1. Develop Musical Skills: Band and orchestra will teach you how to play an instrument. This helps to develop a lifelong appreciation for music.

2. Teamwork: Band and orchestra require collaboration and teamwork. Every student plays an important role on our "team."

3. Discipline: Learning an instrument requires dedication and discipline. It helps teach important life skills such as hard work and time management.

4. Creativity: Learning to play an instrument allows students to express themselves creatively.

5. Social Benefits: Being a part of band & orchestra provides a sense of community and belonging. It's a great way to feel a part of something right at the start of middle school.

6. Performance Opportunities: Students will have a chance to showcase their skills and musical growth through performances. All 6th grade band and orchestra students perform 2-3 concerts their first year playing their instrument!

7. Most importantly: It's a fun activity for students to be involved in!

STEP 1:

All 5th grade students will be trying instruments at their elementary school.

March 19th: Joan Martin Elementary

March 20th: Veterans Elementary

March 21st: Liberty Elementary

Quinlan & Fabish Music will test all 5th graders on multiple instruments (regardless of student interest) on the above dates. The music teachers feel this is a very positive experience for all 5th graders to have! By the time they are finished with Q&F, if they want to be in band/orchestra, they will know what instrument they want to play in 6th grade.

STEP 2:

The student and a parent will attend the sign-up night at HMS on April 1st or April 2nd. Come to HMS Door 2A or 2B. You will speak with the teachers, and set up your instrument rental.

This should take about 15-20 minutes. If your child is going to be in band or orchestra, it's so important they attend. This will be the only way that the directors can schedule your child into the right class. If you're unable to attend, please reach out and let us know. We will get you the necessary information.

1. Can my child be in band/orchestra in middle school and still participate in sports?

ABSOLUTELY! We highly encourage our students to be involved in multiple activities. There is no conflict.

2. Is band/orchestra a class during the school day?

YES! 6th grade orchestra meets 4th hour each day. 6th grade band meets either 2nd or 4th hour (depending on their instrument).

3. Can my child give band/orchestra a try for just a semester?

No. Band/orchestra is a year-long commitment. Why? We ask that the students give the entire year a chance so they can experience everything that the 1st year involves. There are so many experiences and so many great things that happen as the year goes on.

4. Does my child have to stay in band/orchestra for all of MS?

No. We know that band/orchestra is not for everyone. Once they've experienced the entire year, it's easy for them to make a decision about the following year. Most of our band/orchestra students do stay in for all 3 years of middle school.

5. Are there after school practices?

No! The only after school commitment would be the 3 (evening) concerts that your child would be involved in during 6th grade. Those dates are given to students/parents at the beginning of the school year.

6. Can my child be in both band and orchestra?

In middle school, unfortunately no. The way the scheduling works, it's just not possible.

Band: Mrs. Rehlander, Mrs. Teykl and Mr. Dinkins

Orchestra: Mr. Rapata and Mr. Dinkins

Band: krehlanderclass@hobart.k12.in.us

Orchestra:arapataclass@hobart.k12.in.us