Band and the homeschooler

<p>What do homeschoolers for band? My 7th grader currently plays the saxophone in his middle school band. If he were to homeschool next year are their any options for joining a school type band? Or would I typically just find someone to give him private lessons?</p>

<p>What state do you live in. Our high school band, orchestra and choir, as well as sports teams, are full of home schoolers, some of whom also take math or lab science. Check with your local public high school.</p>

<p>Thanks, I will call them today. That will be a good place to start.</p>

<p>Start casting a very wide net and be willing to drive. I live in a small state, and there are only a very few homeschool band options, so parents in my state really have to drive. </p>

<p>But you could look for untraditional options like community bands where you’d have adults and students working together.</p>

<p>My son plays violin and he’s always been homeschooled and has had tons of music opportunities. He played in a church associated strings group from age 7-13. He joined a university/community based symphony at age 12. It’s now moved out into the community but he and my middle son both play in it now. He also has been performing in a string quartet since age 13, earning money for weddings, parties, etc. He worked for a local theater company last summer and got paid. Basically, he networks (we do live in a large city) and finds opportunities. He has also taken private lessons for 10 years. This definitely helps him since he has the skills to do all that he does.</p>

<p>I agree that looking for community based, college based groups is a great way to start if they are available in your community.</p>

<p>My son is also in two rock bands; one has an incredible saxaphonist. He got connected with them through a local children’s musical theater company (Christian Youth Theater). They recognized his abilities and asked him to join so it’s definitely possible to be a homeschooler and play music in a band.</p>

<p>I spoke to the local public school and my son is allowed to take band and join clubs there. So this may work…</p>

<p>Yay! Thanks for the update.</p>