan that includes coverage for accidents, breakage, annual adjustments, and sometimes even loss or theft! 

Remember:  We share the same goal with you of making sure your child is set up to have a FUN and highly successful band experience!  We are rooting for your child's best interests. High quality instrument materials are a major part of making sure your child has the best band experience possible.