Band & Music Program

 Congratulations on considering joining Band and/or Dhol at Howe! Middle school is a time for exploration, personal growth, and forming connections. Joining one of our school music groups is a choice that offers students a unique chance to explore their musical talents, make lasting friendships, and develop important life skills like responsibility, commitment, and resilience. If you’re still unsure if you want to join, it’s always recommended to try it and see if it’s a good fit. If you decide it’s not a good fit, you can leave at any time but it’s very difficult to join part-way through the year and try and catch up on what you missed.   

While music classes are fun, Howe Musicians are expected to work hard and be dedicated music students. Please be aware that you are expected to practice regularly, that concert participation is mandatory, and that you are expected to attend all rehearsals unless otherwise discussed with Ms. Hunt. If you have any questions or concerns, Ms. Hunt would love to hear from you at Victoria.Hunt@AbbySchools.ca.  

Band and Dhol will meet at the following times before and after school:  

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If you’ve decided to join one of our before/after school music groups, follow the steps below:  

1. Complete and submit this form  
2. If you’re joining Dhol, your instrument will be provided for you.   
   • Due to limited space and availability of instruments, there is a possibility that not all students who sign-up will be able to be a part of the group. Positions will be given based on age with grade eight students being given priority.  
3. If you are joining band, we recommend you rent your instrument from King’s Music. You can rent your instrument online and King’s will deliver it to Howe, or you can visit the store in person. If you are unsure what instrument you would like to play, this video can be helpful, or come and see Ms. Hunt at nutrition break or lunch to discuss the options. Please note: guitar and piano are not concert band instruments and only a very limited number of percussionists will be able to join.   
   • If you cannot afford the cost of renting an instrument, contact Ms. Hunt and she will arrange for an instrument to be provided for you.   
4. Listen to the school announcements and keep an eye out for electronic communication saying when the first day of rehearsals will start!  

Victoria Hunt 

"The Music Department is an alternative universe where pupils are often unrecognizable from who they are outside of it. The shy become confident. The agitated become calm. The lonely become included. And the lost become found. Music reveals the real child." -Fleischfresser