Band

Frequently Asked Questions about YMS Band

I can’t join Band. I don’t know how to play an instrument!

No problem.  That’s what Beginning Band class is for!  In Beginning Band, we start from the very beginning: learning about the different Band instruments, choosing an instrument, learning how to play it, learning how to read music, etc.  Click the "Band Instruments" tab above for more information.

I play sports. Is there a lot of after-school stuff I have to be at that will conflict with sports?

Not too much.  We have concerts of course, but only 2 or 3 a year.  Some of the extra stuff, like Jazz Band, will meet after school, but those groups are optional and not graded on the report card.  If any conflicts with Band functions do arise, Mr. Castleberry can work it out with your coach.

How much does Band cost?

Besides the $15 Band fee, the main expenditures for Band students are the Band uniform shirt (around $25) and the instrument.  Instruments can be rented from a local music store, though certain instruments can be rented from YMS (see Mr. Castleberry for more information).  Band method books may also be purchased from MyPaymentsPlus, local music stores, or online retailers.

Do I get to pick what instrument I play?

Yes!  Mr. Castleberry’s goal is for all students to be on the instrument that will help them be successful, and that means an instrument they actually like.

Can I play guitar or piano in Band?

We don't have guitar or piano in Band class, but we do have piano, guitar, and bass guitar in Jazz Band (after-school). Click the "Band Instruments" tab above; it lists all fourteen instruments you can play in Band class.

Questions that you don't see answered here?  Email Mr. Castleberry.

The Band Instruments

These are the instruments we offer in the Youth Band.  Band students rent their instruments from local music stores.  Instruments with * may be rented from the school, but are subject to the availability of instruments in the YMS Band inventory.

There are many different instruments for a new member of the Youth MS Band to consider.  Each band instrument plays a different role in the ensemble.  It is important that we form a band with a balanced instrumentation so that all the different roles of the band are filled and we have the best band we possibly can.  It is also important that students make informed choices when deciding what instrument they would like to pursue.

The goals of the instrument selection process at Youth MS are:

1. to match all band students with the instruments with which they can be most successful
2. to create a balanced musical ensemble

This page will introduce future band members to their options when selecting an instrument, as well as the roles of each instrument in the band, the costs associated with the instruments, and other general information. 

Email Mr. Castleberry with any questions.

Help Pages

• Instrument Help Videos from Habits Universal Interactive
• BRASS HELP VIDEOS
• WOODWIND HELP VIDEOS 
• PERCUSSION HELP VIDEOS

Maintenance Videos

Cleaning a trombone slide

• Give your trombone a bath [youtube link] 
• Use a cleaning rod to clean the outer slide [youtube link]
• Lubricate the slide [youtube link]

Sheet Music

Sites for Free Sheet Music

• http://www.8notes.com
• www.free-scores.com

Got other sites to share? Email Mr. C

Apps for Free Sheet Music

• Chromatik for iOS
• Chromatik for Android

Got other apps to share? Email Mr. C

Schoology

LOG IN TO SCHOOLOGY

All of the sheet music Mr. C has sent home is available to view or print at the YMS Band Schoology.