My child did not receive an invitation. Can he still join?

How was my child selected for the TMS Band?

Every 5th grade student at Norris Elementary and Dearing Elementary takes a music competency test. Based on the results of the test (scoring 75% or better,) teacher recomendation, and discipline record, we issue invitations to those students that we feel would be best able to handle the unsual learning environment associated with beginning band. Each class has over 70 students - nearly three times the class size to which the students are accustomed. Students with frequent behavioral problems would NOT function well is this environment.

We just moved to Thomson. Can my child join the band?

Absolutely! We would love for your child to have the opportunity to join the largest organization of students in McDuffie County. Please contact the band director at (706) 986-4460 or by email at pirkleb@mcduffie.k12.ga.us to receive further information about registering your child for the TMS Beginning Band.

My child did not receive an invitation. Can he still join?

There may be several different reasons why a child did not receive an invitation. Frequent dicipline problems or poor recommendation by a teacher will automatically raise a "red flag" as to whether or not a student should receive an invitation. Your child may have received an invitation, and it was misplaced before being delivered to you. It simply could have been an oversight - a problem very easily corrected! If you feel like your child should have received an invitation but did not, please contact the band director at (706) 986-4460 or by email at pirkleb@mcduffie.k12.ga.us to determine the reason.

How do you decide what instrument my child will play?

Each child is mouthpiece tested first on his "number 1 choice" and then on other instruments as necessary to determine the one instrument on which we feel the child will enjoy the most success. Potential percussionists undergo a series of tests of rhythmic accuracy as well as hand-eye coordination. Each child will receive a "score sheet" displaying how they tested on each instrument and the final recommendation that the director makes. Everything from mouth, lip, and teeth formation to hand-eye coordination are taken into account when making a recommendation. We want your child to be satisfied with the recommendation to ensure that he will enjoy his time in the band program; however, we will not recommend an instrument that we feel will be inapropriate for your child. Nothing could be more frustrating than attempting to learn and play an instrument for which one is not suited.

Where do I get an instrument for my child?

The TMS Band program is represented by the Pecknel Music company out of Columbia, SC; however, you may obtain an instrument from any where you choose. We choose to work with Pecknel because they carry the exact brands of instruments, books, and accessories that we want the students to have. They have reasonable payment options, and they stand behind their work. Once a week, a representative from Pecknel visits TMS to repair on-site or collect for repair any instrument obtained through their company. For more information, please visit http://www.pecknelmusic.com or email our Pecknel representatives Will Graybill or Paul Morgan with any questions you may have about their services.

For more information about the brands of instruments we recommend for beginning band students, please contact the band director at (706) 986-4460 or by email at pirkleb@mcduffie.k12.ga.us. It is true that "you get what you pay for" when it comes to instruments. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

The band director will be happy to examine any instrument to determine what work, if any, needs to be done in order to put the instrument in good working order. It can be extremely discouraging to your child if the instrument he has does not perform the way it should.

I already have an instrument. Can my child play it?

We will be happy to test your child on the instrument that you already have. There is no guarantee that your child will be suited to play that particular instrument, and we will recommend the instrument on which we feel he will be most successful. If your child is not able to play the instrument that you already own, we may be able to assist in finding a buyer for the instrument - or you may consider trading it in toward a different instrument from Pecknel Music or from another instrument provider.

What other things will I need to purchase?

In addition to an instrument, each student will need a folding music stand, the corresponding music book, and a cleaning kit for the instrument. Pecknel offers these three additional items in a "savings bundle."

If your child is playing an oboe, clarinet, saxophone, or bassoon, he will need to occasionally purchase new reeds. All school instruments require that the student purchase his own mouthpiece as well as a folding music stand, the corresponding music book, and a cleaning kit for the instrument..

The TMS Band also has a required attire that we wear when performing in both formal and informal settings. The small band fee assessed at the beginning of the school year takes care of the cost of both the black TMS golf shirt as well as the 2008-2009 Beginning Band T-shirt. Last year's fee was $30.

How often should I clean the instrument?

Woodwind players should pull the drying cloth (that comes in the cleaning kit) through their instruments each time they finish playing. Drying the inside of the instrument prevents mold from growing and extends the life of the pads on the instrument. Woodwinds should NEVER be submerged in water. Always remove the reed from the mouthpiece immediately after playing to prevent mold and to extend the life of the reed.

Brass instrument players should empty their water keys and wipe down the instrument with the polishing cloth (that comes in the cleaning kit) each time they finish playing. Once a month, the brass instrument can be soaked in a luke warm bath and rinsed out. NEVER USE ANY ABRASIVE CLEANER. It could strip the lacquer finish from the instrument.

How often does the band perform concerts?

The TMS Beginning Band performs twice a year - a Christmas concert and a Spring concert. In addition, some selected students may perform at such events as Honor's Day and the Tenth District Honor Band Clinic.

The concerts are listed on the school calendar. Please make arrangements to be at all performances. Both the Christmas and Spring concerts are required events. For more information about the grading policy, please refer to the TMS Band Handbook.

My child is playing a school-owned instrument. What else do I need to purchase?

