How much does band cost?

Crystal Middle School is a federally designated Title I school, and there is no cost to be a part of the band program! However, there are certain things that music students will need to occasionally purchase over time. This is a general idea of what costs will look like in band:

Concert Band-

Concert Uniform: All Black, dress pants/long skirts and button down shirts, all-black dress shoes, long black socks. - Price Varies $100+

Woodwinds:

Flutes-Flute cleaning swab (provided),

Optional: Flute stand ($20+), thumb saver ($20), fun solo sheet music

Oboe- Reeds (about $15-30 for 1) I will supply 1, students should purchase their own and have 2-3 in roatation), film canister for reed soaking

Optional: Reed-making kit and book

Clarinets- Reeds ($10 for 3, about. I supply the first 3, students should purchase their own and have 4-5 in rotation. Chipped reeds must be thrown out), film canister for reed soaking, clarinet stand, Cleaning Swab, other accessories

Saxophones- Reeds ($10 for 3, about. I supply the first 3, students should purchase their own and have 4-5 in rotations. Chipped reeds must be thrown out), film canister for reed soaking.

Brass- Mouthpiece(optional): $30+ if you’d like to upgrade your mouthpiece, explore options with Mr. W

Winter Guard and Drumline require a uniform purchased by students ($100-175). If this is an issue, please communicate with Mr. W or one of our Booster Board executives and we will make it work!

WG/DL Show Shirts (optional)- ($15+) a shirt with the groups show theme and names of performers

Food- Some competition and parade days are long and students may want to bring lunch or money for food. Boosters will provide snacks at most events. Varies.

Marching Band: Marching Shoes ($45), marching gloves (spring only).

Souvenirs at competitions- Varies

Private Lessons- ($40+ per lesson)

Is my student required to take private lessons?

Nobody is required to take private lessons. If your student is showing a passion and interest in playing their instrument, I encourage students to take private lessons if it is financially feasible. In order to give students instrument-specific instruction that is typically taught in private lessons, we will be bringing in clinicians for each instrument to run sectional rehearsals in order to help students develop their proficiency on their instrument.

Does band interfere with sports?

Marching Band, Pageantry, and Drumline meet after school and may conflict with sports practices. However, If there is a conflict with those we usually can find a solution. Students may split time between band and other sports/activities so long as the student/parent are in communication with the band director.

My child has Asthma, can they still participate?

Yes. Many children’s asthma will actually improve due to the fact they are working and training their lungs to breathe properly and efficiently.

Does band count as a grade?

Yes. Band is an academic class. The grade students receive in band counts toward their Grade Point Average.

Does my child need to know how to play an instrument to join?

Students with no experience should join Beginning Band to learn everything they need to know. Students with 1 or more year of experience may join the Jazz Band or Advanced Band. No experience necessary to join pageantry.

Do I need to purchase an instrument?

No! CMS provides instruments to all students. If a student prefers to play an instrument not provided by the school, they may rent or purchase one on their own accord and participate in class with director’s approval. Reed instruments will need 3-5 working reeds. CMS Bands provides the first one, however please reach out if you need more reeds and we will support.

If the instrument breaks, is it going to be repaired by a trained and certified repairman and are the repairs done on-site?

Repairs for instruments will be completed on a priority basis through Tim’s Music in Sacramento. In the event that a student breaks the instrument due to mishandling or neglect, the student’s parent/guardian will be held liable for the cost of repair or replacement. Treat instruments with extreme caution and care!

What organization hosts the competitions that the Cougar Bands compete in?

The Northern California Band Association (NCBA) is an association of band directors from the region who host various parade, concert, marching, jazz, and indoor guard and percussion competitions. I am a judge for NCBA shows when our groups aren’t competing!

Is there a local music store in Fairfield?

YES! Gordon’s Music and Sound is fantastic and has all the supplies that you will need to be successful in band!