Information, Questions, & Curiosities
About Instruments
Which Instrument should we learn?
Where do we get one? Buy it or rent it? Here's our thoughts on one of our favorite topics.
On Purchasing
What to Bring
- an instrument in good working order and its case;
- for percussionists: 5AN drumsticks, practice pad, bell set, and mallets (we'll help assemble the whole kit);
- for woodwinds: cork grease, extra reeds, and a swab;
- saxophones and bassoons need a neck strap;
- for brass: valve or slide oil, tuning slide grease, and an absorbent "water" collection cloth;
- for strings: the bow, rosin, shoulder rest, and an extra string set is handy;
- the Essential Elements book for beginning players (provided at rehearsal);
- your sheet-music and a folder;
- a portable sheet-music stand to use at home when practicing;
- an instrument stand to hold the instrument when it has to be left unattended (bathroom breaks);
- and pencils!
On Practicing
How often should I practice? When should I practice? How long should I practice? What should I practice? Find out what we recommend!
Ingredients for a Great Wind Ensemble
What does it take to be an awesome wind band? Click below to find out!
The Circle of Fifths
Want to know more about this mysterious fusion between plane geometry and music theory?
Articulations
Ever get confused by some of the strange terminology we use in class? Here is a nice visual representation and explanation of what we’re talking about!
Twenty Good Reasons to Major in Music at College
Is studying music at the college or university a good idea? What does a person do with a degree in music?
Meet the Instruments!
Starting Beginning Band, but don't know what instrument to play? Come meet the instruments courtesy of the US Army Band! For Beginning Strings, try Classic FM's exploration page or watch B. Britten's guide!
More Help
Can't find something? Need to speak or contact a real person? Click the button to see all the ways to reach someone.
Dates
Keep us penciled in on your calendar with all the important classes and events.
Where to Go
About Us
Let us introduce ourselves. View our history, and see who we are.
Philosophy
Learn about what we do and how we do it
Why?
All the reasons one will ever need to learn music!
Policies
All of the standard policies and procedures are here in one place:
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Money Matters
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"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny."
Aristotle
Ensembles!
Click the button below for a description of our classes.