We are very excited that your child has selected BAND as an elective choice! We know that band helps to create some of the very best kids that come through ACA. Below are a few things that parents regularly want to know or that I feel are important for you to understand about ACA 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.

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

5. 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. PLACEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BEFORE THE END OF JULY.

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 ACA, and we take great pride in making our students awesome. Welcome to Awesome. Welcome to our Arlington Classics Academy Band Family!