5th Grade Band Begins to Settle into Routine!

The 5th grade band rehearsals and lessons began moving full steam ahead this week.  A great big THANK YOU  to the boys and girls for remembering instruments and music on the appropriate rehearsal/lesson days.  We are off to a fantastic beginning and I am excited about all of the music we will be able to learn this school year.  Please keep encouraging your child's individual practice time at home as this is necessary for them to keep making progress on their instrument - that is the most important thing they can do right now at the beginning of the year - PRACTICE, PRACTICE AND MORE PRACTICE!  Check the blog weekly for updates and important information!

5th Grade Band Off and Running for Another Season!

What an EXCITING week this has been!  There are over 130 beginning band students this season.  I am very pleased with the progress that I have seen in the students so far this week.  I appreciate their willingness to develop their skills and talents in instrumental music.  Just a few reminders as we begin the school year:

1.  Please help your child remember his/her instrument and music on the appropriate rehearsal days.  I have given each of them a schedule of their full band rehearsals and small group lesson times.

2.  Please encourage your child to develop a regular practice routine.  I expect the beginning band students to practice 2 hours a week.  This is necessary for them to develop their tone, memorize fingerings and reinforce music reading skills.

3.  Please encourage and support their musical endeavors - ask them to play for you - they will enjoy demonstrating what they have learned!

4.  Please make sure that you have the music books that are required (Standard of Excellence - Book 1; The First Performance Book)  Percussionists will also need 'The Performing Percussionist' by James Coffin.  Also, please make sure that the clarinet and sax players have good reeds (size 2 or 2 1/2; medium or medium hard - depending on the brand).  Brass players will need valve oil and a spit rag.

I look forward to working with you and your child this school year.  It will be an exciting and fun year as we work together to develop their talents in instrumental music!