• Students should already know what instrument that they are assigned to play. 

(If not, we can help them remember)  They were given their first three choices to try out and we steered them toward the instrument that tested the best for them.

• What instruments does the program offer?

  • Flute

  • Oboe

  • Clarinet

  • Bassoon

  • Alto Saxophone

  • Trumpet

  • French Horn

  • Trombone

  • Euphonium/Baritone

  • Tuba

  • Percussion

• Does my child need to own an instrument?

The only instruments that the school does NOT provide are: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone. We also strongly encourage parents of Oboe players to rent their own instrument.  Parents are encouraged to speak with reputable area music stores that have “rent to own” programs for these instruments.  These companies have good quality brands that are well manufactured for your students’ success. We have links to our CISD partners here:  https://www.corsicanabands.org/instrument-rentals

If renting is not an option for your family, we encourage parents to reach out to the directors to help locate an instrument that fits your budget:  bcupp@cisd.org and nsmith@cisd.org.

Purchasing an instrument can be costly up front, however, buyer beware.  The least expensive options that you can find on the internet are not manufactured well and repairmen cannot find parts, making the instrument useless when damaged.  Please look for the approved brands and purchase beginner models that are available to you:

• Recommended Brands Based on Durability:

Flute (open hole preferred) : Yamaha, Powell, Pearl and Jupiter

Clarinet (wood preferred):  Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer and Jupiter

Alto Saxophone:  Yamaha, Selmer and Jupiter

Trumpet:  Bach, Yamaha, King and Jupiter

Trombone (F Attachment Preferred):  Yamaha, Conn, Bach, King

• Are there school-owned instruments available?

Yes, if your student has been selected to play Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba or Percussion, these instruments are provided by the school district.  We only ask that parents provide supplies and accessories for them. 

• What is the procedure for checking out a school instrument?

We will be sending home a form the last week of August for parents to sign and return with a $100 instrument use fee to help maintain and repair our inventory.  

• What happens if an instrument is lost or damaged?

For a lost school owned instrument, which is an extremely rare occasion, we will be working with parents to find a replacement.  If a school instrument is damaged the school district will use instrument use fee funding to repair the instrument.  If the damage is extensive due to negligence of the student, the cost will be passed on to the parents for repair.  Minor repairs (that do not affect the playability of the instrument) due to normal wear on the instrument are usually fixed over the summer months through the instrument use fee budget.  

• What supplies will my student need to purchase?

Flutes: Supplies: Swab, Treated Polishing Cloth, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent.  Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

Oboes: The school provides instruments at a yearly fee of $100.00.

Supplies: 3 “Bocal Majority” reeds - Medium Soft, Reed Case, Silk Cleaning Swab, Reed Soaker Cup with Clip, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent..  Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

Bassoons: The school provides instruments at a yearly fee of $100.00.

Supplies: 3 “Bocal Majority” reeds - Medium Soft, reed case, silk cleaning swab, Reed Soaker Cup with Clip, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent..  Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

Clarinets: Mouthpiece: 5RV Lyre  Ligature:  Rovner, Supplies: Cork Grease, 1 silk swab, 1 untreated polishing cloth, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent., 1 reed guard, thumb rest cushion, mouthpiece patches.  Reeds: 3 Vandoren Traditional size 2½ and 7 Vandoren Traditional size 3. Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

Alto Sax: Mouthpiece: Selmer C-Star.  Ligature:  Rovner, Supplies: Cork Grease, neck strap with swivel closed clip, 1 hodge silk swab, untreated polishing cloth, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent., 1 reed guard. Reeds: 10 Vandoren size 3 . Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

Trumpets: Mouthpiece: Bach 5C.  Supplies: Mouthpiece brush, slide grease, untreated polishing cloth, cleaning snake, Al Cass valve oil, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent. Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

French Horn: The school provides instruments at a yearly fee of $100.00.

Mouthpiece: Farkas MC.  Supplies: Mouthpiece brush, slide grease, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, rotary oil, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent. Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

Trombone: Mouthpiece: Bach 6 1/2AL .  Supplies: Mouthpiece brush, super slick kit, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, Selmer tuning slide grease, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent. Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

Euphoniums: The school provides instruments at a yearly fee of $100.00.

(or Baritone) Mouthpiece: Schilke 51D Small Shank.  Supplies: Mouthpiece brush, cleaning cloth, cleaning snake, Selmer tuning slide grease, Al Cass valve oil, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent. Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

Tuba: The school provides instruments at a yearly fee of $100.00.

