5th Grade Parents and Students

Sign up to schedule an Instrument Selection Appointment 
for the 2015-2016 School Year!

Come Join Us! 
One of the largest and most successful groups in town! 
On this team, Everyone Plays!

As we start getting into the month of January we officially begin the process of introducing new musicians in our band program.  This is an important decision for you and your child.   Not only a decision about joining band, but also a decision which  will determine, in part, who your child’s friends and associates will be for the next several years. Band is much more than a class to play an instrument.  It is the development of a family of friends that lasts a lifetime and establishment of some rather profound physical and mental influences.  These influences will determine much of your  child’s success in all aspects of education, not just music. 

It is a fact that music students represent the top of the academic scale in our schools.  We know they are averaging 89 points higher on SAT exams.  We also know that Fine  Art students are many of ones who enjoy a very successful high school career academically as well as in athletics and other activities.  For parents of college bound students, it is very important to consider the follows facts:   
  1. Majority of admission directors  consider class rank.  Band students tend to place very highly in  class ranking and have a high percentage of earning Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors.  Flower Mound High School's 2012 Valedictorian was a member of the FMHS Band all four years and was a Texas All-State Flutist!
  2. Admission standards are heavily based on SAT score.  Band students consistently score in the highest  percentiles on the SAT exam.         
  3. Admission directors consider the participation of the student in band and other fine art classes.  60% of all college freshman drop out after the first year.  In contrast, 96% of past band students graduate earn diplomas from higher level institutions, many graduating with university honors. We reinforce the values of commitment and dedication daily. 
It is very important to take advantage of band class during the 6th grade year.  If you wait until
7th, your child will be in a  class of students a year younger and will have a more difficult time  catching up to their level.  We move very quickly here at Shadow Ridge, and you will be amazed at the level of musicianship at the end  of the 6th grade year.     

Please CLICK HERE if you would like to schedule an individual appointment to select an instrument for the 2016-2017 school year!

"Book Now" to schedule an Instrument Selection Appointment!

Learn About the Instruments!
Why is music important - why now?  
Great insightful local article by 
The Dallas Morning News... 
"Music Education hits all the right notes."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to know anything about music to join band?
Nope! Everything you need to know to play an instrument will be taught in your band class.  Any previous training in music you may have will be very helpful, but not necessary.

Can I still be in athletics, choir, orchestra & other school groups?
YES. We encourage our band students to participate in athletics & other school activities. Many of our band students are very successful athletes, terrific singers, as well as ACADEMIC leaders of our school!

Who will be in band?
Your friends and fellow classmates will join you in what will be some of the most exciting and fun times of your school experience.  The more friends, the most fun!  With over 260 band students at Shadow Ridge, and still growing,
the band is the largest single organization.  Many of our students are the school leaders and among the most successful students at The Ridge. 

What fun things will we do in band?
The best reward is learning to play an  instrument and make music!  You will experience many parties, trips, concerts, contests & performances throughout the year!

Asthma?  Braces?  Is it possible?
ABSOLUTELY!  There are good instrument options for every student who wants to be in band.  We have many students that have braces and/or asthma.  Playing a wind instrument can actually be beneficial for those with asthma as it helps strengthen the lungs.
Flute
The flute is the smallest of the beginner instruments.  It is a very popular selection each year, but only a small portion of those wishing to play flute will be selected.
 
Physical Characteristics
Flute players should have a slight “frown” to the upper lip
with NO tear drop shape in the middle.  Flute tones are produced by being able to focus an extremely small airstream to an exact location on the tone hole. 
The tear-drop-shaped lip will make it difficult to direct the air so precisely.  Flute players should also have agile fingers for moving this multi-keyed instrument through a fast musical passage.  Students with extreme overbites (receded jaw) should avoid choosing flute as this makes it difficult to produce
quality sounds.
 
Other Considerations
Students with double-jointed fingers should avoid selecting flute as double-jointedness can cause lack of agility in the fingers.