Is there beginning band at Washington and Liberty

[Anonymous]

Is there a beginning band? I only see intermediate and advanced in the program of studies.

[Anonymous]

There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

I would check with the director. Sometimes kids change to a new instrument; so a student might be able to start as a beginner - depending.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

That doesn’t seem right. What if a kid moved in from somewhere band was not offered? For a school of that size, should be a place for beginners.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

That doesn’t seem right. What if a kid moved in from somewhere band was not offered? For a school of that size, should be a place for beginners.

In Loudoun, you can't start an instrument after 6th grade. They are very clear about this in the 5th course selection process. So 8th grade seems pretty generous to me.

[Anonymous]

I am pretty sure there were a couple of beginners in intermediate band at Wakefield this year. I would contact the WL director directly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

That doesn’t seem right. What if a kid moved in from somewhere band was not offered? For a school of that size, should be a place for beginners.

In Loudoun, you can't start an instrument after 6th grade. They are very clear about this in the 5th course selection process. So 8th grade seems pretty generous to me.

This is public school we are talking about. Having no beginner options in high school is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

I would check with the director. Sometimes kids change to a new instrument; so a student might be able to start as a beginner - depending.

A beginner hasn’t played an instrument before. A kid switching instruments already knows how to play something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

That doesn’t seem right. What if a kid moved in from somewhere band was not offered? For a school of that size, should be a place for beginners.

In Loudoun, you can't start an instrument after 6th grade. They are very clear about this in the 5th course selection process. So 8th grade seems pretty generous to me.

This is public school we are talking about. Having no beginner options in high school is ridiculous.

Ah, how cute. Will there be beginner soccer and novice basketball teams?

The schools are huge, there are limited resources, and to have worthwhile participation they end up setting entry standards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

I would check with the director. Sometimes kids change to a new instrument; so a student might be able to start as a beginner - depending.

A beginner hasn’t played an instrument before. A kid switching instruments already knows how to play something.

That doesn't automatically make them an intermediate level player on a brand new instrument. For example, playing violin isn't going to make you an intermediate level oboe or bassoon player, or even a brass player. It's the reading music and learning key signatures that would be a bigger issue for a student coming from absolute zero. And any absolute beginner can learn cymbals or bass drum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

That doesn’t seem right. What if a kid moved in from somewhere band was not offered? For a school of that size, should be a place for beginners.

In Loudoun, you can't start an instrument after 6th grade. They are very clear about this in the 5th course selection process. So 8th grade seems pretty generous to me.

This is public school we are talking about. Having no beginner options in high school is ridiculous.

Ah, how cute. Will there be beginner soccer and novice basketball teams?

The schools are huge, there are limited resources, and to have worthwhile participation they end up setting entry standards.

No need for the snark, yet. Soccer and basketball are not among the course offerings. Music is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is not a class for beginning band at WL. My son is there now and they assess the kids in middle school to determine which class they belong in. 8th grade is therefore the last year one could start an instrument.

I would check with the director. Sometimes kids change to a new instrument; so a student might be able to start as a beginner - depending.

A beginner hasn’t played an instrument before. A kid switching instruments already knows how to play something.

That doesn't automatically make them an intermediate level player on a brand new instrument. For example, playing violin isn't going to make you an intermediate level oboe or bassoon player, or even a brass player. It's the reading music and learning key signatures that would be a bigger issue for a student coming from absolute zero. And any absolute beginner can learn cymbals or bass drum.

This. Definitely talk with the W-L band director. I think if the student has zero music background it's going to be pretty hard but starting an instrument is probably OK, but you probably want to also get private lessons to get up to speed more quickly (many of the experienced band students are also taking private lessons).

[Anonymous]

One W-L option for learning a new instrument is the guitar ensemble. My son did that with no guitar experience but had previously played a band instrument.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One W-L option for learning a new instrument is the guitar ensemble. My son did that with no guitar experience but had previously played a band instrument.

That's fine; but doesn't get you into band.

[Anonymous]

My WHS kid confirmed that there are some total beginners in WHS intermediate band this year. So definitely contact the WL band director.