NO PREVIOUS MUSICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! What Instruments can I play? Flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone or percussion (percussion includes drums and bells). Specialty instruments such as French horn, baritone, and tuba are introduced later. Please do not purchase an instrument until you have been matched to one by the band directorat one of our Instrument Selection Nights and are certain band is on your schedule.
What is the time commitment? Band meets during the school day in elective block. Mandatory afterschool rehearsals are held rarely, if ever. However, optional afterschool help sessions are offered frequently. These sessions are very popular and well attended.
Band and sports DO NOT conflict at NMS! You CAN participate in dance, cheer, football, and any other activities that interest you and still be in Band!
When Will We Perform? 6th Grade Band performs at the Demonstration, Winter, and Spring Concerts. Our band program has a reputation of excellence and has received highest ratings at District Festival! When students get into 7th and 8th grade, they also perform at local competitions such as district festival, and Southern's concert band festival. Students also get the opportunity to join the Jazz Band at Loyola and Southeastern University!
What is the Cost? Students are required to supply their own instrument, which can be rented or purchased new or used though local music stores. There is an annual $30.00 band fee, a $15.00 uniform shirt. Students must also purchase the required supplies for class.
What are Some Benefits to Being in Band? #BandKidsBestKids Band attracts (and develops) students that value hard work and determination as a member of a team. Studies have shown that students involved in music score higher on standardized tests and stay more engaged in school. College music scholarships are plentiful, even more so than athletic scholarships. For example, LSU offers $1-3,000 a year and ULL will pay student’s housing just to play in the band at football games (just to play-not even to major in music)!
How Do I Join? Students will first take a Music Aptitude Survey at their primary school. (Missed the test day? There is a link below to take it!) A guardian must then sign the Permission Form and it needs to be turned into the primary school’s secretary (there is also an online option below). Finally, the student must attend one of the Instrument Selection Nights with a guardian where they will be able to try out the instruments and will be matched to an instrument that fits them best by the band director (dates TBA at www.northwesternmsband.weebly.com).