Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I join the Rawlinson MS Band?
Students can sign up for band during course selection in the spring. Beginners choose their instrument after trying them at our Instrument Selection Night. Keep checking the website for testing dates, times and locations.

2. Do I need any prior musical experience to join?
No! Our Beginner Band program is designed for students with no previous experience. We’ll teach you everything from the very beginning.

3. What instruments can I choose from?
We offer flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. Placement is based on student interest, aptitude, and available seats.

4. When does band meet?
Band meets as a regular class period during the school day. Begginer band will have two after-school rehearsals and concerts found on the beginner band calendar. A1/A2 UIL competing groups will have before/after school rehearsals and a few full band rehearsals/ clinics after school (notated on the advanced band calendar for each group). 

5. How often should I practice at home?
Beginners should aim for at least 20-30 minutes a day, 5 days a week or are welcome to come to the bandhall to practice in the mornings from 7:30AM - 8:30AM. All advanced students are expected to practice 30 - 45 minutes five times a week. More practice helps you progress faster and enjoy playing even more!

6. What performances will we have?
 Please check your child's calendar for the year. The band performs at concerts in the fall, winter, and spring. Advanced groups may also attend contests, festivals, and special events.

7. What supplies will I need?
A working instrument, the correct mouthpiece/reeds/sticks, a music stand for home practice, and our band method book or music packets. A full supply list is available on our website.

8. Can I rent or purchase an instrument through the school?
Traditional instruments that are loaned through NISD are: oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, french horn, euphonium & tuba. There may be some other instruments available based on financial needs. Most students rent or purchase from a local music store. Some companies have store representatives that visits our campus on a weekly basis. If you are wanting to know hwo they are, you are welcome to contact the band directors for this information.

9. How do payments and fees work?
We use Cheddar Up for most payments, including fees, supplies, donations and optional purchases. https://my.cheddarup.com/c/rms-band2425/items

10. How can parents get involved?
We love parent volunteers! Opportunities include helping at concerts, chaperoning trips, organizing fundraisers and donating to support the program. https://hrvolunteer.nisd.net/TempMod.nsf?Open

11. Where can I find the band calendar and forms?
All dates, forms, news, and resources are here on our band website. Additionally, your child will have received a hard copy of all these forms to review, sign, and return to the band directors.

12. Who do I contact if I have questions?
Reach out to our Band Director via the contact info on our website. Email is our main way of communication.