Staley Band Families,

We are excited for the upcoming adventure of distance band (we affectionately call these times our 'band-demic'). This information below is all about the start of the school year and includes the link for our first Band Parent Association meeting (for all parents), private lessons, and instrument supplies. As always please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Mr. Wood, Mrs. Humphreys, Mr. Seymour, and Mr. Martinez

Students who sign up in band will need to have an instrument and supplies for their instrument. If you could start on that process now so we can have instruments in 3-4 weeks that would be ideal. Below are some options regarding instruments.

Rent from a music store:

• Music 1st: www.music-1st.net; (469) 362-7171 - This is the music store right off of main street.
  

• Music & Arts: www.musicarts.com; (972) 668-1176 - Closest location is at Preston and Gaylord in Frisco.

Used/Online/Already Owned- If you already own an instrument or are looking to purchase an instrument second hand, please include us in the conversation. If you know what you are looking for, you can find deals online- but there are also a lot of inferior instruments that can actually hinder your child's progress. We are always happy to review any links or even inspect an instrument for you!

School Owned Instruments- Saxophone is not traditionally a school owned instrument and is usually rented from the music store. Since we only own a couple alto saxes- we generally reserve them for emergency repair situations and are unable to loan them out. If this is a problem starting out we may need to unfortunately recommend another instrument as we do not have the inventory to help out most families.

*Advanced Band members may already own the items below from last year, but we wanted to include them again in case you needed to resupply anything for this school year.*

There are many great brands out there as well as some ‘instrument shaped objects’. Below is our preferred instrument list that includes some of our trusted brands and required mouthpieces. In addition to an instrument, students have a list of instrument supplies needed to care for and maintain their instrument. These supplies should be purchased directly from a music store or online. Please let us know if you have any questions

• *Saxophone: YAS-26, Mouthpiece: Vandoren Optimum AL3, Rovner 'Dark' ligature, Protec neck strap

• Band Book: Traditions of Excellence (for your band level- see below)
  

• Music Stand: Wire music stand

• Reeds: 1 box Vandoren 2 ½ reeds,

• Cleaning Supplies and accessories: Silk swab with drop, mouthpiece patch

The Staley Band is proud to offer financial assistance through the Staley Middle School Band Parent Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Any student can be in band no matter what their financial situation is. Families that qualify through FISD for free and reduced lunch (f/r) are automatically enrolled in our financial aid program. This reduces the band, uniform, and instrument fee by half! Since all our financial aid is through the SMSBPA it is suggested that every family join for $10. This is not a requirement for financial aid, but we would hope that every family joins this group as they are a huge part of our program!.

Band is one of the most active organizations on campus. While this year will look different than any other, we still hope to have some amazing socials and events at some point.Aside from instrument costs below is a breakdown of other expenses so you can begin to plan accordingly.

Band Fee- $0 This fee is usually about $30 ($15 f/r ) and is used to help offset the cost of materials, contests, and other events throughout the year. With so many question marks about the upcoming year we decided to go with a 'pay as you go' model. Send no money at this time!

Uniform- $10 ($5 f/r) We have a band t-shirt that students will be required to wear multiple times throughout the year. We will not collect this fee until we are much closer to needing the shirts.

Band Parent Association Membership- $10 This optional fee is to join our band booster club. The Staley Middle School Band Parent Association (SMSBPA) is the primary reason we can stay so active. Please consider not only joining, but volunteering!

School Owned Instrument Fee-$100 ($50 f/r) This is only for students using a school owned instrument. We will discuss this fee towards the end of the first grading cycle- there is no need to send any money now.

Mr. Chad Wood- Director of Bands: woodc@friscoisd.org

• Beginning Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, & Tuba
• Symphonic Band (Band A on 8th grade schedules)
• Brass Band (Band C on 7th grade schedules)
• Any general questions about band, the BPA, or financial aid

Mrs. Samantha Humphreys- Assistant Director: hoffmans@friscoisd.org

Note this email address will be changing soon as 'Ms. Hoffman' was married this summer!

• Beginning Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, & Saxophone
• Woodwind Band (Band B on 7th grade schedules)
• Any questions about private lessons, weekly newsletter items, and canvas