Come and Join The Band!

Are you interested in joining the 2007-2008 McAnally Intermediate Band? Wonderful! We have a wonderful beginner band program in Aledo and beginner band is the start of a musical journey that will enrich your life forever! Music is a wonderful thing to make, and our band is a great place to learn! Come make music with us! Hopefully the following topics will provide you with all the information that you need. Click here for our list of Recommended Instruments and Accessories

Selecting an Instrument

Selecting the right beginner instrument is easy for you but can be tough for us as directors. We really want to let your child begin on whatever instrument that they would like. The problem is that some kids are naturally geared towards some instruments either through they way they hear and recognize sound or through their physical makeup. The instruments that are available to your children are: Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone*, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba and Percussion*. These are the basic instruments that make up any band. So how do we choose? The best way for us to help your child begin on the right instrument is to meet with them. We can quickly see their physical size and facial features. With a few questions, we can find out what instrument your child is interested in. And finally, we can try out a few instruments with your child. NOTE: Saxophone and Percussion will be limited to a set number of beginners. If your child is not selected to play one of these, then we hope there is another instrument that your child would be excited to play. Obtaining an Instrument After the director and your student have agreed on a suitable instrument. www.johnnypaulsmusicshop.com here in a Aledo can assist you with renting or buying an instrument for the upcoming school year. They have all of the supplies information needed to get you started for next year.

The Cost of Band

Luckily band is a lot more affordable than you think. It is true that some instruments are quite expensive while others are quite reasonable. Most parents do not purchase an instrument outright. A large percentage of our parents are involved in a rental-purchase agreement with a local music company. A rental-purchase agreement works like this. You pay a fixed amount each month for a certain number of months...and after a certain number of payments, you own the instrument. One of the benefits of this arrangement is that while you are paying for the instrument, most companies provide maintenance on the instrument. Some instruments (French Horn, Baritone, Tuba) are rented through the school for a nominal maintenance fee. These instruments are limited to the number we have on inventory.

The Time It Takes

One of the nice things about beginner band is that it does not take a huge amount of evening and weekend time. The Aledo Beginner Band will have two concerts a semester and one spring trip. That is really all the time that is required. A calendar is published at the first of school that will outline all the dates for the entire year.

Practice Makes Perfect

There is one amount of time that is very necessary...Practice time. Every minute that your child spends on his/her horn outside of class makes them a better musician. We require 150 minutes a week to be recorded and turned in for a grade...but that is a minimum expectation. Beginners are eager to practice at first, and those that stick with it and spend 30 minutes a night become the best players!

Still Have Questions?

We understand that this can be a HUGE decision. Please feel free to give us a call and we will answer any questions you have. You can contact Mr. Robinson at (817)441-9327 or by email: mrobinson@aledoband.com Non music related supplies for Band   3 ringed binder with pockets  1 1/2" thick with notebook paper and plastic sleeves Pencil & Highlighter (doesn't matter what color) Small mirror (approximately 4"x 5" in size)

BAND IS THE PLACE TO BE!