Register HERE!
Parents, early enrollment for the GMS Beginning Band is now open for the 2021-2022 School year. Please click here to complete our online enrollment form to register your student for band.
IMPORTANT: Parents of early-enrolled students must still attend our required GMS Beginning Band Parent Meeting on August 16 at 7 PM in the GMS cafeteria.
IMPORTANT: Parents of early-enrolled students must still attend our required GMS Beginning Band Parent Meeting on August 16 at 7 PM in the GMS cafeteria.
Sixth Grade Beginning Band
Parents, this year your student has the unique opportunity to play a musical instrument in the Greenbrier Middle School Band. Please know that learning to read music and play a musical instrument opens up multiple doors of opportunity for your child as they look forward to college and beyond.
Students enrolled in band have the unique chance to learn one of the world's greatest artforms that will allow them to have fun, create lifetime friendships, and experience new and exciting things that they may never experience elsewhere. Please join us in this wonderful musical journey!
Students enrolled in band have the unique chance to learn one of the world's greatest artforms that will allow them to have fun, create lifetime friendships, and experience new and exciting things that they may never experience elsewhere. Please join us in this wonderful musical journey!
FAQ (Plus Common Myths and Concerns)
Does Band Interfere with sports and after-school clubs?
Nope! Band is a regularly scheduled related arts class that occurs during the school day. There are SEVERAL band students at GMS who participate in sports and other after-school activities. Very seldom will after-school events occur.
Our family is not musically inclined; therefore my child will not be successful in band.
False. Many band students are the first in their household family to play a musical instrument. Musical prodigies are rare, but talented musicians are often a result of good teaching and practice.
My child will have to choose between band and choir.
Scheduling at GMS allows students to do both band and choir. Several students participate in both programs.
My child will have too much homework and not enough time to practice.
Since band students are often in advanced classes and other activities, the independent practice requirement is only ninety-minutes per week. This requirement can be completed in only three thirty-minute sessions a week. Additionally, students may complete much of their individual practice requirements during our open band room practice time between 7:25 and 7:45 AM each school day.
Instruments are too expensive.
The GMS Band Program is very fortunate to have an excellent partnership with a top-notch music store. Most families rent an instrument through our partnership. During our yearly Beginning Band Informational Meeting, we explain how your child can get a quality instrument for an affordable price.
Can my child just wait until 7th or 8th grade to join band?
The only instance in which this is permitted is if your child has previous musical training on a band instrument and decides they want to join the band. Otherwise, each student Must start band in the 6th grade in order for our musical curriculum to thrive.
Can my child choose the instrument they play?
At the beginning of the 6th grade year, each band student is introduced to the array of instruments we offer in Beginning Band. The students are then asked to list their top 3 instrument choices and the band director will work with them to fit them to the instrument in their top 3 choices that fits them the best (oftentimes the student's top choice).
Nope! Band is a regularly scheduled related arts class that occurs during the school day. There are SEVERAL band students at GMS who participate in sports and other after-school activities. Very seldom will after-school events occur.
Our family is not musically inclined; therefore my child will not be successful in band.
False. Many band students are the first in their household family to play a musical instrument. Musical prodigies are rare, but talented musicians are often a result of good teaching and practice.
My child will have to choose between band and choir.
Scheduling at GMS allows students to do both band and choir. Several students participate in both programs.
My child will have too much homework and not enough time to practice.
Since band students are often in advanced classes and other activities, the independent practice requirement is only ninety-minutes per week. This requirement can be completed in only three thirty-minute sessions a week. Additionally, students may complete much of their individual practice requirements during our open band room practice time between 7:25 and 7:45 AM each school day.
Instruments are too expensive.
The GMS Band Program is very fortunate to have an excellent partnership with a top-notch music store. Most families rent an instrument through our partnership. During our yearly Beginning Band Informational Meeting, we explain how your child can get a quality instrument for an affordable price.
Can my child just wait until 7th or 8th grade to join band?
The only instance in which this is permitted is if your child has previous musical training on a band instrument and decides they want to join the band. Otherwise, each student Must start band in the 6th grade in order for our musical curriculum to thrive.
Can my child choose the instrument they play?
At the beginning of the 6th grade year, each band student is introduced to the array of instruments we offer in Beginning Band. The students are then asked to list their top 3 instrument choices and the band director will work with them to fit them to the instrument in their top 3 choices that fits them the best (oftentimes the student's top choice).