Leopard Band 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to play an instrument or know how to read music?

NO! We start every single student from the very beginning and we are here to LEARN how to play an instrument and read music together!

Does it cost money to be in band?

Yes, but most of the cost are upfront their 6th grade year and most of the supplies will carry them through all 7 years of band. We also never want cost to hinder a students ability to be in band and there are some MISD fine art scholarships available to help.

Are there performances after school in 6th grade?

Yes, we have two concerts a year  (Winter and Spring) at Willie Pig Auditorium or the Mansfield Center for the performing arts after school. There is also a Solo & Ensemble contest that is In May.

How much time after school is required for 6th grade band?

There are no regularly required after school rehearsals for 6th graders. We have two concerts (winter and spring) as well as the MISD Solo & Ensemble contest the first Saturday of May that are required.

I already play piano, or another instrument, why join band?

Being in band can give you benefits that a solo instrument cannot. In band you will learn how to play in a group and how to work with your friends to make beautiful music together.

How do I sign up?

Mark band as your first choice on your choice sheet when you register for classes. We will take it from there! Sign up with a friend and have twice as much fun!

How often will I go to my elective course?

Band will meet everyday, during the day, just like math, science, and language arts....

Can I be in band and be in athletics at DJMS?

Yes! Many of our band students are also involved in sports—basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, track, soccer, dance, cheer etc. All DJMS athletic teams start in 7th grade.

INSTRUMENT SELECTION

Every year in January, we hold instrument try-outs where every student can try all of the instruments. A band director will show each student how to play the different instruments, and will help guide your child to the instrument that they are most naturally proficient at playing, and one they are interested in. We have found that students who play an instrument they are naturally proficient at playing results in a much higher degree of success on the instrument. Physical characteristics such as hand size, overbite, under bite, and lip shape will influence instrument selection.

INSTRUMENT SELECTION FOR 2024-2025

We will be setting up times for our instrument selection drive this year in January! If your student would like to join band and has any questions, please contact Ms. Pascasio at LuzvimindaPascasio@Misdmail.org 

All students must be placed on an instrument by a band director before they will be scheduled into a band class. This placement will occur at the end of the current school year. Parents and students will be notified by a letter in the mail and via email what instrument your child has been selected to play. This instruments offered by the band program are: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and classical percussion.

Remember that physical abilities and class size will determine the instrument your child is placed on, ensuring they are on the instrument they will be the most successful on.