Mouthpiece: Helleberg 120S  Supplies: Mouthpiece brush, cleaning cloth, Selmer tuning slide grease, Al Cass valve oil, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent. Books: “Standard of Excellence” (book 1) by Bruce Pearson. Home practice music stand.

Percussion: Supplies: One pair SDI General drumsticks by Vic Firth, Salyers Percussion E20 Etude Series Yarn Mallets, Korg TM-70 Tuner / Metronome or Equivalent. one stick bag (any type) Book: A Fresh Approach For The  Beginning Percussion Class by Mark Wessels

• How often will reeds, valve oil, cork grease, etc. need to be replaced?

1. Reeds (students should always have 3 reeds ready to go on rotation daily):

a. Clarinet and Alto Sax needs to be replaced every two months

b. Oboe and Bassoon needs to be replaced every six weeks

2. Valve Oil, Slide Grease, Rotor Oil once every 9-12 months

3. Cork Grease (only need one tube)

• Can my child switch instruments later?

The CTB program is designed for students to stay on their instrument through High School once they begin.  However, there are instrumentation needs of the Directors from time to time where it is possible for Directors to ask your student to switch to a different instrument to benefit the Band as a whole.  Those discussions are normally with the parents and the student before a decision is made.

💰 Cost & Financial Questions

• What will Band cost for the entire year?

The main cost of Beginner Band for Families is the cost of the instrument and supplies.  Students will have a fundraiser to help offset the cost of their Spring Band Festival in May.  Most years, this fundraiser will cover all of those expenses.  

• What expenses are required versus optional?

Checking out a school owned instrument, the $100 instrument use fee is required.  The supplies and maintenance equipment listed above are required for all instruments.   

• Are there scholarships or assistance for families who need financial help?

If this is the case with your family, please contact Mr. Cupp:  bcupp@cisd.org

• What happens if we cannot afford an instrument?

If this is the case with your family, please contact Mr. Cupp:  bcupp@cisd.org

• Are there costs for:

  • Shirts: Approximately $10

  • Trips/Competitions:  Usually paid for by fundraising

  • Meals:  Usually paid for by fundraising

  • Transportation: District Provides

  • Private lessons:  $15-20 weekly paid directly to the teacher

📅 The Band Calendar

• What does the Band schedule look like for the entire school year?

6th Grade:  All instruction done in class, Winter Concert in December on a weekday evening, Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday at the end of January.  Spring Festival during the school day in May, Spring Concert in May on a weekday evening.

7th-8th Grade:  Most instruction done in class, Winter Concert in December on a weekday evening, Solo Ensemble Contest on Saturday at the end of January, Possible Pre-UIL performance weekday evening in Early March, Possible UIL Contest on Weekday during school hours in late March, Spring Festival during the school day or possibly on Saturday in May, Spring Concert in May on a weekday evening.

• Are there before or after-school rehearsals?

When students are no longer considered beginners in 7th and 8th grade, students will be required to attend a one hour section rehearsal before school and a 1 ½ hour full band after school rehearsal weekly.  Also, students will be required to attend a Middle School Football Game, as well as a High School Football Game for a performance grade.  Attendance at the Region Band Auditions the First Saturday in November will also be required.

• Are rehearsals required?

Yes, as a part of the participation grade for a performing arts class, students are required to be at before and after school sectionals and full band rehearsals.

• How far in advance will parents receive the schedule?

Unless there are emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, students and parents will receive weeks and many times months notice about upcoming rehearsals and performances.  Any changes in schedule will be communicated in a timely manner through the apptegy communication system.

• What happens if a student has another school activity?

The student will be told by the Band Directors, Coaches and Campus Administration the agreed upon resolution to all conflicts with other activities.  The Campus Principal always has the final say-so.

• What happens if a student cannot attend an event?

Students and parents are always encouraged to email Band Directors of any conflicts well in advance to see if there are possible solutions for attendance.

🎶 Practice & Student Expectations

• How much should my child practice each day?

Students should practice outside the school day appropriately 20 minutes × 5 days = 100 minutes/week on the average.  If your student is too busy, they can try to make up the time on other days, however, daily consistency matters when learning an instrument.

• Do they need a music stand?

Students will need at least one wire music stand (provided in most rental supply kits).  These stands can be found on Amazon approximately ($15-$20) if need be.

• How long does it normally take before a beginner sounds good?

Normally, by the time students play their first Winter Concert in December, they will be able to make good, characteristic sounds.  Directors work daily with them in class to help them produce the best sound that they can.

• How quickly should students be progressing?

