How do I join?
After students have participated in the Music Recruitment Process they will receive a music choice sheet. On the sheet, students will select which class they want to join next year. Students must then return the sheet by April 21.
What music classes are offered?
All 4th grade most choose one of the following classes: Band, Orchestra, Choir, or Music Appreciation. Due to Yorkville's tradition of musical excellence and recent awards, we highly recommend a performing ensemble (band, orchestra, or choir). However, we also offer students the opportunity to continue to explore music through a music appreciation classes. All classes meet during the school day! Below is a helpful chart to see the difference between the classes. You may also want to watch this video which gives deeper explanations.
What is the timeline for joining an ensemble?
Can students be involved in sports, clubs, and music?
YES! In fact, many of our best musicians are also in involved in other sports and clubs. We believe that children should be able to explore a variety of interests. Yorkville’s music teachers work together with coaches to allow students to take part in all their activities.
When does Band, Orchestra, and Choir class meet?
These classes meet during the school day for 45 minutes, every other day. Band and orchestra students will also have a weekly instrument lesson as well. In addition to group rehearsals, students are expected to practice on their own at home, 4 days a week for 20 minutes.
What is the difference between band and orchestra?
The main difference between band and orchestra are the instruments in the group. The string family makes up the orchestra while the band is made up of the woodwind, brass, and percussion families. Here is a list of instruments by band or orchestra we are starting beginners on for fall:
What if my child wants to play the oboe, bassoon, saxophone, horn, and tuba?
Please speak to your child’s music teacher about what beginning band instrument we encourage your child to start on to best prepare to learn one of our “switch” instruments. We typically switch students to these instruments once they have demonstrated proficiency and readiness on their beginning instrument. All instrument switches are at the discretion of the band teacher.
What if I want to see my child play their selected instrument prior to renting?
While all students will try out instruments at school, you may want to see this experience firsthand prior to renting the instrument. In this case, we encourage you to reach out to our local music shops to set up an appointment to do this. You can try out the band instruments by calling Ellman’s Music Center at 630-355-5880 and you can try out the orchestra instruments by calling Austin’s Violin Shop at 630-466-7561. You are also welcome to contact any other local music shops of your choice for this opportunity.
How much does renting an instrument cost?
Rental costs vary by instruments and range in price from $30-90 a month. For exact instrument prices, please speak to a music store representative. You will also have the opportunity to find out more about the rental process at our Instrument Rental Night. If the cost of renting an instrument is beyond your family’s budget, please speak to a band or orchestra teacher to explore ways we can assist. Cost should never be a reason a child is unable to join band or orchestra.
Our family already owns an instrument. Should we still come to the Rental Night?
Yes! We would like an expert to examine your instrument to make sure that it is in good playing condition prior to the start of school. Nothing is more frustrating to a child than learning to play on a broken or poor quality instrument. Luckily, most instruments can easily be fixed for a nominal price. Also, the music staff would like to meet you and discuss any other questions you may have. More information about the Rental Night can be found here.
We would like to buy an instrument! What should we do?
Before purchasing any instrument, please read the article below. We would be happy to discuss this more at the Instrument Rental Night with you.
After students have participated in the Music Recruitment Process they will receive a music choice sheet. On the sheet, students will select which class they want to join next year. Students must then return the sheet by April 21.
What music classes are offered?
All 4th grade most choose one of the following classes: Band, Orchestra, Choir, or Music Appreciation. Due to Yorkville's tradition of musical excellence and recent awards, we highly recommend a performing ensemble (band, orchestra, or choir). However, we also offer students the opportunity to continue to explore music through a music appreciation classes. All classes meet during the school day! Below is a helpful chart to see the difference between the classes. You may also want to watch this video which gives deeper explanations.
What is the timeline for joining an ensemble?
- April 6 (Recruitment Kick-off Assembly): Students listen to performances by the YHS Band, Orchestra, and Choir and learn what it is like playing in a music group.
- April 11-18 (Music Class Exploration): Students learn about each music class (Band, Orchestra, Choir, and Music Appreciation). They will hear each instrument performed by a professionals and learn interesting facts about each one. Students will have the opportunity to play test 3 instruments of their choosing. Afterwards, a form with their music class preference will come home to help you decide what class/instrument they would like for next year.
- April 21: Music Class Choice Sheet is due
- May 2 (Instrument Rental Night): If your student has chosen band or orchestra, we highly recommend your family attend our Instrument Rental Night. At this event, you will have an opportunity to meet with the directors and local music shops to assist you in renting or purchasing an instrument. The music shops are also available to inspect an instrument you may already own to ensure it is in good working condition for your student. This will be at YHS. Please choose a session time that works for you: 4:30-5:00, 5:15-5:45, 6:00-6:30, 6:45-7:15, 7:30-8:00PM
Can students be involved in sports, clubs, and music?
YES! In fact, many of our best musicians are also in involved in other sports and clubs. We believe that children should be able to explore a variety of interests. Yorkville’s music teachers work together with coaches to allow students to take part in all their activities.
When does Band, Orchestra, and Choir class meet?
These classes meet during the school day for 45 minutes, every other day. Band and orchestra students will also have a weekly instrument lesson as well. In addition to group rehearsals, students are expected to practice on their own at home, 4 days a week for 20 minutes.
What is the difference between band and orchestra?
The main difference between band and orchestra are the instruments in the group. The string family makes up the orchestra while the band is made up of the woodwind, brass, and percussion families. Here is a list of instruments by band or orchestra we are starting beginners on for fall:
- Orchestra: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass
- Band: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, and Percussion
What if my child wants to play the oboe, bassoon, saxophone, horn, and tuba?
Please speak to your child’s music teacher about what beginning band instrument we encourage your child to start on to best prepare to learn one of our “switch” instruments. We typically switch students to these instruments once they have demonstrated proficiency and readiness on their beginning instrument. All instrument switches are at the discretion of the band teacher.
- Interested in oboe, bassoon, or saxophone? Choose clarinet as your 5th Grade Instrument
- Interested in horn? Choose trumpet as your 5th Grade Instrument
- Interested in tuba? Choose euphonium as your 5th Grade Instrument
What if I want to see my child play their selected instrument prior to renting?
While all students will try out instruments at school, you may want to see this experience firsthand prior to renting the instrument. In this case, we encourage you to reach out to our local music shops to set up an appointment to do this. You can try out the band instruments by calling Ellman’s Music Center at 630-355-5880 and you can try out the orchestra instruments by calling Austin’s Violin Shop at 630-466-7561. You are also welcome to contact any other local music shops of your choice for this opportunity.
How much does renting an instrument cost?
Rental costs vary by instruments and range in price from $30-90 a month. For exact instrument prices, please speak to a music store representative. You will also have the opportunity to find out more about the rental process at our Instrument Rental Night. If the cost of renting an instrument is beyond your family’s budget, please speak to a band or orchestra teacher to explore ways we can assist. Cost should never be a reason a child is unable to join band or orchestra.
Our family already owns an instrument. Should we still come to the Rental Night?
Yes! We would like an expert to examine your instrument to make sure that it is in good playing condition prior to the start of school. Nothing is more frustrating to a child than learning to play on a broken or poor quality instrument. Luckily, most instruments can easily be fixed for a nominal price. Also, the music staff would like to meet you and discuss any other questions you may have. More information about the Rental Night can be found here.
We would like to buy an instrument! What should we do?
Before purchasing any instrument, please read the article below. We would be happy to discuss this more at the Instrument Rental Night with you.
Tip for Purchasing Band Instruments:
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Tips for Purchasing Orchestra Instruments
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