Trips/Fees/Fundraising
Trips
6th grade
Performances and trips- The 6th grade band will be performing several times throughout the year. These performances include (but are not limited to): Christmas concert, Beginner Music festival in the spring and the Howard Payne solo and ensemble competition. This year, the 6th grade band will be performing at the Clyde/Prime Time Music Festival. Students perform at Clyde then immediately celebrate the completion of their first contest at Prime Time in Abilene. Dates for all of these events will be determined and posted soon to the band website and school calendar.
Fees and Fundraising- Students may participate in a fundraiser to help pay for his/her end of year trip.
-The 6th grade festival will cost $30.00. This includes travel, games, activities, and food at the contest location. This money will be due mid spring semester. We will be attending the Clyde Music Festival. Students perform three concert pieces at Clyde High School and then travel to Prime Time in Abilene games, bowling, laser tag, go carts, and more!
6th grade total: $30.00
The money for the trips will be due during the spring semester. Our Fundraiser occurs in late autumn. Fundraising is optional.
Instrument Rental Agreement and Fee
Students will receive an instrument rental agreement during the first week of school. Students wanting to rent an instrument through the school will complete this form. A rental statement at the bottom of the form reads:
*Rental Fee - $40.00 Duration of Rental 2016-2017 school year. Checks Payable to: Eastland Band 900 W. Plummer Eastland, TX 76448 *
“In 6th grade, if you cannot pay this fee, we will still provide your child with an instrument. These fees help us provide a better experience, but we are dedicated to making band accessible to all students. You can also pay this fee in installments if that helps.”
6th Grade band parents/legal guardians,
Hello nervous, overwhelmed, and excited band parents! My name is JettLowrance, and I am the Eastland Middle School band director. StephenCox, the high school director, and AshleyLowrance, 6th grade percussion instructor, will also be working with your children this year. Our goal from the beginning is to provide answers to all of your and your child’s questions before we get started on this wonderful school year. For example:
Question: Does my child need to purchase an instrument?
Answer: Most 6th-8th grade students do not have to buy an instrument. There are many great reasons for using a personally owned instrument, but, for those that do not own an instrument or are unprepared to buy one, there is an Instrument agreement form that covers our instrument rental policy and fee. 6th grade percussion is the exception. These students will need a percussion kit that includes bells and a practice pad/snare drum. We do not provide these instruments. has some options. Example-Percussion 30 Notes Glockenspiel Bell Kit w/ Practice Pad +Mallets+sticks+stand.
Your child auditioned/chose an instrument at the end of last school year and should know which instrument they are playing in 6th grade band. Students new the district or students that were absent on each of the audition dates will have an opportunity during the first week of school to choose an instrument.
Percussion auditions:Students will have the opportunity to audition for a spot in our 6th grade percussion class on August 16th between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. We will contact you within the week of the audition with results. Students unable to attend the audition may contact me and set up an alternative audition time and date (email is best).
A supply list and an overview of our trips and fees are included with this letter.If you have any questions regarding anything, please call or email me so we can ensure this year goes smoothly for you and your child. (Email is the best way to reach me.)
Thank you for all you do to musically encourage your child/children,
Jett Lowrance
Band Director
Eastland Middle School
254-631-5015
Supplies
Students will be required to bring the following everyday to rehearsal:
-Instrument
-Music
-Pencil (not pen)
We provide the following basic instrument care products:
-Slide and Valve oil (brass instruments)
-Cork Grease (Saxophones and clarinets)
-All music, including method books
-Notebooks and folders to hold music
Reeds: Students playing clarinet and/or saxophone may purchase reeds through the school. Each reed costs $3.00 if purchased from the school. Each player will need three working reeds at all times. If the $40.00 rental fee was paid, we will provide two free reeds. (This means one more reed will need to be purchased so students have three working reeds.)
Double Reeds: Oboe and Bassoon- These reeds are more expensive, but last longer. Oboists and Bassoonists will need to meet with Mr. Lowrance or Mr. Cox to discuss reeds.
Percussion: All Middle School percussionists (6-8) will need a pair of Vic Firth SD1 Snare sticks. These average $15.00 a pair and can be purchased through Amazon.com and most music retailers.
Percussion- 6th only: In addition to the sticks, 6th grade percussion students will need to purchase a percussion kit that includes bells and a practice pad/snare drum. We do not provide these instruments. has some options. Example: Percussion 30 Notes Glockenspiel Bell Kit w/ Practice Pad +Mallets+sticks+stand