Fort Zumwalt South Bands
Home of the award-winning Bulldog Brigade Marching Band from Saint Peters, Missouri
What if my child is on the fence about signing up for Band?
Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Band is the same way. Your child should sign up for band even if he or she is on the fence. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when everyone else has already started. All that being said, we are confident that your child will love being at part of the Band!
What if I don’t know anything about music?
That’s OK! We will teach your child everything he or she needs to know, step by step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes and rhythms, we will guide your child through the process. All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude, patient ears, and lots of encouragement when your child comes home and makes his or her first sounds.
How much out of school time is required?
Band is no different than any other curricular area. We ask that your child practice at least four times a week for at least 20 minutes per practice session. Think of it as musical homework, but more enjoyable! We do have a few concerts per year, with dates made available at the beginning of the school year.
What instrument should my child play?
The answer depends on a variety of things, but in the end, it is most important that your child play something that he or she is excited about. I encourage you to go to the "Videos" page of this site, watch the different instrument videos with your child, and discuss the options. At 5th Grade Preview Night, we will help guide your child based on his/her musical interests, physical make-up, and instrument availability. Your child knows what he or she wants, you know your child, and we know music. Together we will find the instrument that your child will not only enjoy but will give him or her the best chance of musical success.
What are the costs?
The costs associated with band depend on which instrument your child chooses and if you already own an instrument. In a perfect world, funds would be available for us to provide every child with an instrument; however, this is simply not possible. The school may have certain instruments available for at-school use. If not, you can rent a quality instrument from a local music store at a very reasonable price. If financial constraints prevents you from being able to do this, please contact us and allow us to help. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating.
What if I have other questions?
Please know that we are here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Due to the busy nature of our program and schools in general, it is sometimes difficult to contact us by phone. The best way for you to reach us is by email (see "Directors" page of this site for contact information). This will allow us to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not.