Our Classes are designed to progress students at a steady pace, while maintaining their fundamentals.  Students’ progress also depends on their complete understanding of their instrument.  Progress will vary from student to student based on several factors:  Inconsistent practicing outside of class, poor practice habits, fundamentals learned incorrectly, the use of a poorly functioning instrument, old or poor quality supplies, lack of listening skills, fear of making mistakes, comparing themselves to other students progress, poor school attendance, forgetting their instrument at home, not having all of their supplies for class, lack of parental support, too much pressure, poor organization, lack of goals and giving up too quickly.

• What happens if my child is struggling?

Band Directors will let students work at their own pace, while gently encouraging them to work on specific fundamental skills to improve their performance.  At the Middle School there are four bands with different levels of ability for struggling students so that they can find a place to improve their skills.

• Are private lessons required?

Private lessons are not required, but are encouraged for all students.  One 30 minute lesson per week costs approximately $15-$20 and will help strengthen fundamentals and give students structured weekly progress outside the class time.  Lessons take place at the Middle School after school with Corsicana ISD approved teachers.  See the CTB website for more information:  https://www.corsicanabands.org/cms-and-cis

🏫 Academic Expectations

• Is Band a class or an extracurricular activity?

No, Band is a curricular activity that has a grade associated with it.  All outside of school requirements are graded for attendance and participation.

• Does Band count toward the student's schedule/credits?

Yes, required credits to advance to the next grade each year are given a fine arts credit.

• Does Band have grades?

Yes, Band has a grade associated with it for both in school and outside of school requirements.

• What determines a student's Band grade?

Positive participation and following through on expectations of them in and outside of class determines a student’s Band grade.

• How does attendance affect grades?

Poor Attendance outside of the school day can affect the students grade negatively.  All reasonable and excused absences should be communicated with Directors in advance so that students grades are kept in good standing.

• Can a student participate in Band while struggling academically?

If a student is failing ANY class below a 70, then they are considered academically ineligible.  If that is the case, then they will not be allowed to participate in competitions or events during the school day.  The Band program from 7-12 grade is governed by the University Scholastic League of Texas (UIL) and they have strict policies that are constrained by timelines and grades given by all teachers to that student.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Involvement

• How involved do parents need to be?

Parents need to be aware of requirements for the Band activity as far as rehearsals, practices and expectations of their student.

• What can parents do to help their child succeed?

Remind students of expectations of their responsibilities to their Band.

• Are Band parents expected to volunteer?

Band parents are not required to volunteer their personal time, however, the more parents that DO volunteer, the better off our students will be with more adult support in person and behind the scenes.

• Is there a Band Booster organization?

Yes, Corsicana Band Parents Association, Inc.

https://www.corsicanabands.org/band-boosters

• Are parents allowed to attend performances?

The majority of performances with few exceptions, can be attended by parents and are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!  The importance of parental involvement and visual support for their student is extremely important to your student’s success.

• How will the director communicate with parents?

The school district is going to use apptegy, and is directly connected to all of the phone and email information given to the school district when students enrolled.

• Where will the calendar and announcements be posted?

https://www.corsicanabands.org/calendar

• Who should parents contact when they have questions?

Nicholas Kelly, Booster President

nkelly@cisd.org

📱 Communication

• What is the best way to contact the director?

6th Grade: Mr. Smith nsmith@cisd.org

7th/8th Grade: Mr. Cupp bcupp@cisd.org

• Will there be a Band website or online calendar?

Both:  https://www.corsicanabands.org/home

          https://www.corsicanabands.org/calendar

• Will parents receive reminders about events?

Yes, we try to send out reminders of events leading up to them before and the day of.

• How much notice will parents receive about schedule changes?

We try to give as much notice as possible.  Schedule changes usually happen due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Where can parents find forms and permission slips?

We will be sending those home with students.  If we are still missing them, we may email or send them through text.

🎼 What Parents Should Expect During the First Year

• The first few weeks will involve a lot of fundamentals.

• Students may spend significant time learning how to:

  • Assemble their instrument

  • Hold the instrument correctly

  • Produce their first sound

  • Read music

  • Count rhythms

  • Care for the instrument

  • Practice correctly

• Progress will not look the same for every student.

• Students may become frustrated at times—and that is normal.

• Students should not be compared to other beginners.

• The first year is about developing habits, fundamentals, confidence, and musical independence.

• Parents should expect mistakes and squeaks!

• Consistent practice is more important than occasional long practice sessions.

• The director will communicate when a student needs additional help.