Upcoming+5th+Grade+Parents!

 Dear Parent/Guardians of rising 6th graders,

Let me first welcome both you and your child to Cape Hatteras Secondary School. Your child has an opportunity to take band next year and begin developing a lifelong love of music and performance. One of the most common statements I hear from parents is they wished they learned to play an instrument and read music. I hope you and your child take this opportunity to participate in one of the most rewarding activities we can offer. You may be concerned about the time commitment band takes. While students will need to spend some time practicing, just like homework in any other class, the outside time required is very minimal. Band students can easily participate in other activities such as art, sports and cheerleading. Please talk at length with your child and seriously consider taking part in the band programs at CHSS!

Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions regarding CHSS or the Band Program!

Sean McCroskey

What Can I Play?

Where do I get an instrument!? You have several options, the most popular are renting-to-own and purchasing a used instrument. The school has a few instruments students can use but many are in poor condition. Please let me know ASAP if you are unable to secure an instrument for this fall!

Rental Information Ballard Instrument/Repair - Manteo NC Instrument Recommendations

How much extra time does take band?
Students taking band will need to put in some extra practice time on their own after school during the week. The time would be equivalent to a short assignment in a regular class. I recommend students to play a little each night to review the music covered in class and to keep up. Students will keep a practice record and record the time they practice as part of their grade. The time required is very minimal and will not interfere with other activities after school or in the evening.

Can my child play sports and take band?
- Of Course! Most of my middle school band students play a sport at some point in the year. Many of the band students play in every sport offered by the school and in the community. There are few required activities after school for middle school band. I encourage all students to use their middle school years to try everything to see where their strengths are. Band will not get in the way of this.

Is band expensive?
Students taking band will need an instrument to play. Most parents choose to rent a new instrument from Music and Arts. The price can range from 20-40 a month depending on the instrument chosen. Parents can buy an instrument on their own but I caution you to not just go out and buy the first thing you see! If you have any questions about purchasing please contact me and I will guide you as best as I can. Woodwind players will also need to purchase reeds to play on, this is a minimal cost ($2-3/ each) and a student who takes care of their reeds can make them last for several weeks. The school has several larger instruments a student can play, but we may not have exactly what your child wants. Most of our instruments are quite old. Check the Rent or Buy page for more information.

Can I take Art and Band at the same time? Answer: As a 6th grader you must chose between the two electives. But as a 7th and 8th Grader you can take both at the same time. Or any of the other electives such as technology. If you did not take band as a 6th you will not have the option to join late, this is why it is important you sign up for band as a 6th grader!

3. What if I do not have an instrument?

Answer: The school has some instruments for student use. They are in OK condition and I will do my best to make sure every student has something to play. Most parents choose to rent-to-own a new instrument which many times include repairs.

4. I am very unsure if I want to try band… what should I do?

Answer: If you are even thinking you may enjoy music and playing an instrument I highly recommend you sign up for band in 6th grade. Give it a shot and see if you like it! Remember 6th grade band may be your only chance to get involved in music at CHSS!

5. Is there a strings program at CHSS?

Answer: I am currently teaching a strings class before school where students get no credit. I am hoping this class is still offered next year and still available to students at CHSS. It is important to note that the top players in the strings class also take band as an elective!