Welcome!
This information is for parents & guardians of current 5th graders who will attend South Middle School. This school year is flying by and before you know it, your 5th grader will be in middle school! Sixth grade brings many new experiences and opportunities for your child at South Middle School. One of those opportunities is band and I want to personally invite you to join one of Raymore-Peculiar’s premiere student organizations. Sincerely, Dillon Jarrett Band Director, South Middle School |
In the mail...You'll see some information from us in the mail.
Here's a sneak peek if you just can't wait. |
MissionThe Ray-Pec South Middle School band program is dedicated to helping students become life-long musicians and productive learners. Music is an essential part of a complete education, and through band, students can develop friendships and life skills that prepare them to become strong leaders.
Our emblem displays three stripes representing... Musicianship, Hard Work, & Respect
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Why Band?Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them...a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music. |
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How do we get started?
Getting started with band can seem difficult, but we will help you every step of the way. We have helped hundreds of families go through the process and we will help your family go through our carefully planned steps, too.
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Instrument Recommendations
After trying the instruments, students will rank their top 3 choices. When you turn in your rankings, you'll meet with a band director to get a recommendation and you can ask any questions. Recommendations are based on the following things:
Instrument needs and limitation plays a factor in the recommendation because high quality bands require a variety of instruments. We can't allow 50% of students play the tuba no matter how awesome it is. Some instruments have a more limited number of positions available, such as tuba and baritone. There are a few specialty instruments that create unique challenges. To help students through these challenges, students interested in saxophone, French horn, oboe, bassoon, baritone, or tuba will begin on a different instrument and will have the opportunity to apply to switch at the end of first semester. Interested in...
ENROLLING: You will need to mark band (with the correct starting instrument) on your school enrollment form that you receive from the Middle School. The forms will be given to students in the weeks leading up to spring break. Important: Band is an advanced music course...effort, perseverance, and reading skills are required. Band is a full year course. |
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Instrument Night
Buying an instrument is an investment. We want to help you get the right quality instrument for your beginner so they can be successful in band. Not all instruments are created equally and some of the low cost option found online don't hold up. Ray-Pec partners with Meyer Music to offer a great selection of high quality instruments within several price ranges. Once your child is enrolled in band, we will help you get an instrument. The Instrument Night event will be held on April 14, 2020, 5:30-7:30pm at South Middle School. You can secure your instrument with a down payment of the first month's rent (remember, these are rent-to-own...you are not wasting money). You can arrive anytime between 5:30 and 7:30. Please plan to wait in a short line to meet with an instrument representative. Most families are in and out within 30 minutes. Most families choose the rent-to-own option from Meyer Music. The rental program allows you to make monthly payments over a period of the time. Once payments are completed, you own the instrument. This option has many benefits:
Also on Instrument Night
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Why Band?
Curious about band?Want more information?
You've come to the right place! Watch this video to get an idea of what band has to offer your child. |
Parent VideoNote: Ray-Pec Band begins in 6th Grade.
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Band is so much fun!
Student Video
Hear from Students |
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Check out the Instruments
Flute
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Clarinet
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Trumpet
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Trombone
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Percussion (Part 1)
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Percussion (Part 2)
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Other Instruments
Are you interested in playing the...
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We have all students start on Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, or Percussion. Students interested in the other band instruments will have an opportunity to apply to switch instruments in December.
If you get your instrument through Meyer Music, you can simply swap instruments. What you had been paying toward the first instrument gets applied to the other instrument. |
Questions?
No problem! We would love to help you learn more about our band program. Use the form below to ask questions. My contact information is also available.
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Contact Information |