Beginning Band at OGMS
Beginning Band is offered to all students in the 5th Grade at Oak Glen Middle School. Click on the videos below to learn more about the different instruments you can learn to play!
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How Do I Buy an Instrument for My Child?I encourage families to rent an instrument from a music store for their child. I do not recommend purchasing a new instrument outright because some children find that they do not wish to continue in the program. Renting an instrument allows you to pay for the months your child uses the horn and allows you to return it if he/she chooses to leave the program.
If your family already owns an instrument for your child to use, I ask that you drop it by the band room at your earliest convenience so that it may be inspected for any repairs it may need. Repairs can be done usually in a week so that the instrument is ready when the rest of the rental instruments arrive for the band. |
How Do I Rent an Instrument for My Child?If you need to rent an instrument, I will give you information regarding local instrument rental companies. Rental programs are a great way to provide a quality instrument for your child.
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What if I Can't Afford an Instrument for My Child?The OGMS music program has a few school-owned instruments that are available for students to borrow for free. However, there is a limited number of instruments, and what your child may want may not be available. If borrowing a school-owned instrument is an option for your family, please contact Mrs. Smith at (304) 387-2363, Ext. 3941 Instruments are loaned to families on a first come, first served basis.
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When Will My Child Have Band Lessons?Beginning Band is scheduled into the school day and are every afternoon during the 5th grade band period from 12:30 - 1:10 pm.
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Warning About Instruments Sold at Discount Stores and on the Internet
In recent years, discount stores and the internet have been very popular places to purchase instruments. As your band director, I ask you to NOT purchase instruments from these places. The instruments sold online and in these retail stores were made in China with pot metal, an inferior grade metal. PLEASE BEWARE of instruments that have a cheaper sticker price -- they look great, but there is a reason that they don't cost as much and they usually develop major wear problems very quickly (we sometimes call them "Band Quitter Models"). Please consult Mrs, Smith about the brand you are considering. Do not just buy off the shelf! I would say never buy from a discount store, as they often don't have people who really know instruments and the instruments are often not good quality.
The music stores that our school deals with have had problems with these instruments breaking and have informed me that they reserve the right to refuse repair on them. Think of it this way: would you take your automobile to a chiropractor to get an oil change? Of course not! You will do your pocketbook and your child a disservice if you purchase these low-grade instruments. Always consult Mrs. Smith first if you are not purchasing an instrument from a reputable music store.
Click here for an EXCELLENT article on why NOT to buy cheap instruments.
The music stores that our school deals with have had problems with these instruments breaking and have informed me that they reserve the right to refuse repair on them. Think of it this way: would you take your automobile to a chiropractor to get an oil change? Of course not! You will do your pocketbook and your child a disservice if you purchase these low-grade instruments. Always consult Mrs. Smith first if you are not purchasing an instrument from a reputable music store.
Click here for an EXCELLENT article on why NOT to buy cheap instruments.