Section Coaches and Switching Instruments

I’m happy to announce that beginning the week of September 23, most Hockinson Band students will begin receiving coaching on a weekly basis from a professional musician who specializes in their instrument.  Most sections will receive coaching during their normal band class.  These coaching sessions are invaluable opportunities for our students to gain knowledge from a specialist on their instrument and only happen thanks to the generous financial support of the Hockinson High School Music Booster Club.

I am still working on securing instructors for a couple of sections.  It can be difficult to find instructors who have availability during the day (if you know anyone please let me know!).  I have been able to find instructors on a couple of those instruments who could meet students after school at their studios.  If that can happen, we could work out a schedule that works for most students and the boosters would still pay for the session.  I try very hard not to give folks extra after-school requirements and these would NOT be required/graded, but if it’s a possibility to get some students a similar level of instruction as other sections I’ll support it.

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This brings me to the topic of balanced instrumentation.  Just like a sports team, we need all positions covered.  If a soccer team has too many forwards and no goalies it becomes difficult to be a successful team.  It’s the same in band.   Check out our current instrumentation by clicking here (check the tabs on the chart to make sure I have you playing the correct instrument).  You’ll see that both Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band have some sections with extra players and many sections without enough players.  This imbalance could prevent both bands from playing certain pieces of literature or hold the group back from giving its most successful performances.

If you are in a section with extra players (yellow) and are interested in possibly helping out the band by learning one of the instruments where we do not have enough players (red), please talk it over with your families and let me know.  If you’re in a section with the right number (green) or not enough players (red), we need you to stay where you’re at!

In most cases for students who are interested in switching, I have instruments at school students could borrow/rent AND they can get help getting started thanks to one of the section coaches listed above.  Switching to a new instrument can be extra work, but for those looking for an extra challenge or a change of pace this could be just for you!  You can always keep playing whatever instrument you would like for pep/marching band.

Keep in mind, we will never get to a perfectly balanced instrumentation.  And just because you’re in a section with extra players doesn’t mean I don’t want you in band or you’re somehow not important.  We will have a fun and successful year regardless of who plays what.  But if there is an opportunity to bring our ensembles to the next level by moving some players to key sections, just know I am here to support you!

Have a great weekend!

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