Back to Band Camp for 2024-2025 Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Members is July 30-August 2

Why Band?

The Clear Creek Intermediate Band is a positive environment for students to grow as musicians and young people. We hold students to high standards while providing them with the instructions and tools to meet them. Our students have a blast and make lifelong friends while learning to play music in our band family.

We are looking for students who like to:

Have fun!
Work hard!
Learn new things!

“Arts Education aids students in skills needed in the workplace: flexibility, the ability to solve problems and communicate; the ability to learn new skills, to be creative and innovative, and to strive for excellence.”

– Joseph M. Calahan, Director of Corporate Communications, Xerox. Corporation

“A grounding in the arts will help our children to see; to bring a uniquely human perspective to science and technology. In short, it will help them as they grow smarter to also grow wiser.”

– Robert E. Allen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AT&T Corporation

Be a Part of the Music, 2024

Meet the Instruments

ANYONE can play an instrument! ANYONE can be in band!

Please check out the instruments below to see which are used in band and learn more about them. You can click on the instrument to view a video and hear how it sounds. All videos are provided by "Be a Part pf the Band." The CCI Band Directors will help each student pick the instrument that works best for them.

Woodwinds:

Woodwinds are not always made from wood. They make sounds through various means, from reeds to air vibration.

Flute

Saxophone

Clarinet

Oboe

Bassoon

Brass:

All brass instruments make sound by vibrating or buzzing the lips. The difference between the instruments is the length of the tubing and the shape of the tubes. Smaller instruments make higher notes, and larger instruments make lower notes.

Trumpet

French Horn

Euphonium

Tuba

Trombone

Percussion:

Percussionists create sound by striking their instruments. Yes, on purpose! They learn many different percussion instruments, but in Beginning Band, they focus on the snare pad and marimba.

Percussion

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does band class meet?

Beginning band meets as a regular class at different times throughout the school day for the entire school year. Students are grouped in classes according to what instrument they play. The teacher-student ratio is kept low to facilitate individual supervision of students' progress. Skills developed during beginner band are to prepare students for 7th and 8th-grade band, so diligent practice during the school year is a must.

2. What instruments are offered?

Beginners are started on flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion. We will help you choose the instrument that is best for you at our Band Interview Nights in the Spring.

3. Is any previous musical training necessary?

No. We teach the basics of reading music as well as playing an instrument. As students progress, you will be able to recognize familiar tunes that they play for you. Their progress culminates in the Spring Concert at the end of the year.

4. How can my child be successful in Band?

The most essential requirement for success is the desire to succeed. We begin students with a very basic yet detailed approach to learning the instrument. Students are taught basic fundamental building blocks that will make them successful through their senior year and beyond!

5. When do students need instruments?

Instruments will be needed during the first full week of school. We will have a music company attend our instrument selection meeting so you can reserve an instrument for the fall. If you aren't able to set up your rental on those nights, don't wait too long to rent your child's instrument. Most music companies run out of stock in July, and it takes longer to get your instrument—it may not be ready by the start of school if you wait too long.

6. Should I rent or purchase an instrument?

RENT! Renting an instrument will allow your child to begin in the band with only a small initial investment. Your child can have the advantages of a brand new beginner model instrument, such as pride of ownership, freedom from error due to poor equipment, and the opportunity to be the best player they can be by having the best available instrument for their age level. Your child will have the instrument and mouthpiece recommended by the band directors. After their beginner year, most instruments can be upgraded to a professional-level model.

All rental payments are applied toward the purchase of the instrument.

7. What about buying used instruments?

Some used instruments are good bargains. However, you could possibly end up spending more money on repairs than the instrument is worth. For this reason, we ask that if you purchase a used instrument, try to let a Clear Creek Intermediate Band director examine it before purchasing. Local music stores and former band students are excellent sources of used instruments. We have found that instruments from pawn shops tend to be of dubious quality. WARNING: Please do not purchase a musical instrument from a non-music store. These instruments tend to be poorly made and, once broken, are usually not repairable. Again, we recommend that you RENT an instrument the first year from a reputable music company. We INSIST on every student having the recommended mouthpiece so that no student has a competitive advantage over another and all students sound the same.

8. Are there any school-owned instruments available?

Yes. The school provides the more expensive instruments: tuba, euphonium, french horn, oboe, and bassoon. These are assigned based on aptitude, suitability, and availability - NOT financial need. Parents whose child is selected to play one of these school-owned instruments must pay a $50 per semester usage fee. They will also be required to purchase necessary accessories such as a mouthpiece, reeds, books, and valve oil. Due to the unique nature and difficulty of the oboe, bassoon, and French horn, it is critical that they take weekly private lessons.

9. Can my child participate in both athletics and band at the same time?

YES! If it fits into your class schedule, we make it work! Many intermediate students are in band, athletics, and other organizations. Band directors, teachers, and coaches all work together to make schedules work for the students' benefit.

10. Are there any extra rehearsals required? Concerts?

Beginners are required to attend only a few performances outside of school. There will only be two after-school rehearsals prior to the Winter Concert and two prior to the Spring Concert. Other than these few performances and rehearsals, there are no after-school responsibilities. We also have a variety of fun/social events throughout the year, and even more in the 7th and 8th grade band!

11. Will my child be required to practice at home?

Yes, or they will need to practice in the band hall before or after school. Students are required, as part of their grades, to practice outside of class. As with all things, communication is key if your student has a "busy week." We don't want anyone to worry or get stressed out, but there is homework in every class, including band. They record their time on a "Practice Card," turned in and graded weekly. Students must use a folding music stand and a metronome for home practice. These items come with your initial rental from our music stores. Parents are encouraged to give positive support to the student as he/she progresses. All instruments are required to be taken home every day, even if they cannot practice that evening.

12. Are private lessons available? Are they required?

Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students but aren't required. If your child takes private lessons, he/she will get one-on-one instruction from a professional musician or educator. Lessons are held once a week and can help challenge faster-paced students and strengthen slower-paced students. Lessons are very important and are one of the foundations of our program.

13. Why do some beginning band classes have limited enrollment?

Some of our band classes have limited enrollment due to the availability of school owned instruments. We also limit enrollment in some classes in order to fill out normal band instrumentation. Each grade level needs proper instrumentation to play the level of music literature that our performing bands play. We also need to send a proper ratio of every instrument to the Clear Creek High School Band.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse