Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have never played an instrument before, can I still join band?
A: Yes, but it's important for you to know that middle school band moves a bit faster than elementary level performance. If you are looking to be apart of the concert band program at PCIS and have never played an instrument before, it is required that students participate in private lessons or the PPS Summer Music Program before the start of school year. This will ensure that the basic fundamentals are in place in order for you to see success in concert band without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, students can join band at any time! If you need more time in private lessons before you are comfortable joining band, you are welcome to join at the halfway point in the school year.
Q: Do you receive a grade in band?
A: Yes, band is a full year course that you will receive a grade in for every term. Grades are not based on ability, but instead are based on effort and growth. Because students perform at various levels, the grading reflects the individuals effort in class and at performances.
Q: How often would do you have band class as a middle school student?
A: Band class meets every-other-day for the entire year.
Q: How many students are there in band class?
A: There are currently over 120 students that make up our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade concert bands. On average, we have about 40 students per grade level.
Q: I've been loaning an instrument through the Elementary Loaner Library. Can I continue to borrow this instrument?
A: No, unfortunately there are students in the lower grades that need these instruments. PCIS does have a loaner library specifically for middle school musicians at PCIS. If you are in need of an instrument for band, please contact Mr. Shaw for details.
Q: Do you take field trips in band?
A: In past years, the band program has traveled to Gillette Stadium and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass. These trips vary from year to year. Mr. Shaw is always looking for unique performance opportunities for the students.
Q: Do I have to be a strong musician to perform at the middle school level?
A: The middle school concert band ensembles are made of up of student musicians at all levels. Mr. Shaw prides himself on his ability to challenge his advanced musicians while still building the skills and techniques of his beginner musicians and everyone in between.
Q: Does it cost any money to be a member of the concert band program?
A: No, the only cost students are required to pay are festival audition registrations, field trip transportation, and any instrument accessories needed for class.
Q: How many concert performances are there during in middle school?
A: There are up to 4 large performances during the school year.
Q: Is attendance at performances required of concert band students?
A: Yes, all performances are required of student musicians. I do have a list of reasons students can be excused from performances outlined in the concert band handbook. Students who are excused from a performance will be issued a make-up assignment to replace the missed grade.
Q: The school year has already started, would I still be able to join band?
A: Yes, you can join the ensemble at any time! Especially for beginners, this is a great opportunity for you to pursue lessons outside of school in an effort to prepare for the instrumental program here at PCIS. After a few months of lessons, just simply get in touch with your house guidance counselor and they will adjust your schedule.
If you have any other questions that are not outlined above, please email Mr. Shaw at ashaw@plymouth.k12.ma.us
A: Yes, but it's important for you to know that middle school band moves a bit faster than elementary level performance. If you are looking to be apart of the concert band program at PCIS and have never played an instrument before, it is required that students participate in private lessons or the PPS Summer Music Program before the start of school year. This will ensure that the basic fundamentals are in place in order for you to see success in concert band without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, students can join band at any time! If you need more time in private lessons before you are comfortable joining band, you are welcome to join at the halfway point in the school year.
Q: Do you receive a grade in band?
A: Yes, band is a full year course that you will receive a grade in for every term. Grades are not based on ability, but instead are based on effort and growth. Because students perform at various levels, the grading reflects the individuals effort in class and at performances.
Q: How often would do you have band class as a middle school student?
A: Band class meets every-other-day for the entire year.
Q: How many students are there in band class?
A: There are currently over 120 students that make up our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade concert bands. On average, we have about 40 students per grade level.
Q: I've been loaning an instrument through the Elementary Loaner Library. Can I continue to borrow this instrument?
A: No, unfortunately there are students in the lower grades that need these instruments. PCIS does have a loaner library specifically for middle school musicians at PCIS. If you are in need of an instrument for band, please contact Mr. Shaw for details.
Q: Do you take field trips in band?
A: In past years, the band program has traveled to Gillette Stadium and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass. These trips vary from year to year. Mr. Shaw is always looking for unique performance opportunities for the students.
Q: Do I have to be a strong musician to perform at the middle school level?
A: The middle school concert band ensembles are made of up of student musicians at all levels. Mr. Shaw prides himself on his ability to challenge his advanced musicians while still building the skills and techniques of his beginner musicians and everyone in between.
Q: Does it cost any money to be a member of the concert band program?
A: No, the only cost students are required to pay are festival audition registrations, field trip transportation, and any instrument accessories needed for class.
Q: How many concert performances are there during in middle school?
A: There are up to 4 large performances during the school year.
Q: Is attendance at performances required of concert band students?
A: Yes, all performances are required of student musicians. I do have a list of reasons students can be excused from performances outlined in the concert band handbook. Students who are excused from a performance will be issued a make-up assignment to replace the missed grade.
Q: The school year has already started, would I still be able to join band?
A: Yes, you can join the ensemble at any time! Especially for beginners, this is a great opportunity for you to pursue lessons outside of school in an effort to prepare for the instrumental program here at PCIS. After a few months of lessons, just simply get in touch with your house guidance counselor and they will adjust your schedule.
If you have any other questions that are not outlined above, please email Mr. Shaw at ashaw@plymouth.k12.ma.us
