Our band handbook can be requested using the "Contact" link at the bottom of this page.

Why is there not a set schedule for every class before registration?
Because the time for every class depends on who is registered for the class.  We do our very best to make sure you are at classes only as long as you have to be by scheduling siblings' classes back-to-back.  We also do our very best to work around other things that you may have scheduled on the same day as your band classes.

Why do classes cost as much as they do?
Because, quite simply, music programs cost a good deal to operate.  Public school band programs generally have budgets upwards of $10,000 per school year that are funded by their band booster club, fundraisers, sponsors, school boards, and (very minimally) the state.  We do not have that luxury.  But we are still responsible for purchasing music (approximately $100 per piece of music, usually 5-6 per semester), percussion equipment (ranging from $50 to several thousand), large instruments like tubas (several thousand dollars), and other high-priced items.  It is also necessary to pay for the teacher's gasoline costs in getting to the class location (which is geting more and more expensive every day).  Lastly, the teacher is compensated for her time teaching the students.  For the first 3 years that this program was in operation, the teacher was not compensated for her time, and was usually not reimbursed for gasoline costs.  You can imagine how difficult this was on her family, therefore provisions had to be made to solve this problem.
-On that note, you should know that private music lessons from a qualified, college educated teacher with a Bachelor's degree generally cost $20-30 per half hour of instruction (anything more than a Bachelor's degree dramatically increases the cost).  We pay tuition by the semester, not by lessons.  We have a minimum of 15 classes per semester, 2 of which are combined rehearsals that are longer than normal classes.  If you break your semester tuition down like lessons, your cost is less than $7 per half hour.  This is a considerable savings over the cost of private lessons!

Do I have to stay in class with my child?  Can I stay in class with my child if I want to?
For the most part, you may do as you wish on this subject.  If your child has behavior problems that become disruptive to the class, I do ask that you stay in class with them.  Please know that if you have a student in the 3-6 year old Rhythm Band, you will have to help them practice during the week.  If you do not know how to do their assignment, please stay in class with them to learn.  There have been times that students do better in class when their parents are NOT in the room.  I cannot explain this, but it has happened.  The bottom line is that you should do what is best for your child.

If I stay in class with my child, can my other children (that are not enrolled in the class) stay in class too?
As long as they are not disruptive, there should be no problem with this.  Please know that the teacher's responsibility is to teach the children in her class, so if others are hindering the students from learning they will be asked to leave.  Please do not take this personally.  Some children just cannot handle the interruptions of other children.  The teacher will do her best to make sure that you get the most for your tuition money.

How does the teacher stay in touch with parents?  How much say does the parent have in what happens in the band program?
We have a member's-only yahoo group that you will receive an email invitation to once your registration is received and initial tuition/fees have been paid.  Through this yahoo group, you will receive all the important updates and announcements.  This way, we do not have to rely on the students to remember to tell their parents anything or give them a handout (thus saving the cost of printing handouts).  It also ensures that the teacher reaches everyone and does not forget to make announcements in any of her classes (as there are many classes).  The parents do have a lot of say in what happens.  Many times, when decisions must be made it will be posed as a question on the yahoo group for parents to give their input.  This band program is for your children, therefore you are encouraged and expected to take an active role!