What if I don’t know anything about music?
That’s ok! We will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes and rhythms, we will guide your child through the process. All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sound from Band or Orchestra.
What if my child is not sure they want to take band, CHorus, or orchestra?
Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Band, Chorus, and Orchestra are the same way. Your child should sign up for Band, Chorus, or Orchestra even if they express even the slightest interest in playing an instrument or singing. If at some point they decide that a performing ensemble is not for them, they will have the opportunity to withdraw and switch to Enrichment after the first concert (typically in January). It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when everyone else has already started.
HOW often Do band, chorus, and orchestra meet?
BCO meets twice per six-day rotation for 40 minutes during the school day. Since individual instrument instruction is very important to a young musician’s development, all Sherwood Band and Orchestra members are required to take private lessons on their chosen instrument for two years. Private lessons are not required for Chorus.
Students who do not wish to be in BCO will participate in enrichment activities on their teams.
Students who do not wish to be in BCO will participate in enrichment activities on their teams.
WHY ARE we being asked to select a first, second, and third choice of instrument?
In order for each ensemble to sound its best it is crucial to have the right numbers of players on each instrument. If we have too many or too few of some instruments it will be difficult to hear important melodies, countermelodies, bass lines and the underlying harmonic structure. The closer we get to having balanced instrumentation the better the groups will sound this year and for many years to come.
We will do our best to honor as many of your first choices as possible and will contact you in the event we need to ask you to switch to your second or third choice.
We will do our best to honor as many of your first choices as possible and will contact you in the event we need to ask you to switch to your second or third choice.
Why are private lessons necessary for band and orchestra and how can we arrange private lessons?
We are unfortunately unable to provide small group or private instruction during the school day. Since individual instrument instruction is very important to a young musician’s development, all Sherwood Band and Orchestra members are required to take private lessons on their chosen instrument.
For your convenience, Shrewsbury Public Schools offers a fee-based after-school lesson program with all lessons held at Sherwood Middle School. Information regarding the Shrewsbury Instrumental Lesson Program (SILP) can be found here: http://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/pa/Shrewsbury-Instrumental-Lesson-Program.cfm. Tuition assistance is available. Please visit the SILP webpage for details.
You may also arrange private instruction for your son or daughter on your own.
For your convenience, Shrewsbury Public Schools offers a fee-based after-school lesson program with all lessons held at Sherwood Middle School. Information regarding the Shrewsbury Instrumental Lesson Program (SILP) can be found here: http://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/pa/Shrewsbury-Instrumental-Lesson-Program.cfm. Tuition assistance is available. Please visit the SILP webpage for details.
You may also arrange private instruction for your son or daughter on your own.
where/how can we get an instrument?
We HIGHLY recommend renting the instrument, at least for the first two years of instruction. We also recommend renting a major name brand instrument from a reputable music dealer. See the Shrewsbury Instrumental Lesson Program page for more information and a list of local vendors.
does the school provide any instruments?
Yes, we have a limited number of trombones, French horns, and euphoniums that can be loaned free of charge to students for up to two years on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please contact Anthony Uglialoro ([email protected]) for more information about these instruments.
We also have a limited number of cellos and basses that students may use at school free of charge. They must still rent an instrument to use at home and for concerts. Please contact Olga Pineda ([email protected]) for more information about this option.
We also have a limited number of cellos and basses that students may use at school free of charge. They must still rent an instrument to use at home and for concerts. Please contact Olga Pineda ([email protected]) for more information about this option.
how will my child get their instrument to/from school?
Most instruments can be taken to and from school on the bus. Unfortunately, large instruments such as euphonium, the percussion kit, cellos, and basses cannot be transported to and from school by bus. Students who choose euphonium and the percussion kit must provide alternative transportation of their instruments to and from school for rehearsal and lessons. Students who choose the cello or bass will have an instrument to use at school for rehearsals and lessons, but must provide alternative transportation of their instruments to and from school for concerts.