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First day of school and my child brings me a note from the band teacher stating that starting this year, 5th grade band will be required. The note goes on to explain that instruments provided by the school are VERY limited so we are welcome to BUY OR RENT instruments for our children. I have a problem with our school making a class a requirement but parents may or may not have to rent/buy the equipment. I would think that the school is obligated to provide the instruments for all of the students. Any input?
I can't see a school requiring all students to take band class--unless it's a very small school and they are trying to justify the band teacher's salary.
When I went to high school, in Florida, the school required one "performing arts" class, which would have been satisfied by Sculpture, Drawing, Chorus, or Band. I suppose a Drama class would have satisfied the requirement as well.
I don't like the concept of a school requiring ANY class--I can see them making recommendations, but not requirements.
I took band, by the way. Played trumpet...and the next year, I got out.
in 3-5th grade in my son ES, they had 'band' But they used a recorder $5 (I think) needed. The school also had a supply of old one that were left/given to school when the kids aged up to Middle school. That they could give to kids. All Kids on Free/Reduced Lunches were offered them 1st.
First day of school and my child brings me a note from the band teacher stating that starting this year, 5th grade band will be required. The note goes on to explain that instruments provided by the school are VERY limited so we are welcome to BUY OR RENT instruments for our children. I have a problem with our school making a class a requirement but parents may or may not have to rent/buy the equipment. I would think that the school is obligated to provide the instruments for all of the students. Any input?
It sounds like they have some instruments available for students who don't want to rent them. Your choice seems to be, accept one of those or rent one on your own. I'd go the latter if I could afford it as your child will want to practice at home.
Extra credit for the kid: Have him design the outside of the container using acrylic paints.
Extra "unschooling" "non-credit" - have him research percussion instruments to learn about percussion music throughout the world - and see if he can find all the different instruments, and their cultural backgrounds, that involve containers filled with rice or other grain, or similar food-like substances (there are many).
My son's school required it in 5th and 6th grade. We rented instruments. My son hated it and sat with his instrument in his lap. I am glad he had the requirement though. I can say the school really tried to get him to buy into it, but oh well. If you can get a kid interested in playing a musical instrument it will help their grades.
This was a private school where you did what the school said, or you were invited to leave. A public school, I would think, would need to provide the instruments.
If a class is required, how can the school expect the parent to pay for materials? I do know that if a students family cannot afford the new T-calculators, the school is obligated to supply the student with one. Why not instruments for band? If having enough instruments for every student were not an issue, why state in the note home that if they run out, parents can buy or rent?
My son's school required it in 5th and 6th grade. We rented instruments. My son hated it and sat with his instrument in his lap. I am glad he had the requirement though. I can say the school really tried to get him to buy into it, but oh well. If you can get a kid interested in playing a musical instrument it will help their grades.
This was a private school where you did what the school said, or you were invited to leave. A public school, I would think, would need to provide the instruments.
I have to disagree. I know plenty of students who do not participate in band and are honor roll students. The last three Valedictorian's at our school did not take band.
That just seems weird. Renting an instrument is not inexpensive. We spent about $500 over two years for my son's trumpet, before paying the additional $300. to buy it outright (at which point he decided to drop band, naturally). The school did have some instruments for those who wanted to take the class but couldn't afford the rental fees, but they were limited in what was available.
I think a call to the school is in order.
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