FAQs
Q: |
Does my child need lessons before signing up for the Twin Cities Homeschool Band? |
A: |
No! In this program, you child is taught the basics of an instrument and placed in the Beginning Band. They may progress through an incremental learning program at their own pace to the most advanced levels. |
Q: |
Are there opportunities for advanced students if they have taken lessons elsewhere? |
A: |
Yes! A student may enter the program at any musical level and will be placed according to their ability as determined by the band director. |
Q: |
Do you provide instruments? |
A: |
Families are responsible for purchasing, renting, or borrowing their instruments. Schmitt, Eckroth, Groth, and other music stores offer instrument rental or purchase. |
Q: |
What if my child does not know what instrument he/she wants to learn? |
A: |
Our band director can help. You can send us an email on the “Contact” tab and we will be happy to get you in contact with the band director. |
Q: |
Do you teach violin as well? |
A: |
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to provide orchestral string opportunities at this time. |
Q: |
When do band practice and lessons take place? |
A: |
All band practices and lessons take place every Thursday from September through May. |
Q: |
Where does band and lessons take place? |
A: |
Grace Evangelical Free Church, 755 73rd Avenue North, Fridley, MN 55432 |
Q: |
What are the tuition and fees? |
A: |
Each student is responsible for tuition that covers weekly band rehearsals and group lessons. This fee is $540 and can be paid in 1, 2, 4, or 9 installments. There is also an annual fee per family payable upon sign-up, which is $100. |
Q: |
What books will my child need? |
A: |
Once you register, you will be able to see the required lesson books in the Family Portal. If you are unsure what level your child is at, please contact us and we will be happy to get you in touch with the band director. |
Q: |
Can my student play multiple instruments? |
A: |
Yes! Many of our students play several instruments. However, if your child wants a group lesson for multiple instruments, he/she must pay the monthly tuition for each instrument associated with a group lesson. You must also register your child for the second instrument. (Example #1: A student plays percussion in Concert Band and the trumpet in the Symphonic band and has a group lesson for both instruments = that student pays tuition for two instruments each month) (Example #2: A student plays the flute in the beginning band and the alto saxophone in the concert band, but only has a group lesson with the flute = that student pays tuition for one instrument) |
Q: |
Can my child be in more than one band? |
A: |
Yes! He/She can be in as many bands/ensembles as they would like – as long as they meet the requirements to participate in each band and has the approval of the band director. |
Q: |
Does it cost more to be in more than one band? |
A: |
No! The amount of bands/ensembles a student participates in does not affect the tuition amount, provided the student is only doing lessons for one instrument. |
Q: |
What are the family service requirements? |
A: |
Our organization depends on families to help with supervisory duties during the day. Families are required to volunteer for 4 shifts each year as parent monitors (supervising students not in rehearsal, helping with set-up or tear-down, etc) or by leading a fundraising project. Families that are unable to fulfill this service will be asked to make an additional contribution to the band, in order to pay substitute monitors. |