6th Grade Band Newsletter - 8/20/26

Dear WBMS 6th Grade Band Parents,

We have finished our 6th Grade instrument fitting and all families should have received the "Instrument Selection" sheet from the student and email. 

Please be sure to have your child bring in their instrument on Monday, August 24th. If you are unable to get it in by August 24th, please know this is completely acceptable - please just get it in when you are able.

IMPORTANT—Each year students bring in brand new instruments costing $100-$300 usually purchased online (Amazon, Ebay, Costco, etc).  These instruments quickly have mechanical issues. Unfortunately these instruments have lots of problems and students usually end up quitting because they are not successful.  This is extremely sad and in most cases, the instrument caused the student’s problem.  Even as a beginner, a quality instrument is important.  Generally, discount and warehouse club stores’ instruments are not of good quality and can present numerous problems in various areas. In addition, most music stores refuse to repair these instruments.  As a general rule, a new instrument purchase should cost a minimum of $1000 if you are deciding to purchase.

​Next Week - First Lesson Mornings - Required!

Next week we will begin learning how to assemble, hold, and make the first sounds on our instruments. We will be having "First Lesson Mornings" for all new 6th Grade Band students on the following days. All 6th Grade Band students need to attend on their appropriate day. We will have some 7th and 8th graders in to assist us on these mornings! 

The lessons begin at 8AM. Please drop your child off at the main entrance to Webb Bridge and we will come down at 7:50AM to let the 6th Grade Band students come down to the band room.

Tuesday, August 25: Clarinet and Trombone
Wednesday, August 26: Oboe, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, and Euphonium
Thursday, August 27: Flute and Tuba
Friday, August 28: Bassoon, French Horn, and Percussion

WBMS Band Uniform Requirements - Please Read

From the 2026-2027 WBMS Band Handbook: 

• Band Polo for 6th and 7th Grade (provided through the band fee if needed) - We will be sending home information about how to order the correct size. The directors place the order for the students.
• Solid Black Pants/Slacks – please no jeans, leggings or pants with sequins/designs
• Black Dress Belt – if you want to wear a belt
• Black Dress Shoes/Flats – please no tennis shoes 
• Black Socks for black dress shoes – not required for flats - the socks must be crew length black socks with no designs

 
The Band Polo/Concert Band Shirt must be tucked in for all band concerts/events throughout the year unless instructed otherwise.
 
We prepare our music to be performed at a high level of performance and we want to look our very best when we perform! (see a great picture of our band below)

Alpharetta High School Raider Band!

The Alpharetta High School Raider Band is continuing to work on their 2026 production "The Art Shaped Box." Be sure to cheer them on during halftime at any of the home football games!

Upcoming AHS Band Events

• Friday, September 11: AHS Band 8th Grade Night
• Saturday, September 12: AHS Marching Band Friends and Family Performance, AHS Football Stadium, Performance at 7:30PM!
• Thursday, September 17: AHS Fall Band Concert, AHS Auditorium

Upcoming Due Dates and Calendar

• WBMS Band Calendar
• WBMS Band Calendar (for printing)
• WBMS Band Activity Fee - Due by Tuesday, September 15th in your School Cash Account

We look forward to starting your children on the journey of learning a new instrument and as always please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mr. Stroud, Band Director
Mr. Stallings, Band Director
Mr. Jones, Assistant Band Director