Welcome to Band!!

Welcome to Band!!

Let’s get started……

Welcome to the exciting world of instrumental music!  You are about to embark on an incredible journey of making music together this school year.  Here are some tips to start the year off right and to make the most of our short time together:

• Please remember your instrument on the appropriate rehearsal days.  We rehearse on Monday and Tuesday at Brandon Elementary, Wednesday and Thursday at Robert Bennis Elementary and on  Thursday and Friday at Fred Assam Elementary.  You will need your instrument and music on those days!  ‘I forgot’ is not an appropriate excuse for 5th graders!

• Band members are expected to practice 90 minutes every week outside of the regular rehearsals.  This is necessary to reinforce the concepts introduced in the band rehearsal and small group lessons, to memorize fingerings/note names, to build up embouchure muscles and endurance, to increase breath support, etc.  Practice time is logged on the chart in the back cover of the band book.

• Necessary materials will include your band books (Tradition of Excellence, First Performance Book 1), folder, pencil, reeds, valve oil and spit rag.

 

Objectives:

Studying instrumental music in the 5th grade band program will broaden players’ ability and understanding in the following areas:

• Development of proper posture, breathing and tone production

• Development of music reading skills and rhythm skills

• Memorization of new notes and fingerings as introduced

• (for percussionists) development of rudiments as they are introduced while using correct stickings, playing accurate rhythms and tapping the steady beat

• Proper instrumental rehearsal techniques/habits

• Sensitivity to appropriate musical style

• Appropriate stage presence and etiquette

• Leadership

• Teamwork, accountability and responsibility

 

This will be achieved by:

• Preparation of weekly lesson assignments, theory assignments and sheet music

• Participation in all scheduled rehearsals, lessons and concerts

 

Band Expectations:   POWER

• • BE PRESENT in rehearsal physically and mentally
• • BE ON TIME by being in your seat before the start of rehearsal
• • BE WILLING to learn and try new things
• • BE ENTHUSIASTIC about playing and learning
• • BE RESPECTFUL of yourself, Mr. Hubers and all others in the rehearsal
  COMMUNICATION:
  Band members and parents will be kept informed of what we are doing in 5th grade band by means of:
  • Newsletter articles (monthly articles in each of the elementary newsletters)
  • Notes sent home via students
  • 5th grade Band Blog (http://hubersbandstars@blogspot.com)  This can also be accessed through Mr. Hubers’ webpage
  • Quarterly progress reports
  • Email (Del.Hubers@k12.sd.us)
   
   
  Important Concert Dates:

• Thursday, December 18 – Holiday Concert – 7:30pm at PAC
• Monday, March 16 – Combined 5th/6th grade Band Concert  - 7:00pm at High School Auxiliary Gym
• Monday, May 18 – Spring Concert – 7:30pm at PAC