Instrumental Ensemble FAQs
Instrumental Ensemble Class Description
What if my child does not already play an instrument but would like to start?
THEO offers a beginning band class. Here is the class description.
If your child does not yet play an instrument, we offer beginning instrumental classes for woodwinds, brass and percussion. If you would like advice on selecting and purchasing an instrument appropriate for your student and what costs to expect, Mrs. Eckhoff would be happy to meet with you during her planning period at THEO. Please contact her by email at eckhoff6@swbell.net .
What age is best for my child to start to play a musical instrument?
In many ways, that depends on your child and on your child’s private lesson teacher. Many times starting too early is more harmful than helpful, and kids who start later will usually catch up pretty easily to those who started younger. Some of it depends upon the child’s physical structure (Can he she hold the instrument up for long periods of time? Are his/her fingers long enough to reach all the keys?). Some of it depends upon emotional and mental development (Can he/she sit and focus for at least 30 minutes alone to practice? Are reading skills firmly established?). Students who already have a background in piano will find it easier to learn a new instrument. For most kids, the time to start is somewhere between the broad range of 4th-8th grade.
Is an audition required?
At this time, auditions are not required to be part of the ensemble.
Are parents permitted to play in the instrumental ensemble?
Yes! This is a great way to fill in our instrumentation, create bonding experiences between parent and child, and help mentor younger players.
What instruments can play in the ensemble?
Woodwinds – flute, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone
Brass – trumpet, trombone, french horn, euphonium, tuba
Strings – violin, viola, cello, bass
Percussion – snare drum, bass drum, mallets/keyboard, timpani, auxiliary percussion
Rhythm – bass guitar, piano
If you don’t see your instrument listed here, be sure to ask!
NOTE: We will have a piano keyboard available in our classroom. At this time we do not provide any other instruments except for some percussion equipment.
How should I choose which instrument is right for my child?
If you would like advice on selecting and purchasing an instrument appropriate for your student and what costs to expect, Mrs. Eckhoff would be happy to meet with you during her planning period at THEO. Please contact her by email at eckhoff6@swbell.net .
Where should I get an instrument?
The best place to get an instrument for your child is from a reputable music store that specializes in instruments. These stores will have the best quality instruments, which gives your child the best chance of playing well without the frustration of dealing with equipment problems. Poor quality instruments produce a poor tone, have frequent repair needs, and are extremely difficult to tune properly. Music stores will have new and used instruments, as well as purchase and rental plans. They will also have all the supplies you will need and repair technicians. A private lesson instructor can also help you find resources for purchasing an instrument. If you have a friend who wants to sell you an instrument, it should be evaluated first by an experienced repair technician or private lesson instructor. It is best to avoid purchasing an instrument at a pawn shop, garage sale or department store.
What age is best for my child to start to play a musical instrument?
In many ways, that depends on your child. Many times starting too early is more harmful than helpful, and kids who start later will usually catch up pretty easily to those who started younger. Some of it depends upon the child’s physical structure (Can he she hold the instrument up for long periods of time? Are his/her fingers long enough to reach all the keys?). Some of it depends upon emotional and mental development (Can he/she sit and focus for at least 30 minutes alone to practice? Are reading skills firmly established?). Students who already have a background in piano will find it easier to learn a new instrument. For most kids, the time to start is somewhere between the broad range of 4th-8th grade. Our classes are for students in 6th grade and up. If your child has already learned to play an instrument, they are welcome to play in the Instrumental Ensemble.
Does my child need to have any musical background in order to learn to play an instrument?
No prior experience with music is necessary. The beginning classes cover learning to read music and well as learning to play the instrument.
What instruments are taught in each class?
Woodwinds – flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, all saxophones
Brass – trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium/baritone, tuba
Percussion – snare drum, bass drum, mallets/keyboard, cymbals, auxiliary percussion
The following is an article that outlines some of the benefits of music.
“I only know two tunes. One of them is Yankee Doodle and the other isn’t.”
The famous person who said this (answer at end of article) was obviously NOT involved in a music program as a child. He did pretty well as an adult, but he did miss out on a crucial aspect of his education. A basic foundation in the understanding and performance of music is fundamental to a well-rounded education.
Music education has many excellent benefits. Research shows a correlation between music exposure and positive brain development, particularly in the area of abstract reasoning skills. Students involved in musical performance and music appreciation courses consistently score higher on their SATs – in both math and verbal areas – than students who do not participate in music. Playing an instrument is a great way to learn self-discipline, problem solving skills, diligence and creativity. Joining an instrumental or choral performance organization also teaches students crucial skills in team work and self-sacrifice, and teaches them to be comfortable in front of a group. The author Victor Hugo says, “Music expresses that which can not be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
All of these are wonderful reasons to join a musical performance group, but there is one that is more important than all of these. Christian-based music organizations provide a venue for homeschool students to use and refine the talents God has given them for His glory, and to challenge them to use those gifts to minister to others.
So, who was the guy who only knew one song? It was our 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant.
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