CHEIM Info

Thank you for your interest in band in the Chaparral elementary feeder area!

One good thing about music,
when it hits you, you feel no pain
- Bob Marley

On this team, everyone is a starter!
- Mr. Hinman

Frequently Asked Questions

"How Playing a Musical Instrument Benefits Your BRAIN!"

Q: Do I have to know anything about music to join band?
A: Nope! Everything you need to know to play an instrument will be taught in your band class. Any previous training in music you may have will be very helpful, but not necessary.

Q: Do I need an instrument when the school year starts?
A: You are not required to have an instrument when school starts. Information about getting an instrument will be presented in class the first few days of school, as well as at a parent informational meeting in August (date TBD).

Q: Where can I get an instrument?
A: Several musical instrument retailers offer rent-to-own programs for whatever instrument you choose! You pay a monthly price for your instrument until it is paid off, and then it is yours, or you can choose to upgrade to a nicer one! It is highly encouraged that parents/guardians get students get an instrument of their own - kids have a higher sense of pride and ownership in their instrument when this happens, and the instruments are generally in better condition!

Q: What are the instrument retailers that are available?
A: Click here for more info!

Q: I found a total steal of a price on an instrument - what should I do?
A: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! A $100 flute you find on eBay or Amazon is likely made with very cheap parts that a local repair shop does not stock. A little bit of extra money in the initial investment on an instrument can go a long way in the long run if the instrument is well taken care of. Remember, you get what you pay for, so choose wisely! Mr. Hinman is always available to answer questions you might have regarding instrument purchases.

Q: What if I can't afford to rent an instrument?
A: One thing Mr. Hinman will never endorse is not allowing a student to participate in band because his or her family cannot afford an instrument. There are a limited number of school instruments available for students to rent from the school. Please know that these instruments in many cases are as old as the school is and, as a result, are "well loved", meaning the instruments will not be in the best condition. Mr. Hinman will make every effort to find an instrument for every student to use, so please do not shy away from signing up for band if finding an instrument is a concern for you and your family.

Q: Can I still be in athletics, choir, orchestra & other school groups?
A: YES. We encourage our band students to participate in athletics & other school activities. Many of our band students are very successful athletes, terrific singers, as well as academic leaders at CHS!

Q: Who will be in band?
A: Your friends and fellow classmates will join you in what will be some of the most exciting and fun times of your school experience. The more friends, the more fun! The band is one of the largest organizations at Chaparral. Many of our students are the school leaders and among the most successful students at CHS!

Q: What fun things will we do in band?
A: The best reward is learning to play an instrument and make music! You will experience many parties, trips, concerts, contests & performances throughout the year!

Q: Asthma? Braces? Is it possible?
A: ABSOLUTELY! There are good instrument options for every student who wants to be in band. We have many students that have braces and/or asthma. Playing a wind instrument can actually be beneficial for those with asthma as it helps strengthen the lungs.

"Music is a language!"

Did you know?

Band is much more than a class to play an instrument. It is the development of a family of friends that lasts a lifetime and establishment of some rather profound physical and mental influences. These influences will determine much of your child’s success in all aspects of education, not just music.

It is a fact that music students consistently perform at the highest academic levels; they average higher scores on ACT and SAT exams; and they score the highest on AP and college entrance exams. We also know that Fine Art students are many of the ones who enjoy a very successful high school career academically as well as in athletics and other activities. For parents of college bound students, please consider the following facts:

A majority of admissions directors consider class rank. Band students often place very highly in class ranking and have a high percentage of earning Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors.
Admission standards are heavily based on SAT or ACT score. Band students consistently score in the highest percentiles on the SAT and ACT exams.
Admission directors consider the participation of the student in band and other fine art classes. Because participation in band reinforces the life skills of commitment, dedication, and self-discipline daily, admissions directors often look very highly upon participation in a music class.

It is very important to participate in band class every year after you begin. The longer you wait, the further behind your child will be from instruction and practicing, meaning your child will have a more difficult time catching up to the level of other students in the same grade.

Learn more about the instruments!