Information for 5th Grade Families
Welcome, new band families! I am so happy that your child wants to be part of our instrumental music program at Hanover Middle School! Please take a look at the following information about our program, and feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions. - Julienne Thornell, Band Director
signing up for our instrument program
Common questions about band
What is Band?
Band is an elective class, not an after-school activity, in which you learn how to read music and how to play an instrument of your choice. The upper grades perform music at two concerts each year and we play music at fun school events! Beginning instrumentalists don't have an official Band at the start of the year because they haven't played before, but halfway through the year we'll make plans to get everyone together and plan their first performance. The instrument classes meet once during the HMS six-day cycle, all year long. You can be a part of the band for all four years at HMS, and then continue in high school and college!
How do I sign up for Band?
Click the link above to find out more and access the Google Form.
There will be an instrument demonstration at the start of school, so students can revise their initial choices.
Watch the videos included on this page to hear more about the instruments and Band.
Where do I get my Band instrument?
1. Goulet Music Co.
This is a local shop that I have been working with for 25 years, and I give them my highest recommendation. A representative from the shop visits our school several times each month to check on your child’s instrument, and to bring anything you order by phone. If your child’s instrument needs to be repaired, they will bring a loaner for them to play so that they do not lose instructional time, and the cost of almost all repairs is included in your rental fee. The “rent to own” program means you are not just renting, but rather making payments towards the purchase of the instrument, which is much better for you financially. You can pick up the instrument at the rental night in September, or if you can't be there, they can get it to the school another day, or you can pick it up at their office.
2. Local Music Stores or Yard Sale Sites
Sometimes there are great deals on local yard sale sites, but certain instrument brands simply play better than others and will last longer. Please email [email protected] if you're not sure.
3. Friends/Family
Have the instrument checked by an instrument technician. If it hasn't been played in a while it might need some adjustments and maintenance, just like a car needs regular oil changes to run smoothly.
4. HMS Helps
If anyone is unable to obtain an instrument due to the cost, HMS can help. HMS has some loaner instruments available, at no charge as long as the student is in the program. Please contact Mrs. Thornell, your Guidance Counselor, or the school, to make arrangements. Everyone who wants to play can be a part of the band, we can help!
Band is an elective class, not an after-school activity, in which you learn how to read music and how to play an instrument of your choice. The upper grades perform music at two concerts each year and we play music at fun school events! Beginning instrumentalists don't have an official Band at the start of the year because they haven't played before, but halfway through the year we'll make plans to get everyone together and plan their first performance. The instrument classes meet once during the HMS six-day cycle, all year long. You can be a part of the band for all four years at HMS, and then continue in high school and college!
How do I sign up for Band?
Click the link above to find out more and access the Google Form.
There will be an instrument demonstration at the start of school, so students can revise their initial choices.
Watch the videos included on this page to hear more about the instruments and Band.
Where do I get my Band instrument?
1. Goulet Music Co.
This is a local shop that I have been working with for 25 years, and I give them my highest recommendation. A representative from the shop visits our school several times each month to check on your child’s instrument, and to bring anything you order by phone. If your child’s instrument needs to be repaired, they will bring a loaner for them to play so that they do not lose instructional time, and the cost of almost all repairs is included in your rental fee. The “rent to own” program means you are not just renting, but rather making payments towards the purchase of the instrument, which is much better for you financially. You can pick up the instrument at the rental night in September, or if you can't be there, they can get it to the school another day, or you can pick it up at their office.
2. Local Music Stores or Yard Sale Sites
Sometimes there are great deals on local yard sale sites, but certain instrument brands simply play better than others and will last longer. Please email [email protected] if you're not sure.
3. Friends/Family
Have the instrument checked by an instrument technician. If it hasn't been played in a while it might need some adjustments and maintenance, just like a car needs regular oil changes to run smoothly.
4. HMS Helps
If anyone is unable to obtain an instrument due to the cost, HMS can help. HMS has some loaner instruments available, at no charge as long as the student is in the program. Please contact Mrs. Thornell, your Guidance Counselor, or the school, to make arrangements. Everyone who wants to play can be a part of the band, we can help!
PLEASE, DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON A CHEAP “INSTRUMENT” ONLINE
I am aware that cheap “instruments” are available online through Amazon or eBay, or even major big-box retail stores. These are often like toys, not real instruments. Please do not buy them, they often stop working within a year, and cannot be repaired because the parts are usually not available to licensed repair technicians. I have had too many good kids quit band because their instrument causes so many issues, and I would like to avoid this. I also understand you may be hesitant to invest money in a real instrument since you are not certain if your child is going to stick with band, but I am certain they will not stick with band after their instrument breaks. Goulet Music has high quality instruments that will last a lifetime, when properly cared for, and the contact is month-to-month. This means you are not locked into anything if you happen to be given an instrument later, or the Director suggests making a change.
The following are some of the quality brands that I recommend and that can be serviced by area professional repair technicians: Armstrong, Bach (not Prelude), Blessing, Conn, Getzen, Gemeinhardt, Haynes, Holton, Jupiter, Kanstul, King, Ludwig, Leblanc, Musser, Pearl, Selmer, Vito, Yamaha.
I am aware that cheap “instruments” are available online through Amazon or eBay, or even major big-box retail stores. These are often like toys, not real instruments. Please do not buy them, they often stop working within a year, and cannot be repaired because the parts are usually not available to licensed repair technicians. I have had too many good kids quit band because their instrument causes so many issues, and I would like to avoid this. I also understand you may be hesitant to invest money in a real instrument since you are not certain if your child is going to stick with band, but I am certain they will not stick with band after their instrument breaks. Goulet Music has high quality instruments that will last a lifetime, when properly cared for, and the contact is month-to-month. This means you are not locked into anything if you happen to be given an instrument later, or the Director suggests making a change.
The following are some of the quality brands that I recommend and that can be serviced by area professional repair technicians: Armstrong, Bach (not Prelude), Blessing, Conn, Getzen, Gemeinhardt, Haynes, Holton, Jupiter, Kanstul, King, Ludwig, Leblanc, Musser, Pearl, Selmer, Vito, Yamaha.
But I don’t know how to play an instrument
That’s normal! Most students start at HMS with no previous experience. Don’t worry, we will teach you everything right from the beginning. All you need to do is listen carefully to your Band Director, follow directions, and play your instrument at home every day. The more you practice, the easier it gets, and the more fun you have!
That’s normal! Most students start at HMS with no previous experience. Don’t worry, we will teach you everything right from the beginning. All you need to do is listen carefully to your Band Director, follow directions, and play your instrument at home every day. The more you practice, the easier it gets, and the more fun you have!
Listen to the 7th/8th Grade Band perform at the State house - February 2020
THESE STUDENTS ALL STARTED IN 5TH GRADE AS Beginners AT HMS, amazing!
MORE about the instruments
Check out some videos from members of the U.S. Navy Band,
as well as overview videos from Be Part of the Band series.
as well as overview videos from Be Part of the Band series.