Great Job on progress reports!

Most of our 5th grade band students are almost ready to play their solos!  They have really made alot of progress in the three weeks that they have had them.  I listened to each of them play individually this week and heard many good things.  Please encourage your child to continue to practice - especially now that the weather is getting nicer outside!!!   Congratulations to many of our band members who are beginning their 'blue book' - level 2, already!!  Great work!

Keep working on your solos!

Band students - keep working on your solos!  Check your tempos with a metronome, either one of your own or the one that is linked to the blog!  Make sure that you are adding the dynamics and correct slurring and tonguing also.  I will be sending home a schedule of performance times so you can go ahead and invite your parents and grandparents in to listen to you perform.

Metronome online - use it while you practice!

Band students - scroll down toward the bottom of the blog and click on the link to the free metronome on line and use it while you practice.  Just click on the speed that you want and go!  The metronome will help keep the beat for you while you are practicing - it is a great way for you to check yourself to see if you are keeping your beat steady!!

End of the 3rd Quarter!

It is hard to believe that we are rapidly approaching the end of our 3rd quarter already!  The band students will once again receive a progress report detailing their strengths and areas of concern.  Many of the young players are already beginning their 6th grade level band books - how exciting!!  Their individual practice time at home is really what makes all the difference in how rapidly the students progress.  Please continue to reinforce these good practice habits at home!

5th Grade Band Solos

Every spring, our 5th grade band members get the opportunity to play a solo.  Mr. Goheen, from the high school band, comes to each elementary campus and listens to the band members perform.  He then writes comments on the performance.  He stresses things that the students are doing well and gives them suggestions to make them even better players.  This is not a competition among the rest of the band members as the students do not receive a rating or score.  As the time grows closer, I will be sending home a schedule of the performance times.  They will be during the school day, but any parents or grandparents that would like to listen to their child perform are welcome to come in and listen.  The students will  be receiving their solo this coming week and we will work on them during part of their small group lesson.  It will not be necessary to arrange for an accompanist for your child as I will play all of those for the students.