6th Grade Program
In 2007 the Godley Middle School band instituted a new, innovative program, which requires all 6th graders to be in band. Studies have shown that participation in music programs increases SAT scores, literacy rates, and performance on other standardized tests. Further, University studies conducted in Georgia and Texas found significant correlations between the number of years of instrumental music instruction and academic achievement in math, science and language arts. This program exposes all students to a formal music setting for a full year at no cost. We have put together this web page to answer the most frequently asked questions.
| What will my child play? | What about other instruments? |
| How are instruments assigned? | |
| Responsibility for the instrument | Next Year |
| Grading |
From August to December, students will play the Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion, rotating to a different instrument every three weeks. Students are given an evaluation at the end of the three weeks, and a score is given based on their ability to play the instrument. Part of the students score is based on their stated desire to pay the instrument. A maximum score of 20 is given for each instrument. At the end of each evaluation period, each instrument mouthpiece is sterilized with a spray followed by a medical grade UV cabinet. Back to Top.
Students will also be able to try the Saxophone, French Horn, and Tuba, depending on their ability to play the Clarinet, Trumpet, and Trombone, respectively. All students will be given the opportunity to play the oboe and the bassoon as well. Back to Top.
Before the Christmas break, all students will complete the five-instrument rotation and will be given their scores. Students are then asked to rank the instruments based on what they liked to play and their ability to play the instrument. Students are also asked if they plan to be in band after the 6th grade. Students are then assigned to instruments in the ensemble based on their instrument choice and how they did on the instrument. We will do whatever we can to put students on their first choice. We hope that students will consider their abilities on the instrument prior to making their selections. Due to balance, blend, and musicality, there are limits on numbers of players on some instruments. Back to Top.
Students will play their newly assigned instruments for the remainder of the year. In the spring, the entire 6th grade band will attend the contest at Sandy Lake Amusement Park. The Texas No Pass-No Play law does apply to this contest and only students who are academically eligible will be allowed to go. Those who must remain at the school will be assigned an alternative assignment. In May, the band program has its spring concert, which features all of the middle school and high school bands. There is no admission to this concert and therefore, all students will participate regardless of eligibility. Back to Top.
Responsibility for the Instrument:
6th grade students may use their instrument during class time at no cost. Those students who want to take their instrument home may do so by either paying a small maintenance fee or returning a waiver form. Those who choose to use the waiver form will be responsible for all maintenance to the instrument including reeds, replacing pads, and other normal wear. Major damage to the instrument either while at home or during the class period will be the responsibility of the student. Damage beyond repair will require replacement of the instrument. The cause of this kind of damage is usually neglect of the instrument. Students are only required to sign the waiver form or pay the fee one time in order to take home all of the instruments. Back to Top.
Do I have to buy an instrument for next year?
Students who commit to being in band in the 7th grade, who are playing the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, or trombone will be required to purchase their instruments. Several of the music stores in the area offer rent-to-own programs on these instruments. Percussion students need to purchase a stick bag, snare drum sticks, xylophone mallets, and timpani mallets. Students playing the baritone, tenor sax, tuba, oboe, bassoon, and other specialized instruments, as well as percussion, will need to pay a rental fee each year to cover maintenance on the instrument.
We will host an instrument drive at the middle school in the spring. At the instrument drive, representatives from music stores come to the band hall in the afternoon with all necessary equipment and instruments. We invite you to come to a drive for information on pricing and rent-to-own instruments. You can work out payment schedules, sign the paperwork, and take home your new instrument that day.
NO ONE WILL BE DENIED PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM BASED ON THE ABILITY TO PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT. Mr. Henry will be able to find an instrument that is in your price range. If you feel that you cannot afford to get your student the instrument he/she wants to play, let us know. We can work it out. Back to Top.
Grading for the class is based strictly on participation rather than performance. All students who participate in class will be given full credit. Performances are test grades, but once again are based on participation. Back to Top.