GEneral Music Information
Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about any of the performing groups here at Bernardo Yorba Middle School Band & Orchestra.
Where should students put their instruments at school?
Students will not need instruments on the first or second day of school. When they start to bring them every day, they can drop instruments off (in the band room) in the morning before school, and come and get them after school for practice at home. An alarm for the band room is set every night.
Classes
Beginning band, Intermediate band, Performing band (a.k.a. Advanced band/Marching band/Performing Band), Jazz band and String Orchestra.
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Beginning Band: Students will take an aptitude test. We have a few instruments that could be checked out. All percussion musicians must purchase a 12” drum pad and pair of sticks. We highly recommend Anaheim Band Instruments: 714-999-5015.02
Intermediate band: Students will review basics. Students were placed into this class with the help of the elementary music teacher and what Mrs. Crecia heard when they played last year.03
Performing band: This group is very busy at the beginning of the year. Wind Ensemble plays a little bit more difficult music.04
Jazz Band: This class begins during the second week of school. Anyone with an interest in being in jazz band should come to rehearsals for two or three weeks and then audition. Instruments in jazz band include sax, trumpet, trombone, drum set, bass, piano, and possibly guitar. Jazz band meets during zero period (7:50 a.m.), so students must have a ride or be able to walk to school at that time of the day. Jazz band will play at jazz festivals/Big Band Blowout and sometimes Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland. This class will receive an actual grade.05
String Orchestra: This class is for string instruments only (violin, viola, cello, and bass) and possibly a piano player. This group is not busy at the beginning of the year, but they do get busier a little later in the school year.
Instruments and Uniforms
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School Loaner Instruments: We do have a few school-owned instruments: baritones, tubas, trombones, French horns, cellos, basses, and bassoon. If you do not have an instrument, you should check an instrument out from Mrs. Crecia. There is no fee to use this, but all damages must be taken care of by you, and you need to keep it in good working condition. You will need your own mouthpiece and oils/grease.02
Performance Uniforms: The director’s biggest frustration throughout the year: students who do not wear the EXACT uniform at concerts or events. Please make sure that pants are “dressy” black (no stripes, no jeans, no “skinny” jeans), socks are at least to the calf (no “low” socks) and they must be BLACK, shirt is tucked in, and students are wearing a black belt. They are to wear pants – NOT SHORTS, and shoes are completely black and are not tennis shoes. The kids are representing Bernardo Yorba, Mrs. Crecia, themselves and you at all of our events and need to be very aware of how they look and present themselves at all times. This is very important.03
Uniform Fitting/Marching Shoes: Performing band gets fitted for uniforms and marching band shoes (Dinkles) during the fitting days, which are usually the second week of school. They will bring information home to you about costs or you can pick up some info at the parent information night before school starts. Black socks can also be purchased. If you can’t afford marching shoes, we do have a few pairs that have been donated back to our program. Please speak to our uniform chairperson concerning this. Click here for complete uniform guidelines.
Scheduling and Organization
Attendance, preparation and practice are all very important to be a successful music student.
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Music Performances and Sports: All evening performances (concerts and band pageant) are mandatory. Please do everything that you possibly can to make it to the events, especially the Heritage Parade in October. Many students find that they can squeeze both the parade and sports event in on the same day.02
Practice: Don’t let your student cram on the weekends. They should be practicing five to six days a week for at least a half hour. You will notice a remarkable improvement. Use a music stand. Practice in a quiet place. Reward them if they are practicing. Use a tuner and a metronome. There is some fun play-along music out there online. Click here for more practice tips.03
3-Ring Binder for music: This is especially important for students in performing band, orchestra, and jazz band. They should have clear pages for putting the music inside. There is nothing worse than not being able to find the correct music because it is all jumbled up in a heap of papers in the backpack. Have your student take the time to organize this, and it will make their life a whole lot easier.04
Private lessons: They help so much! Some of our classes have more than 70 students, and there's not a lot of individual attention during class. If you need names of tutors that our district recommends, just email Mrs. Crecia for a list.
