Martin Area Band

Here you will find information about how the new band program works. If at any point you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact Martin Area band directors Robin Swann at robin.swann@rbe.sk.ca or Heather Dolmage heather.dolmage@rbe.sk.ca

If you are ready to register your child for band, please click on the button below!

Band is now an optional extra class offered during school time on a pull-out basis. Students will learn to play an instrument, and participate in a group music ensemble. Band is a co-curricular class. Skills that are developed in band add to the skills they are already learning in their regular classes, and support both literacy and numeracy outcomes!

Students leave their regular class twice a week for band: one 45 minute small group lesson and one full band rehearsal with all band students in the same grade.

• to nurture your natural musical ability. Playing an instrument is a lifelong avenue for creativity and self-expression that adds a richness to the quality of life!

• to learn transferable life skills like self-discipline, responsibility, organization, and cooperation.

• to be a part of something! Band is a positive place to ‘belong’. Like sports teams, band instills the values of ‘teamwork’ and ‘responsibility to the team’, and it’s a great place to meet new friends!

• to get smarter! Playing an instrument, especially in an ensemble, engages your brain in a new and different way.

• to open the door for new opportunities! Band is a positive activity that can help your child transition to high school and beyond. There are so many opportunities waiting for those who stick with it!

• Because it’s fun!

All Grade 6-8 students are welcome to join band. In fact, we would absolutely love to have every last one of them join!

The instruments in a concert band are: flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion.

If your child is in grade 5:

In June, we meet with all of the grade 5s and do instrument trials with them to determine which instrument is best suited to them. Not every instrument suits every student, and we want to set your child up for success by determining which instrument is the best fit for them. Notes will or have been sent home with our recommendation as to what instrument your child should play next year in band.

If your child is in grade 6 or 7 and has never been in band before:

Please send us an email and we will set up a time to meet with them to try out instruments!

If your child was in band last year:

The same instrument he or she played last year! There is a very high skill ceiling on every instrument, and when switching instruments you have to start over from scratch. Exceptions are made occasionally on a student to student basis. Please contact us if you have any questions.

If your child is playing flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or percussion:

An instrument can be rented or purchased from either of our local music stores, St. Johns Music and Long and McQuade Music.

If you have contacted your music store of choice and find you are unable to cover the cost of an instrument rental at this time: please contact us about our financial assistance program. We would like to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in band regardless of financial circumstances!

If your child is playing bass clarinet, bari sax, french horn, euphonium/baritone or tuba:

Because they are a higher cost to rent from the local music stores, these instruments are available to rent through the school board. Please complete an Instrument Loan form and return it prior to your child’s first band class. The $150 rental fee can be paid on your school account. This fee is due by Oct. 31st. After Oct. 31st, no refund will be issued if a student discontinues band.

Grade 6 students will receive an instrument at the Beginner Band Workshop. Grade 7&8 students will receive an instrument at their first band class.

Since Band is an optional co-curricular subject, there are some fees and supply costs associated with participation. However, if at any point your family is unable to afford all or part of the fees, there is equity funding available from Regina Public Schools. We would never deny a student the chance to participate in band due to financial constraints.

The Method Book: Standard of Excellence Book 1 (Instrument Specific) a.k.a. the "Red Book"

These can be purchased at St. John's Music or Long and McQuade for ~$11

Flutes, Clarinets, and Saxophones will need a cleaning cloth. There should be one included with the instrument if you are buying or renting. Please let us know if it is missing and we can supply one.

Clarinets and Saxophones: Reeds

These instruments require reeds throughout the year to be played. We recommend 2.5 strength reeds to begin with, and strength 3 for second or third year players. When cared for properly, students will typically use 1-2 reeds per month. There are different brands available at St. John’s Music or Long and McQuade. At this level we recommend Rico Reeds like these:

Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, and Tuba: Valve Oil

You will need to have a regular supply of valve oil for the school year. One bottle should last the whole year if not longer. Instrument rentals should include a bottle, but please check to make sure you have one.

Trombone: Slide Cream

Trombones need slide cream to keep the slide moving. One tube should last the whole year. An instrument rental should include it, but please check to make sure you have some.

You DO NOT need specialized cleaning kits to accompany your instrument.

There are other possible fees associated with band, such as a transportation fee, the instrument rental fee (if renting from Regina Public Schools), or fees for special events and band trips. These details will be provided in the fall. Please remember: we at Regina Public Schools would never deny a student programming due to financial constraints.

Thank you for your interest in the band program! As always, if you have any questions or concerns please send us and email. We would love to hear from you!

Email: robin.swann@rbe.sk.ca

Email: heather.dolmage@rbe.sk.ca