For Parents!

With such a diverse music program, we hope this outline may help you better understand the bands. Feel free to contact Mr. Roberts with your concerns and questions.

Which Band is Which?
The Ann Arbor Huron Band Program consists of three levels.

The Varsity Band is the first level and the band in which many incoming freshmen participate. During the day, the woodwinds and brass/percussion are separated in hopes of giving more individual attention in each of the groups.

The Concert Band is a more difficult band with a higher level of music and performance expectation.

The Symphony Band is the top band with a level of playing consistent with its members. The Symphony Band marches at all home football games while the Concert marches at one together with the Symphony Band.

The Jazz Band is an elective class that a student may participate in with the director's approval.

Auditioning
All members must audition to be placed in the Concert, Symphony, and Jazz Bands. For the most part, auditions occur in the spring (at their middle schools if entering as a freshmen). Chair auditions occur in the fall, and any member may challenge another band member for his or her chair position at any time.

Instrument Needs
Some instruments may be borrowed from the district with the expectation that they will be taken care of with the best of care.

Questions about upgrading instruments occur during high school. This is best explored with your child's private instructor. Each instrumental upgrade is of varying price so plan for the future playing needs of your child. Do not get rid of any old instrument, as it may be needed for marching season. The high quality instruments are used for practices and performances only, not for marching drills.

Music Association
All parents are encouraged to be part of the Huron Music Association. We have one music association that covers choir, band, and orchestra. Monthly meetings are held in the band room. E-mail notices go out or check the Huron Music Events list on the Music home page.

Private Lessons
Practice makes perfect and private lessons may help your children be the best they can be. Lessons provide individual attention, and the better an individual plays, the better for the overall group. Private lessons come at all prices and should be taken up with the teacher. We HIGHLY recommend lessons. The music department can refer you to teachers.

Music vs. Sports
Sometimes there are sports and music conflicts. First, you should contact the director. In some cases, special athletic events (State competition, etc.) may outweigh a music practice. However, what happens is at the DIRECTOR'S discretion. Remember that academics (music) should take precedence over extracurricular activities (sports).