Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
When Can I become a member of the Shelby Whippet Band?
A. A band director will come to talk to your classroom
during May of your fifth grade year. Students begin lessons on their
instrument during June.
Q.
How many students are in band?
A. This varies from year to year and grade to grade, however
the 6th grade band usually has from 80 to 100 members. 80 for 7th grade,
70 for 8th grade. The High School band ranges from 130 to 180 from grades 9-12.
The largest Shelby band occurred in 1986, with 185 members
Q.
Who will be my teacher?
A. Well, technically the three band directors work as a
team to teach all grade levels of band, however the responsibilities are as
follows. Symphonic band is directed by Mrs. Baker. Concert Band
is directed by Mr. Day. Mr. Day also directs the 8th grade band.
Mr. Mayer directs the 7th grade band. (Mr. Mayer, also directs 8th grade
choir). The elementary schools are divided up among all three.
Mrs. Baker teaches Dowds and Russell bands, Mr. Mayer teaches at Auburn school
and Mr. Day teaches at Central and St. Mary schools.
Q.
I don't know how to play an instrument, can I be in band?
A. Absolutely. Most of our new band members have never
played an instrument. We will start you out on a new instrument and
teach you how to play.
Q.
Can I be in Sports and still be in band?
A. Boy am I glad you asked this one. YES
Yes Yes!!!! Not only can you be in sports and play in
the band. We encourage you to get as involved in school as possible.
We have Varsity football players in band, Basketball players, cheerleaders,
baseball, softball, cross-country, and track. The Shelby Whippet Band is made
up of students in every activity possible. If someone tells you that you can't
be in something because of band, it is false!
Q.
I heard that some instruments are limited, is that true?
A. Yes, it is true that we limit the number of certain instruments.
This is due to what in the musical world is called, "Instrumentation".
In order to have a "balanced" band, it is not possible to have too many of
certain instruments. For example a band with 5 trumpets, 2 clarinets
and 37 drummers, probably wouldn't be too balanced. In order to keep
these numbers in check, we generally limit the number of Percussionists (drummers),
Flute players and Saxophone players.
Q.
So..... then, what if I don't make it on my first choice of instrument?
A. Well, if after the evalutions take place at the end of
June, you are not selected to play the drum, flute or saxophone, you can come
back in the middle of August to catch up on the Trumpet, Clarinet or the Trombone.
*Last
Updated: February 28, 2002
10:54 AM