After School Band Program

After School Band Program

To learn more about the after school band program, please contact Gina League ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 864.546.2475).
Through Instrumental Music Education, Your Child Gains Many Benefits:
  • Develop God-given talents
  • Build self confidence and self-esteem
  • Enable self-expression
  • Enhance memory skills
  • Develop concentration and focus
  • Are provided an opportunity for goal setting and problem solving
  • Exercise mental and physical coordination and dexterity
  • Engage in multi-tasking simultaneously on physical, mental, and emotional levels
  • Learn to function as part of a team
  • Learn and exercise unity, cooperation, collaboration, and responsibility for self and to others
  • Develop a career or hobby
  • Students who study instrumental music usually perform better on tests and get better grades
  • Train to be a happy, cooperative, and useful citizen
Parents Provide Encouragement to Their Children Who Are Studying Instrumental Music by:
  • Providing their children the opportunities to gain the benefits listed above.
  • Always keeping in mind that a positive attitude and family support are key elements for successful music making and education.
  • Being sincerely interested—constructive criticism does not harm a child, but indifference does.
  • Providing a quality instrument to make the child’s task easier and more gratifying.
  • Providing a suitable time and place for the child’s practice.
  • Being interested in their child's musical activities and always being ready to acknowledge progress (many parents find it rewarding to learn to play an instrument along with their child).
Frequently Asked Questions

I have no prior musical training.  May I be in the Band?

Students who are at least nine years old are invited to join the After School Band.  Previous musical training is not required or expected of beginning students.  Level 2 classes are available for students who have had at least 6 months' prior experience on a particular band instrument and have achieved basic proficiency.  Consult with instructor for appropriate class level.

May I join the Band later if I don’t join this year?

Yes, however each year students will progress quickly.  The earlier a student starts an instrument, the more years he/she will have to progress and enjoy the joy of playing in ensembles of varying degrees of difficulty.

What instruments are in the Band?

Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn, Euphonium/Tuba, and Percussion are typical instruments taught to beginning band students.  Other instruments may also be chosen (such as oboe, bassoon, french horn), but these are more difficult instruments to learn and will require private lessons.

How do I know that I will be able to play a musical instrument?

Most students are able to learn the mechanics of playing an instrument.  Sometimes physical characteristics and learning styles come into play, and these will need to be assessed on an individual basis.  The best place to start in determining which instrument will be best is to identify what instrument(s) “sound” the best to the individual student, and if at all possible, the student should play the instrument they feel "drawn" to play.

My family already owns a band instrument which is not in use.  May I use this instrument?

Yes!  However, the instrument which you have may need repairs in order to get it into good playing condition; it is very frustrating and difficult for a student to try to play an instrument that is in disrepair.  The instrument must be checked by a professional instrumental repair technician, and any necessary repairs/overhauls must be completed prior to the first lesson.

What if my parents cannot afford to purchase a band instrument?

SFCS has a wonderful relationship with Pecknel Music (a local, family-owned business), and they offer a quality, affordable rental/purchase program for band students.  Quality used instruments may also be located, but the same note above holds true regarding having it checked and/or repaired prior to the beginning of classes.

What is the easiest instrument to play?

Think of it this way: in baseball or softball, some find it easiest to be an infielder, pitcher, catcher, and others as outfielders. Everyone has different facial and body characteristics which will make some instruments easier for them and other instruments harder for them.

Why should I buy an instrument if I don’t know if I will want to be in band next year?

Like everything in life, SUCCESS depends on true COMMITMENT.  Not only the commitment of the student, but of the parents as well.  So, the first few weeks may be tricky, but with (student and parent) motivation, dedication, at-home practice, and guidance from the instructor, you will be playing and having fun in a few weeks. Pecknel Music offers a quality, affordable instrument rental/purchase program while the student gets the "feel" of the instrument.

When do the classes meet?

The classes will meet after school.  Typically, each student will have two 45-minute classes per week: one like-instrument group lesson (i.e., woodwinds, brass, or percussion) and one combined band class.  The exact daily schedule will be determined as soon as possible prior to the first class meeting.

What is the cost to participate?

The tuition averages approximately $10 per class per student (depending on payment option chosen).  There is a $20 materials fee which includes the method book and other materials that the student will be given throughout the year.  Tuition is paid in advance, and three budget options are available:  payment in full for the year, two semester payments, or monthly installments.  Families with more than one child in the program are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition, and referral discounts are also available.

Other questions?

If you have other questions or concerns that are not addressed in this document, please contact Gina League, Band Instructor, and she will be happy to provide additional information.  Her contact information is:  ginaleague@aol com or 864-546-2475.