Do I need to know how to play an instrument?
Middle School— especially 6th grade — is a great time to start an instrument or switch to a different one! Many of our Orchestra and Band music classes are appropriate for beginners and are set up to accommodate a variety of music levels and abilities. Beginning Orchestra, Concert Band, Guitar, and Percussion classes do not require any music experience.
Contact our teachers with specific questions. They are eager to get your child connected to music— regardless of their level.
I am an 8th grader. Is it too late to start?
Absolutely NOT! No music experience is necessary to be a part of the RESMS music program. Beginning Orchestra, Concert Band, and Guitar all have 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Intermediate and Senior Orchestras, and Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble are based on ability and experience. So even 8th graders with no previous music experience can choose music as their elective and can have a rewarding experience!
Do I have to audition?
No. RESMS students who want to take music for an elective do not have to audition and will automatically be placed in the Concert Band or Beginning Orchestra level. Students previously enrolled typically move up a level each year without needing to audition.
Incoming orchestra and band students are placed in the appropriate level ensemble based on their previous teacher’s recommendation. Jazz band placement requires an audition in the fall after school has started.
I can’t afford an instrument.
Don’t let that stop you. Our school has instruments to loan (at no cost) if you can’t afford one and we have scholarships for field trips and uniforms. No student will be turned away from participating due to financial constraints. Please let our teachers know if you need to use a school instrument, or need assistance at any time during the year (paying the program fee, purchasing books, uniforms etc.)
Can I play in both Band AND Orchestra?
Yes! You will need to indicate this information on your electives form when you fill that out in the spring.
what is jazz band?
Anyone in the music program is welcome to sign up for jazz band. There are two levels: Jazz I and Jazz II. Auditions take place in September for placement into Jazz I. All other interested students play in Jazz II. Students can also opt-in directly for Jazz II; no audition required.
Jazz band rehearses 2-4 days per week before school as an “A” period. They perform at all band concerts and work towards attending and participating in the multi-day Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho in early spring.
Is the music program large?
Nearly 50% of the student body participates in a music class!
Did you know? Research on the impact of early childhood music education shows enhanced social and intellectual development for students. Music also gives them the opportunity to learn a new skill, collaborate with peers, perform for an audience, go on trips, work with professional artists, and gain independence and responsibility.
Are there performances?
Each ensemble typically performs 3 times during the school year: a winter concert in December, a spring concert in late March, and an end of the year concert in June. These concerts are held at RESMS on weekday evenings. Your child’s teacher will have these dates available at the start of the school year, or you can see the calendar here.
Additional performances may come up during the year for upper level ensembles, and as part of any concert trips that students may attend.
Is there a uniform for performances?
All music ensembles do have a concert attire requirement. See our performance attire page for specifics for your child’s ensemble.
If purchasing performance attire is a financial hardship or issue for you, talk to your music teacher at least two weeks prior to a performance. Growth happens fast in middle school and students grow out of clothes quickly that have only been worn once. There is a bin of gently used outgrown items in the music room for students to use, and if needed, FORESMA will purchase new items.
Is music an extra time commitment?
Music at RESMS is a daily class, which means you will learn during the school day. If you are learning a new instrument or piece of music, it may require some practice time outside of the classroom. However, it does not impact participation in after-school activities on a regular basis.
Expect to participate in 3 evening concerts (fall, winter, spring).
Senior Orchestra may travel for 2-3 select performances locally as well.
Marching Band (Symphonic Band combined with Wind Ensemble) will require 3-6 marching practices outside of school and will perform in 2-4 parades in the spring.
how can i volunteer?
Enthusiasm if needed, not musical experience! Students only spend 3 years in middle school, so our volunteer base is constantly graduating. Please consider helping our booster group to keep this program thriving. FORESMA (Friends of Robert Eagle Staff Musical Arts) needs folks for a variety of roles and time commitments.
See our volunteer page for more information or email us directly.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Go to the source. We are here to support the music program, but we don’t run it. Our amazing music teachers are the best place to go if you have more specific questions.