We are very excited that your child has selected BAND as their 7th grade elective choice! We know that band helps to create some of the very best kids that come through Boles Junior High School. Below are a few things that parents regularly want to know or that I feel are important for you to understand about BJH Band. While we have a LOT of fun and students love being a part of our program, we do expect a lot from our students and want to ensure everyone is aware of the following:

1. Band takes hard work and practice. We are teaching and developing a skill that requires muscle memory. Like any physical skill, it must be practiced on a daily basis for a student to be successful. We regularly assign homework that requires practice at home (approximately 20-30 minutes per day).

2. Band is so different from anything else your child has ever done. They are going to be really bad at first. :) It's normal for kids to get frustrated from time to time, especially in the beginning. It is important for parents and band directors to be on the same team, encouraging our students to keep working a little at a time to make the progress that will make them feel successful and have a strong sense of pride later.

3. Band teaches students about responsibility, preparedness, teamwork, and self reflection. Sometimes failure in a safe environment is the BEST way to learn.

4. Individual private lessons are available and strongly encouraged for every student in our program. Nothing can replace one-on-one time (especially in beginner band), and weekly lessons help students learn what they personally need to do to be successful. We have a fantastic team of vetted private lesson teachers teaching on our campus that want nothing more than help your child meet their potential.

5. Band does require some financial investment in your child's future. However, the benefits of this investment are tenfold.

6. Every instrument in the band is wildly important, and we promise to do our absolute best to place your child on an instrument that is going be a positive experience for them. We need them to love their instrument so they will want to spend more time with it! Even during this time of social distancing, we will spend a LOT of time working to place your child appropriately. As I said in January, the instrument chooses the student... :)Trust us. PLACEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BEFORE THE START OF SCHOOL.

6. We hold our band students to very high behavior expectations both in our classroom and in their other classes. Band kids are the BEST kids everywhere!

7. Band is life-changing. Students who enter our program come out better humans and musicians.

While most of this seems obvious, we want to make sure you understand that band is a special place at Boles Junior High, and we take great pride in making our students awesome. Welcome to Awesome. Welcome to our Boles Junior High Band Family!