• Starting the Year

    Welcome to back to school! I am excited to start off the 2021-2022 school year by teaching students at BWE & HES learn to make music with their band instruments. Please see the start of the year information below and email with any questions.

     

    Dates to Remember 

    December 14, 2021 - HES Band Concert at 7:00p.m.
    December 15, 2021 - BWE Band Concert at 7:00p.m.

    May 5, 2021 - BWE Band Concert at 7:00 p.m.
    May 16, 2021 - HES Band Concert at 7:00 p.m.

    Lesson Schedules

    After I finalize rosters and formulate a schedule that accommodates the instrumentation and scheduling structure for both HES & BWE, I will share your child's lesson and rehearsal times through an email and Blackboard. Students will receive a copy of the schedule electronically in their first rehearsal. Homeroom teachers will also have a copy of this schedule to reference and post for students to see. Please check this schedule closely and help your child to remember his/her instrument for both lessons and rehearsals. Schedule changes/adjustments may be necessary at the start of the year due to roster additions, etc. - thanks in advance for your flexibility and understanding.

    Instruments

    If your child is a returning 5th grader, please be sure his/her instrument is in working order for the first days of band as we will begin playing right away.

    If your child is a beginner and the instrument was ordered over the summer, your child will receive his/her instrument during his/her first small group lesson if the vendor has delivered it. Please contact your vendor directly for any questions. 

    If your child already has an instrument at home please be sure to send it with your child on his/her first small group lesson day.

    Instruments are expected to go home everyday for students to practice their weekly assignments. Only under very special circumstances should an instrument ever be left overnight at school.

    If you did not get an instrument over the summer please do so as soon as possible - please see the instrument vendor list and move forward with renting an instrument.

    Book

    Incoming 4th grade or new 5th grade band members must purchase a copy of Measures of Success - Book 1.

    1. Baritone students must purchase the Bass Clef version
    2. 5th grade students do not need to purchase a new book.

    The book can ordered from any music store or online.

    Practicing

    To experience success with a musical instrument, musicians must practice consistently. Students receive an assignment chart to keep track of what to play at home.  Instrument practice is learned over time and rarely comes naturally to beginners/young musicians.   It is ideal to work with your child to establish a routine early-on and to provide the time and the space required for practicing. Having a well lit space, sturdy chair, and a music stand, will help set the stage for success. Practicing at home is like any other homework assignment. I recommend at least 10-15 minutes per day for beginners and up to 30 minutes for more advanced players. Practicing 4-5 days per week is a realistic goal.   You can easily check your child’s work just by listening. As your child practices the skills that he/she learned in class, please encourage him/her by sharing how you hear his/her sound developing and ask about what he/she learned. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way!

    Incentives

    4th grade students will participate in “Band Karate.” Students will earn “belts” to show their progress throughout the year. Belts can be earned by performing specific exercises, pages, or concert pieces. The “belts” are special zip-ties students can attach to their cases. You can see more details about Band Karate here.

    5th grade students will work to earn special stickers for specific musical accomplishments within their books and concert music.

    Forgot to register or are new to the school? Please contact me as soon as possible to let me know that your child is interested in joining the 4th or 5th grade band.