Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which instruments are offered in the JTDS band?

We offer lessons for Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone (also known as Euphonium 3/4 size), and Percussion. These are the standard beginner band instruments, and are offered from 4-12th grade.

Q: When are band lessons?

Your child will have their band lesson once per week, usually during OSS (if not, during Science or Social Studies). Mr. Brown will work around students’ schedules if they are pulled out for G&T, OT, Speech, or any other supplemental help. The schedule will come out once sign-ups are closed, as the schedule is based upon students’ instrument choice and homeroom class.

Q: Does my child need any previous music experience? What if I don’t have any music experience myself?

There is no previous music experience needed, as we teach all of the fundamentals of music in Band. We build off of what the children learn in their General Music class, and everything that they need to succeed in Band will be learned in class. Even if you do not have musical experience yourself, studies have shown that neither hereditary nor environmental factors impact musicianship, but rather desire for success!

Q: What instrument should my child choose?

After the instrument testing, your child should have an idea as to what instrument they may be leaning towards. Children should pick the instrument that balances what they will have the most fun playing, with what they will be the most successful with. Instrument choice is not gender-specific, nor is it physically limiting. If there’s an instrument that your child really wants to play, they should play that instrument!

Q: Should I rent or buy an instrument?

I highly suggest renting an instrument. Renting an instrument is the lowest cost-to-entry, while also ensuring your child plays on a high-quality instrument. Playing on a high-quality instrument is paramount to a child’s success, as they will avoid errors and mistakes due to faulty, broken, or poorly made instruments altogether. The company that I personally recommend has a rent-to-own program, so all rental payments go towards owning the instrument. The rental cost also includes an insurance plan, so if the instrument breaks and needs a repair, it will be done so quickly and at no additional cost to you.

Q: What rental company does Mr. Brown personally recommend?

Mr. Brown personally recommends NEMC. NEMC instruments are high-quality, name-brand instruments, delivered directly to the school. Should your child’s instrument need to be repaired, an NEMC representative will come to the school to drop off a replacement instrument, while the rental instrument is out for repair. Their website is also set up to automatically include all necessary materials needed for our band lessons. NEMC rental payments go towards ownership of the instrument, and also includes an insurance policy for instrument repairs. Visit NEMC.com to learn more.

Q: Can I buy a used instrument?

It may be possible to find a high-quality used instrument for sale. However, it is also possible that you may have to spend more money on repairs than the instrument is worth. For this reason, before purchasing an instrument, please send Mr. Brown an email (wbrown@barnegatschools.com), or bring the instrument in directly to Mr. Brown so I can approve the instrument. In general, I always recommend renting for the first year.

Q: I found this really cheap instrument on Amazon/Walmart/etc, can my child play this?

There are many “Instrument-Shaped Objects” out on the market, that look really close to instruments, but really are not. These instrument-shaped objects don’t always play the right way, and If they break, are not repairable. Because of their playability problems, they can also cause unnecessary playing problems for your child, which can discourage them and harm your child’s success. Having seen practically ALL of these instrument-shaped objects over the years, I highly discourage purchasing these “too-good-to-be-true” priced toys. Renting from an instrument rental company will get you a real, high-quality instrument, covered for repairs, for an affordable startup cost.

Q: Can my child participate in sports and band? Chorus and band?

YES! We have many students that participate in sports, and also do band. Band is during the school day, and only has two performances scheduled outside of normal school hours. We also have many students perform in chorus and band. We work carefully to try and ensure that your child has their lesson during OSS, or if not possible, Science or Social Studies.

Q: Will my child be required to practice at home?

Although practicing isn’t mandatory, it is high encouraged in order for your child to be successful. In the list of recommended materials, there is a music stand, and a metronome (electronic time-keeper) for them to use when they practice at home. I encourage parents set up a time for their child to practice habitually, for 15-30 minutes. Even if you do not know much about music, being a positive support for your child’s practicing and progression goes a long way towards their success! The more successful they feel, the more fun they will have!

Q: Are private lessons available? Are they required?

Private lessons are not required, but are strongly encouraged for those that are serious about getting to a higher level of musicianship! If your child takes private lessons, they will receive one-on-one instruction from a professional musician, outside of school hours. Mr. Brown has a list of private teachers in the Barnegat area, by request.

Q: Can my child leave their instrument at the school?

No. Students are required to bring their instrument to and from school, on the day of their lesson.

Q: For percussion students, can we purchase ‘just’ the snare drum or ‘just’ the bell kit?

No. Percussion students need to rent/purchase a combined percussion kit, that includes both snare drum and bell kit. JTDS percussion students learn both pitched and un-pitched percussion instruments, as per district curriculum.

Q: If my child is playing baritone, what size do I need to rent/purchase?

I recommend starting on a 3/4-size baritone or 3/4-size euphonium. They can go by either name. Students can always switch to a full-size when they get older.