Some instruments are too expensive to require parents to rent or purchase, so they are provided by the school. Tubas, baritones, french horns, bass clarinets, bassoons, and bari saxes are all school-owned instruments. The students are assigned an instrument with the understanding that they are to care for these instruments as if they had purchased them themselves. They can bring them to and from school as they wish. Additionally, they may check them out for the summer for practice when school is out! Any damages, including dents, will be the responsibility of the parents and will be charged accordingly. Some school-owned instruments may be shared by two different students, so it is required that each student own his own mouthpiece. Each student should also obtain a folding music stand, the coorresponding music book, and an instrument cleaning kit.

How much does being in the TMS Band cost?

The cost of the band program differs depending on the instrument your child plays and the payment plan you arrange with the instrument provider. Some costs, however, are the same for everyone.

Each child will be required to pay a small $30 membership fee at the beginning of the school year. The students will be responsible for obtaining khaki pants to wear with the TMS black golf shirt.

The cost of reeds varies depending on the instrument. Replacement books are $7 ($15 for percussion) and mouthpieces range from $25 - $45 depending on the instrument.

How often should my child bring the instrument home?

If the instrument isn't coming home, your child isn't practicing. While we pride ourselves on providing outstanding instrumental instruction to each student every day, we barely cover the tip of the iceberg in terms of what your child could accomplish with regular practice. No musician ever "arrives" - consistent practice is necessary for maintaining and increasing the level of music mastery.

Comparing band to piano or violin lessons: instead of just one lesson a week, your child will receive group lessons every day (for free!) But just like piano or violin lessons, your child should spend time outside of school to maintain the levels that we achieve in class. The more success your child attains, the more fun he will have! And, band is supposed to be fun!

Is there a place to store the instrument at school?

Students may bring their instruments to the bandroom just before school starts and place them in their assigned lockers. Each instrument will have a locker with combination lock. Students are not required to use the lockers; howver, we cannot be responsible for lost or damaged instruments that were not stored in the provided lockers. Any instrument not stored in a locker must be carried from class to class by the student. We also have security cameras monitoring the bandroom throughout the day. Students will be allowed to pick up their instruments in the afternoon for transporting home.

How is my child's grade figured?

Your child's grade in band class is based on participation in class, having necessary materials at all times, practice logs, music tests (written and playing,) and performances. It is VERY easy for a student to make not only an "A" but a 100 average! However, it is equally easy for a student to lose points from his average for not participating, failure to attend a performance, etc. Please refer to the TMS Band handbook for an explanation of the grading policy.

When does band meet?

Band is a connections class (just like P.E., Art, Keyboarding, Spanish, Technology, Floriculture, etc.) that meets during the school day. Students at Thomson Middle School take two connections classes each nine-weeks. Band students take "band" every nine-weeks while their other connection class changes. Occasionally, the band meets after school - please check the TMS Band website or school calendar for additional rehearsals.

What if my child wants to switch instruments?

Under no circumstances will a student be able to switch instruments in the middle of the school year. Once an instrument is chosen, the student is expected to remain on that instrument for as long as he remains in the Thomson Band program.  Occasionally, we may feel that a student has attained the skills necessary to play a more challenging instrument (i.e. bari-sax, bassoon, etc.)  These recommendations will be made on a case by case basis according to the student's individual (and band's instrumentation) needs. A child's desire to switch instruments most likely stems from a lack of confidence in his ability with his current instrument. Continue to encourage your child to practice and even play for you!

Opportunities to learn a second instrument will be available once the student reaches the high school level. Mastery of the first instrument would directly influence how easily the student picks up a second.

I've purchased an instrument. Where do I return the rental?

If the rental instrument came from Pecknel Music, please contact them and let them know that you are returning the instrument. The representative from Pecknel comes to TMS every Thursday and will be able to collect the instrument at that time. If the rental came from a different company, you will need to return it them at their business location. If you have a question about an instrument or would like the band director to examine an instrument prior to purchase, please contact him at (706) 986-4460 or by email at pirkleb@mcduffie.k12.ga.us

How long should a reed last?

If the reeds are properly maintained, two reeds could last for up to a month. Reeds should always be removed from the mouthpiece and placed in the reed holder (provided in the cleaning kit) between uses. Alternating daily between two good reeds will extend the life of the reeds dramatically. Each student who plays a reed instrument should have two good reeds at all times. When one reed breaks, a new one should be purchased.

What do I do if the instrument is stolen?

As soon as you receive the instrument, you should copy down the serial number located on the instrument. This is a unique number that will allow us to distinguish your instrument from many that look very similar. It is the ONLY way we can identify a stolen instrument. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if the instrument can be covered under an existing policy. Most instruments that are "stolen" have simply been misplaced (having not been properly stored in the instrument lockers) and turn up within a day or two. In the event that the instrument has been stolen, a police report should be filled out.

My question was not listed here. Now what?

Please feel free to contact the band director to ask any question not answered here. Mr. Pirkle can be reached at (706) 986-4460 or by email at pirkleb@mcduffie.k12.ga.us