Any student who wishes to join band and has not turned in a registration form should have a parent contact Mr. Campbell as soon as possible (david.campbell@bufordcityschools.org).

The following may answer some questions you have about starting band in the fall:

• There is no need to get an insrument over the summer.
• There will be a Beginning Band Parent Meeting in September that will cover these topics:
  • An overview the band program
  • Expectations of band members
  • How to go about getting a quality instrument
  • Options that make getting an instrument affordable
  • Music Technology that makes learning to play easier and more fun
  • Band spiritweat orders
• Sixth Grade Band will not play band instruments for the first few weeks of school.  During this time we will:
  • Play recorders
  • Re-try instruments (as needed) and make a final decision as to who plays which instrument
  • Learn music theory fundamentals
  • Learn the fundamentals of being in band
• Here is what you will bring to band when school starts in the fall:
  • Student agenda
  • At least one pencil
  • Thin (1" - 1.5") three-ring binder just for band materials.
  • Recorder (If you do not have a recorder, you may purchase one from the BMS Band for $5.00)

Here are some procedures, guidelines and other information about BMS Band:

• It is important to start band at the beginning of the sixth grade.  It is usually not practical to join later.
• After-school rehearsals are kept to a minimum.  Rarely do we have  Sixth Grade Band rehearsals after school.
• Sixth Grade Band typically has two or three evening performances each year.  Seventh & Eighth Grade Bands usually have four.
• No food, drink or candy is permitted in the band room.
  • This is out of concern for keeping our facilities clean, safety of band members and care of the instruments.
  • There is one exception.  Clear, uncolored and unflavored water is permitted.
• Band members may store their instruments in the band room during the school day, but the instruments should be taken home every afternoon and not left at school overnight.
• To be successful, band members are asked to practice every day.
  • Short and focused daily practice sessions get better results than long sessions once or twice a week.
  • Band members will turn in Practice Reports on a regular basis which will count as part of their grade.
  • Students get 1 point per minute for their weekly practice grade (100 minutes per week = grade of "100").  Those who excel practice much more than this.