FAQ – South Austin Youth Band

Where should I get an instrument?

You have options! Austin has some great music stores with solid rent-to-own options. Strait Music and Music & Arts are both excellent. Buying a quality used instrument is also an option – if you want to ask me specifically, I’ll steer you in a good direction.

Please DON’T buy an instrument from a retailer that also sells soap, car tires, etc. While those instruments are shiny and relatively inexpensive, they tend to be difficult to play and often impossible to repair.

What other supplies will I need?

Let’s see… a folding music stand. Some sort of metronome or metronome app. Beginners will need a book specific to your instrument. And each instrument has its own specific needs (reeds for clarinets and saxophones, valve oil for brass instruments). We’ll talk about that on a more specific basis.

Is there an age requirement?

Anyone 10-18 is welcome in band!

How much do I have to practice?

Plan on playing 5 days a week — and remember, we call it playing because it’s fun! You’ll get into a rhythm that works for you. Remember that playing for 20 minutes five different times is more effective than trying to play for 100 minutes all at once!

What instruments can I play in band?

Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion are options in beginning band.

In advanced band, some sax players might want to make a switch to a different saxophone (tenor! bari!). Or maybe a clarinet player would like to try bass clarinet. Oboe and basson are double reed instruments that would be welcome in the band, but would require outside of class private lessons with a specialist.

Can I play violin/viola/cello/bass?

Maybe. A highly motivated musician that separately takes private lessons would be a great fit for the advanced band.

I have an instrument I’d like to donate – would SAYB want it?

Yes! Thanks! We’d love to have a little bit of an inventory of instruments to lend out to kids.

I never played in band, and we’re not really even a musical family. Can my kid be successful in band?

Yes, absolutely! Your role as a parent is to be your kid’s #1 Band Fan. You’ll support and encourage and be impressed by your young musician’s progress. You’ll help them be on time to rehearsals and help them figure out a good practice schedule at home. There’s no requirement for musical expertise on your part!

What’s the TPSMEA Honor Band?

Great question! TPSMEA stands for Texas Private School Music Educators Association. Every fall kids all across Texas prepare and submit audition material for an all-star band. Then judges listen and invite the top players to a 2-day event in Houston. It’s fantastic — the all-star band has an all-star conductor. They all work hard for a day and a half and then put on a concert. There is a middle school band and a high school band, and they’re both excellent!