Parents and students ("Bandlings") always have a lot of questions,

especially at the beginning of the school year.

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     1. "Isn't Band expensive?"  Cost is a common source of apprehension when a parent has a young Bandling.  We make every effort to make this an

experience that is available to all.  There is a $50 Band Fee.  If you need an instrument provided by Meyzeek, JCPS has a $50 Instrument Rental Fee.  This would apply mostly to larger instruments which are very expensive to begin with, as well as the myriad of percussion instruments which our percussionists will be using.  If your student is "on Fee Waiver," these fees are obviously waived.  Please email Mr. Daniel at "james.daniel@jefferson.kyschools.us" if this is applicable to your Bandling.

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     2. "Which instrument will I play?"   Another common question!  During our first several days in class, Mr. Daniel will be demonstrating all of the instruments to our Bandlings who will then rank their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices.  After a music aptitude survey, we consider a few physical characteristics and any musical experience that the student might bring.  Using these three sources of information, the students agree on which instrument is the best fit for them.

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     3. "Where should I get my instrument?" DO NOT GO TO AN ONLINE STORE!!!! 

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          Ladies and Gentlemen, EVERY year I see people waste money on cheap instrument-like imitations.  Here are some hints from PROFESSIONALS who make their living by teaching kids: 

               If you can buy milk, car tires, and underwear in the same building or website, RUN AWAY.

               If the instrument comes with white gloves, RUN AWAY.

               IF the instrument is advertised as "band director approved," that makes me nervous.

               If 90% of their business is drums, guitars, and amps, one should ask oneself if they know what they are doing when it comes to CONCERT BAND instruments!

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     Louisville had very reputable locally owned shops which cater specifically to Band and Orchestra students and their families.  Please support your local vendors.

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     4.  "WHEN should we have it?"  Beginners, do NOT rush out and buy an instrument!  We will fit you with the best-matching instrument during the first several days of school!  Almost every year, someone "assigns" themselves an instrument because that's what Grandpa played (Grandpa might have had very different physical features!) or "We have one in the closet already."  Remember...we will be taking time to get you know your Bandling and doing all that we can to match them with the instrument that matches them!

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     5. "I'll be too busy for Band."  WRONG!!!  Everyone can find 15 minutes to practice here-and-there.  All we ask is an hour or two per week.  Many kids practice in the Band Hall before school, most practice at home.  Band kids have been in every club and sport under the sun, and always survive!

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     6. "But I wanted to play a sport!" NOT a problem!  We don't have but a couple of after-school rehearsal per year.  We don't have nightly marching rehearsals...that's a high school thing!  LITERALLY every club and sport at Meyzeek has had Bandlings in them; there's a way to make it happen!