5th Grade Band Making Huge Strides this Week!!

As we finish up our second full week of lessons, the 5th grade band has made huge strides this week in their progress!  Many of the students are very solid on their first five notes, are playing whole notes, half notes and quarter notes correctly and are continuing to excel in their tapping/counting of rhythms.  Please encourage them to continue to practice at home - this is the single most important thing they can do as beginners to insure their success on their instruments!  Many of the wind players have moved on to page 8 and 9 in their 'Tradition of Excellence' Books.

Our 5th grade percussionists are beginning to work on their bell sets and have assignments on the bells and the snare drums.  They are doing an excellent job at keeping a steady beat and playing their quarter note and eighth note rhythm patterns correctly!

All of the band students should be recording their home practice time in the back cover of their method book.  Their individual assignments are also listed on the chart in the back cover.  They are expected/encouraged to practice 90 minutes each week outside of school. 

One of my favorite quotes (the students hear me repeat this quite often...) is this:  If it is important to you, you will find a way, if not, you will find an excuse!"  I often refer to this when they tell me they were 'too busy' to practice each week. 

Until next week, keep practicing....
Mr. Hubers

5th grade band is off and running!!

Our 5th grade bands are off and running!  We have had a great start together these past few weeks as we have gotten to know each other, figured out our rehearsal schedules, lesson times, etc.  I am really excited about the progress we have made in such a short time! 

The most important thing for our young instrumentalists now is to establish a consistent practice routine at home.  This will aid them in the memorization of all of their new notes, build up their embouchure (lip, cheek, chin) muscles, reinforce rhythms, tapping and counting; and get them on their way to becoming outstanding young musicians.

All of the band students have been assigned to work on page 7 and 8 in their Tradition  of Excellence Book.  (The percussionists have pages assigned in their Performing Percussionist Book).  Their practice goal is 90 minutes each week from one lesson to their next lesson. 

Please encourage your child to practice at home and help them set up a regular routine - this will help guarantee their progress and set them up for success!  Both you and your child will be amazed at how quickly they will improve through their weekly practice!

As always, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's progress!  (Del.Hubers@k12.sd.us)

Mr. Hubers

5th Grade Band to Appear with the Marching Lynx!!

Our 5th grade band has been invited to appear with the Marching Lynx on Friday, Sept. 11!  The band students are to assemble in the high school commons at 6:00pm that evening.  We will line up with the high school Marching Lynx at 6:20 and step off at 6:30 to march with the band around the track prior to the football game.  After marching, the students will return to the Commons to put their instruments away.  They are then free to leave with their parents or they are allowed to come back in and watch the game!  The students are to wear "Lynx" colors to the event.  (The students all received a note with this same information last week - hopefully the information made it home!!)

This is always a fun event for our future 'Marching Lynx' band members to march with the current Marching Lynx' band.  Please make every effort to have your child participate in this exciting opportunity!

Thanks,
Mr. Hubers