Hello MA Parents and students!
If your student is new to Monument Academy (or a current student) and has a desire to participate in Band or Strings/Orchestra for the first time this year, please read on.
We have arranged to hold an Instrument Selection Event on Thursday, July 27 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at the Monument Academy EAST CAMPUS Gym for students who are interested in joining Band or Orchestra this coming school year but have not yet selected or rented an instrument. This event will provide you the opportunity to come try a variety of instruments and be paired with one that will be a good fit for your musical journey. This event will also allow you the convenience of setting up a rental or purchase of your instrument to be ready for the upcoming school year. Please see the attached flyer.
If you have any questions about this event, Band, Orchestra, or other inquiries, please email Mr. Patterson (Band): jpatterson@monumentacademy.net
or Mrs. Patterson (Strings/Orchestra): cpatterson@monumentacademy.net
Many of your questions might be answered by reading below.
For students who are learning an instrument for the first time in 4th Grade Strings, 5th Grade Strings, or Allegro Orchestra, the instruments available to choose from are: Violin, Viola or Cello.
Students may also choose to learn String Bass in Allegro Orchestra.
For students who are learning an instrument for the first time in 5th Grade Band or Concert Band, the instruments available to choose from are:
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone, & Trombone.
Saxophone: Those wishing to play Saxophone must first play Clarinet for one year then transition to Saxophone during the summer months with a private instructor that is referred by Monument Academy.
Oboe and French Horn are available and somewhat difficult instruments to navigate. Supplemental private lessons on these instruments would be highly recommended in order to nurture their correct development. We are ALWAYS in need of these as it takes a certain motivation to harness the nuances of these instruments.
Percussion: requires previous formal piano experience (at least 1 year formal training) and an audition to participate in any Monument Academy Band. This audition will be a written literacy test and sight reading segment to verify acumen. Many confuse the difference between “Drums” and “Percussion,” so please have a second instrument choice in mind in the event your Percussion score does not meet the minimum requirement. Supply and demand are always difficult with percussion as the demand far exceeds the supply.
Thank you and we look forward to meeting you!
Mr. John Patterson
jpatterson@monumentacademy.net
Director of Bands
Mrs. Cristin Patterson
cpatterson@monumentacademy.net
Strings Director Grades 4-12