Question 1

Is Band Required at Fort Gratiot Middle School?

Accepted Answer

No, but your student must make an elective choice between gym and art or rotation, or band.

Question 2

Does a student have to be in 6th Grade to join band?

Accepted Answer

Students are allowed to join band in 7th and 8th grade. However, all students wanting to join band must start in the beginning 6th grade band class. This so students are placed in the correct class for them to learn an. instrument

Question 3

May I play whatever instrument I want?

Accepted Answer

Students may select from the following instruments:
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon Alto, Tenor, or Baritone Sax (pending physical size requirements) Trumpet,French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba, and String Bass.

Percussion is also an option. However, students who are interested in this must audition with Mr. Krueger in order to play percussion. Percussion is limited to 10 students per grade. Students can only play percussion if Mr. Krueger approves it. Please contact Mr. Krueger at rkrueger@phasd.us to schedule an audition.

Question 4

Can I learn guitar or piano in band class?

Accepted Answer

No. Those instruments are not part of regular instruction. However, 
students that wish to play these instruments may learn these separately 
outside of class and play them in jazz ensemble. This cost money, but students can take lessons on these through the Port Huron Music Center outside of school.

Question 5

Can I learn violin, viola, or cello in band class?"

Accepted Answer

No. Since these instruments are part of orchestra, and require 
different pedagogical demands, they are not part of regular instruction.

Question 6

Can I learn string bass (stand-up bass) in band class?

Accepted Answer

Yes - in fact, we are always in need of new students on this 
instrument. The purchasing and instructional process for one of these 
instruments is slightly different. Please see Mr. Krueger for details.

Question 7

What is the after-school time commitment?

Accepted Answer

The first year, the extracurricular commitment is minimal – students 
are required to attend three after-school concerts, and one concert during the school day. The dates will be 
available on the band and school calendars in August or earlier. There 
may be weekly after-school practices offered that are not mandatory, but 
recommended for students who need extra help or wish to excel further. 
The dates and times of those practices will be announced in the fall, 
but will take place after school.

There is also a “Beginner Band Camp” in August that is a few days long 
that is a fun way to get kids started so that they are successful the 
first few days of school. This camp is HIGHLY recommended. The dates 
for this band camp will be announced by the end of this school year and 
also again over the summer.

Question 8

When must my student have an instrument by?

Accepted Answer

Your student must have their instrumentn and other supplies such as valve oil, 
extra reeds, and other accessories by the beginning of band camp in August. If you do not plan on having your student attend camp, you must have their instrument and book by the first day of school. The school district will purchase your student their method book! If your student looses their method book, then they are responsible for replacing it. These can be purchased at the Port Huron Music Center.

Question 9

As a parent, must I provide an instrument for my band student?"

Accepted Answer

It depends - a student is required to bring their own instrument and 
provide themselves with their own instrument supplies. 
However, the school does own certain instruments in specific sections. These are given out in a first come first serve. 
Please download and print this if you need a school owned instrument: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua857756f58u6ys/Instrument%20Contract.pdf?dl=0

Question 10

My student would like to join band, but I have financial concerns. Is there any help or assistance available?"

Accepted Answer

Yes. As stated above, the school owns a limited amount of instruments, 
so it is possible to borrow one from the school for the year. You must 
sign an instrument care contract, which will hold the user liable for all 
repairs needed for anything above normal wear and tear damages to the instrument. NO STUDENT SHOULD BE WITHOUT 
A MUSIC EDUCATION. WE WILL MAKE IT WORK!

Here is the link to the instrument check out form. Please download, print, and fill this out: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ua857756f58u6ys/Instrument%20Contract.pdf?dl=0

Question 11

Where is the recommended place to purchase band instruments?

Accepted Answer

Port Huron Music Center is Fort Gratiot's primary school service 
provider. All band instruments and necessary accessories can be found 
and purchased there with the exception of string basses.

Question 12

What is the typical cost of a school instrument?

Accepted Answer

Instrument costs vary based on type. However, most instruments can be 
purchased with a 0% interest rate, rent-to-own style contract. Typically, 
the monthly payments average between $30-40/monthly, but certain instruments 
like oboes, French horns, and string basses cost slightly more. All of the 
school service companies make it VERY easy and affordable to purchase an instrument 
for band. Additionally, if the student decides to switch instruments 
or upgrade, much of the equity put into the first instrument is transferable to 
the new instrument. It’s a great deal!

Question 13

I already have an instrument. Do I still need to purchase a new one?

Accepted Answer

No, you may have your student use the one you have. It is recommended 
that you bring the instrument in to Mr. Krueger to have it looked over for 
damages and repair needs. Sometimes when instruments sit for a long time, 
particularly with instruments like saxophones, clarinets, and flutes, their 
pads get stiff and need renovation.

Question 14

I just found a great deal on an instrument that my child needs on Craigslist and EBay. It’s much cheaper than the instruments at Port Huron Music. Should I buy this instrument?

Accepted Answer

STOP!!!!! Do not proceed with this purchase until you have done the following:

1) Send the link of the advertisement to Mr. Krueger via email and have it approved. 
There are a lot of junk instruments that are poorly manufactured. You may end up 
spending more on the instrument in repairs than it is worth!
2) Check the brand. Mr. Krueger has a list of recommended brands that are quality.
3) Check how old the instrument is.
4) Check to see if there is a return policy. If there isn’t a guarantee, don’t bother. You may be stuck with junk!

If the instrument is not a standard brand, (Yamaha, Cannonball, Conn, Buffet, e.t.c.) The Port Huron Music Center will refuse to service it. This is not because they are being jerks, if you have a Walmart Clarinet, the music center cannot buy repair parts for this instrument.

There are a lot of good deals of quality instruments to be had on the internet, but 
unless you are an expert on instruments and are familiar with brands, don’t try to 
take matters in your own hands!

Question 15

Must my student be in band both semesters?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, in order to avoid confusion and also to teach the students to 
follow through with their choices, students are encouraged to take place in 
both semesters of band for their first year. In special circumstances, students 
may switch by filling out the proper forms and completing the steps necessary 
to transition by meeting with the instructor and administrator.

Question 16

What is the best method for keeping up to date?

Accepted Answer

Every time I send anything information home, it is sent/ posted in the following forms:

Google Calendar (on our band website www.fgbands.com)

Email

Band App

Facebook Group.

I know this seems excessive, but this is so you have 4 different locations to receive the exact same message. I don't expect you to check all 4, but at least one of these sources.

Mr. Krueger additional contact information:
Robert Krueger
Director of Bands at Fort Gratiot Middle School
 
Office: 810-984-6544 ext. 2221
Email: rkrueger@phasd.us
Google Voice: 734-489-9434

Frequently asked questions