Beginning Band Information

Hello beginning band families!

The new school year is just around the corner. Everything you need to know about how to choose an instrument and obtain all necessary materials is below. Please read through it carefully along with the attached fliers. I would also recommend checking out the band website ASAP.

I have scheduled two instrument petting zoos and rental events. These events will provide Madison Middle School Band students with the opportunity to try out all of the available instruments, decide which one they would most like to learn, and then rent one from San Diego Music Studio. Here are the dates, times, locations and sign up links. If these do not work with your schedule, I would recommend going to San Diego Music Studio on your own time ASAP. Their staff is fully equipped to help you at any time.

• Saturday, August 20th 9AM-12PM at San Diego Music Studio (423 S Las Posas Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078). Sign up for a time slot here. Please only take one slot per family.

• Tuesday, August 23rd 6PM-8PM in the MMS Band Room. Sign up for a time slot here. Please only take one slot per family.

All band students wanting to play flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone or percussion must rent their instrument from a music store and purchase a book and all accessories.

Because of their lack of availability in music stores, all band students wanting to play tuba, euphonium or bassoon must rent from the school with a donation of $30 per year. Books and reeds should be purchased separately. If after attending the petting zoo event your student decides to play one of these instruments, I will send a rental form home with your student during class. Simply return it with the $30 cash or check made out to MMSBB (Madison Middle School Band Boosters).

For a full list of materials needed for each instrument, please see the materials needed page of the band handbook. You may also simply get this information from me at one of the petting zoo/rental events.

If you are financially unable to provide any or all of these materials, please let Mr. Squibb know. The school can provide the necessary equipment on an as needed basis. Regardless of your financial situation, please try to attend one of these petting zoo/rental events! This is a good opportunity to learn about the different instruments, meet me, and socialize with others joining band.

Please obtain an instrument and start bringing it to class everyday beginning Monday, August 29th. If you have questions or things don’t make sense, I highly recommend you explore the band website and the handbook. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns as well.

Lastly, you and your family are invited to a band social on Saturday, August 27th 10AM-12PM in the band room. Coffee and donuts will be provided by our amazing MMS Band Boosters. We will also have games, music, and a music stand refurbishment station. I hope to see you there!

I am so excited to begin making music with all of the students!