Funny teachers that make you laugh and buddies that hold your hand and guide you through the crazy world of middle school. That’s what band is all about. Being in band is like being in your favorite movie- you’re surrounded by characters and you’re constantly entertained.

The “band babies,” also known as the 6th grade beginner band, are taking band for the first time. The band directors first coined the term because the students seem so small and fragile compared to 7th or 8th graders. So it became known as the Baby Band.

Teachers encourage students on what they want to play for this year and hopefully the rest of middle school. After that it’s up to the students to decide which instrument they want to play. Deciding on what you are going to play can be a hard choice. You want to play the oboe but you’re best friend is going to play the flute, but the teacher says it would be best to pick the bassoon. What do you do? What you pick for the rest of your middle school years (and hopefully high school) is completely up to you. Choose wisely because you and the instrument of your choice are going to be together for a long time. You’ll be spending many hours together because you have to put in the time and effort to become a better player.

“The beginner band is doing great. Many of them want to be perfect and want to do their very best that they can be,” said Mrs.Ward, one of the three band directors along with Mr.Piwetz and Ms. Stehn. Together, they teach the baby band to do their very best in their own goofy ‘special’ ways. They make it enjoyable for their students by making silly noises and goofy faces.

The band directors recruited older players to sign up for Band Buddies. The Buddies’ job is to mentor the ‘baby’ bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, etc., and help them through the big change from elementary independance to middle school independence. The difference includes more homework and more responsibilities, like making it to class on time, turning in assignments, time management, not to mention making good grades. You have to pass all your classes to be in band.

Sophia J. plays the bassoon in the 6th grade beginner band. “It’s fun learning new notes and the teachers are really funny and make it fun to enjoy, even though we are only learning whole notes.” Sophia enjoys the sound that all of the players make together. She also loves the idea of having someone help her find her way through her first year and hopes that she can do the same for another bassoonist next year.

“Being in an actual band [like Symphonic, Select Symphonic, and Honors] is different than 6th grade beginner band,” says Nora M. “Instead of being in your own instrument classes, you are put together into one big happy symphonic family!” Nora plays the oboe in Canyon Vista’s Symphonic band. “Our band directors are awesome but watch out if Mr. Piwetz starts throwing highlighters at you! Or when Mrs. Ward doesn’t have enough chai. Mrs. Stehn, no need to worry, she is awesome!” When it comes to picking your instrument, Nora suggests that if you like low majestic sounds, then go with the tuba, trombone, bassoon, or bass clarinet. If you like soft light sounds then, go with something like the flute, clarinet, oboe, or trumpet.

Band directors will always be there to give you the head start you need to become a better player. You just have to work at it.