Basic Band Information
Music Competitions
A high school band of primarily 10th grade and older students can compete in regional competitions, following the same athletic MSHSL regulations sports teams have. We hope to be able to participate once our group is comprised of more students in those eligible grades. The cost of attending usually includes bus/travel, sheet music, and entrance fees.
Sheet Music
Each song/piece of music the group plays cost money, sometimes we have multiple versions of the same song, but they are written for different ability levels. The average cost for a band/conductor set of music is $70. That provides just enough for our small group, but when an individual's music is lost or destroyed it is expensive, difficult, and sometimes impossible, to replace.
Reeds
Reeds are sections of bamboo cut and shaped for use on a variety of woodwind instruments. They are used to create the vibrations required for instruments to make sounds. There are different sizes, shapes, and strengths depending on the instrument and the level of player. Usually single-reed instruments can get a box of 10 reeds for around $30-$40, and double reed instruments can get an individual reed for about $9-$25. Reeds do not last forever since they are thin pieces of wood that chip, break, and wear out. About every regular school week students will probably need to replace their reed (students play for 40 minutes during band and practice at least 10 minutes each day outside of band class).
