Frequently Asked Questions: What is Band?

Band is a group of students playing music on different instruments. Band is a class like any other class; it meets during the school day and has its own period, the same as English or Math. Students receive a grade in band based on their charted improvement as it corresponds to the Ohio State Music Standards. Band uses a “Check-Off” system for student success. This system allows students to hit quarterly playing goals at their own pace. Many parents comment that Band students improve very quickly as performers and music readers, much of which is due to this standards-based assessment.

This unique educational experience offers the student a lifetime of memories and fine arts education. The student will get to know other students with which they would not normally interact, and work together as a team for a common goal! Every student in band is important! What each student does affects the entire ensemble. This is a team effort, much like athletics and other group activities.

What is special about the Perrysburg Band Program?

Perrysburg Schools has been named one of the Top 100 Music Education Communities in America. Perrysburg High School’s Wind Ensemble and Concert Band compete yearly in cities around the country, such as Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and Washington D.C. The PHS Band has thrilled audiences from all over the state of Ohio and is the Pride of Perrysburg! Recently our PHS Marching Band was featured in a parade down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disney World.

Our bands begin to compete at the state level by entering the Ohio Music Education Association Large Group Adjudicated in 7th GRADE!!! This gathering of the best ensembles from our area of the state showcases the best Northwest Ohio has to offer in school bands. This is a great experience for the students, as those who have not had the team competition experience can do so in a safe, fun, and rewarding manner!

PJHS Pep Band performs at spirit assemblies, boys’ and girls’ basketball games, and community events! We are the only school in NW Ohio to have a Jr. High Pep Band. This year the PJHS Pep

Band played at the PEPA Holiday Craft Show, the Harbortown Festival, and the Band on the Run 5K. This band is open to anyone in 6th Grade Band, 7th Grade Band, and 8th Grade Band, and has no audition.

PJHS Jazz Band is comprised of mostly 8th Grade Band members, and is a select group that rehearses in the morning before the class periods begin. This group performs at concerts and in the community.

PJHS Marching Yellow Jackets march in the Harrison Rally Days Parade, Perrysburg Memorial Day Parade, and at Cedar Point. The Harrison Rally Days Parade is comprised of 7th and 8th Grade Band

members. The Memorial Day Parade is comprised of 6th,7th, and 8th Grade Band members. The 8th Grade Band forms the PJHS Marching Yellow Jackets for Cedar Point.

I have heard about something called “Doubling,” what is that about?

“Doubling” refers to students who are enrolled in two different music classes that meet the same period. This is usually reserved for students who are deciding which music class best fits their talents, or students that are musically gifted. Students who double are held to the same standards for grading and chair placement as students who are in Band everyday. A typical doubler schedule will have Band M/W/F and their other music class T/R one week, and then switch to have Band T/R and their other music class M/W/F the following week.

This means that students who double will only have Band half the time of other students. By the end of the first semester, a full time Band student will have 89 periods of instruction, while a student who is a doubler will have 45 periods of Band instruction, and 45 periods of their other music class. Students are assessed at the end of the first semester and graded on their progress in both music classes. Students who are not progressing at the same rate of Band only students may be asked to enroll in only one music class at the end of the first semester.

How much time does band take outside of school?

The 6th Grade band has three commitments outside of the school day in their first year. These commitments are their two concerts and the Perrysburg Memorial Day Parade. Students will receive a schedule of events for the year at the beginning of the school year. These commitments are
mandatory and part of the student’s grade.

There are many opportunities outside of the after-school commitments for 6th Grade Band. 6th Graders are invited to join the PJHS Pep Band. Pep Band has its own schedule of events. There are also 3 “Spirit Days” per year for Band students. Spirit Days in 2014 – 2015 included renting out the Maumee Indoor Theatre for the PJHS Band for a Movie Day, renting the entire Ohio Skate for a skating party, and having a Band Night at Hero's. These events are provided to build fellowship between the Band members.

Do I need to have musical experience to perform in bands?

You do not need any musical experience to start these classes! For most students, this is their FIRST musical instrument and performing ensemble. We start the year from the very beginning, starting with how to hold your instrument case. If you cannot read music well, we also review the music reading that was taught in elementary school.

What instruments can I start in the PJHS Bands?
Students who are taking Band EVERY DAY class may start: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, or Percussion. PLEASE BE ADVISED that we can only take UP TO 15 Percussion each year.

We have found that students taking two music classes in the same period have more success on the above instruments.

How do I get an instrument to play in the band?

It is of the utmost importance that the student starts on a quality instrument. Not only are quality instruments easier to play, but they also last much, much longer.

Many of the instruments which are purchased through e-Bay or large retail stores break easily and are difficult to play. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY CHEAP PRICES! Like anything else, you get what you pay for!

The most common way to get an instrument is to use the Rettig Music “Rent-to-Own” plan. This great program allows students to rent a quality musical instrument and pay towards owning it at the same time! We have partnered with Rettig Music for many years, and the quality of instrument and service has always exceeded expectations.

If you have an instrument or are looking to purchase one, please contact Mr. Jordan first for an evaluation.

STARTING BAND WITH AN INFERIOR INSTRUMENT IS THE SAME AS STARTING MATH CLASS WITH A CALCULATOR THAT IS MISSING HALF OF ITS KEYS. DO NOT SELL YOURSELF SHORT BEFORE YOU HAVE EVEN BEGUN!

If you can secure an instrument yourself, please limit them to the following brands: Flute: Eastman, Gemeinhardt, Selmer, Bundy, Yamaha
Clarinet: Bach, Vito, Buffet, Conn, Bundy, Selmer, Yamaha, Noblet
Alto Saxophone: Bach, Conn, Selmer, Bundy, Yamaha
Trumpet: Bach, Conn, Selmer, King, Bundy, Yamaha
Trombone: Bach, Conn, Selmer, King, Bundy, Yamaha
Oboe, Euphonium, Tuba, and Percussion: Discuss with Mr. Jordan

How can I find out more about Perrysburg Junior High School Bands?

E-mail Mr. Jordan at [email protected].