Hilliard Beginning Band Program!
Recruitment events for the 2024-2025 school year has ended. If you have questions or need information, please contact:
diana_nicklas@hboe.org – Station
nicole_brocke@hboe.org – Tharp
Is your child interested in joining band next school year?
This is the place for you to get more information about joining band!
Joining Band is Easy As 1, 2, 3! Please attend our parent informational meeting for a guide through this easy 3-step process.
Whether you are new to the Hilliard Band Program or have had students participate in the past, we encourage you to look through all of the information on this website as many things have changed.
What is a “FITTING”? A fitting is a 20-30 minute session where students come try the different instruments to help them decide which instrument is right for them. Click in the table below to sign up for a fitting session:
THARP BOUND
- DATES: February 6/7, 2024
- LOCATION: Tharp Sixth Grade Building
- TIME: 4-8PM
- Fittings are scheduled 15 minutes apart, but your fitting may take longer than 15 minutes. The average band fittings takes 20-30 minutes.
STATION BOUND
- DATES: February 12/13/14, 2024
- LOCATION: Station Sixth Grade Building (enter door A21)
- TIME: 4-8PM
- Fittings are scheduled 15 minutes apart, but your fitting may take longer than 15 minutes. The average band fittings takes 20-30 minutes.
In late February, the district will provide all families with a google form to complete for sixth grade registration. It will ask you about your child’s interest in all available elective options.
You will need to know your child’s chosen instrument at this time.
QUALITY INSTRUMENTS:
Not all instruments are created equal. Being a smart shopper will pay off in the long run for parents, but your child will notice an immediate difference during their new educational endeavor. When buying brand new instruments from online companies or local stores not specializing in music, you can run the risk of a “bad deal”. A “discount” price usually means cheaper parts that won’t hold up over time. Although companies are attempting to improve each year, we recommend purchasing/renting an instrument from the recommended brand list.
These brands have stood the test of time, continue to “perform” at a high level each year, and endure the normal wear and tear for many years. Local instrument rental companies are the best source for finding these instruments. Purchasing a “cheaper” instrument just to see if your child likes band may not offer the quality they need to identify their music skills. Beginning their musical education on a proper working and a well maintained instrument is essential to setting your child up for success in band.
WHERE SHOULD I GO TO GET MY INSTRUMENT?
In today’s market, there are many places to buy or rent an instrument for your young musician. We recommend shopping around for the best quality, price, and maintenance plan and to consider the future relationship with your instrument provider. Be wary of unfamiliar brands and drastically discounted items.
We strongly recommend purchasing/renting from a local instrument provider. The quality of each instrument rented/sold is guaranteed by the company and a future relationship for repairs, upgrades, accessory purchases, and guidance can be found no where else. Below are links to local music stores – feel free to browse their websites. See in the link to the left of this webpage for suggestions on questions to ask instrument providers as you are shopping.
