Visit the website for all the information including online registration for the band!

Transcription

1 Visit the website for all the information including online registration for the band!

2 May 2, 2014 Dear Parents: As an incoming 7 th Grader, your child finally has the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before them, Be Part of the Band! We know that for many of you, this will be your first exposure to music education and I wanted to take a brief minute to share some information with you. Each student is responsible for providing their own instrument, with the exception of some school owned instruments. There are several ways to obtain a quality musical instrument that I discuss in detail at Don t let an instrument purchase deter you from allowing your child the benefit of band. I assure you that something can be worked out! Music education is more than just playing an instrument, it is immersing your child in a culture of successful students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each child use the creative side of his brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language MUSIC. All of the current data clearly states that students involved in music education academically out perform their non-musical counterparts. But, more importantly, studies are showing that music students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drugs and alcohol. Every destination starts with a decision to embark on a journey. Now is the time to start your child in music and Beulah High School is the place to do it. We can t promise that every child will be a musical prodigy, but we can promise they will learn, laugh, and grow along the way. Should you have any questions about band or your child s participation, please feel free to contact me using the information listed below. Sincerely, Rob Smith, Director Beulah High School Band Program smith@beulahband.com (334) p.s. If you would like to know more about the individual instruments or band in general, please visit

3 What if I am not sure if I want my child to do band? Remember when your children wouldn t eat the food you made for them? You always said, Try it before you decide you don t like it. Band is the same way. Your child should sign up for band even if you or they are unsure. If at some point you decide that band is not for you, drop the class. It is much easier to drop something after trying it, than to join late when everyone else has already started. What if I don t know anything about music? That s ok! We will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes and rhythms, we will guide your child through the process. All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sound. How much out of school time is required? Band is no different than any other curricular area. We ask that your child spend some time with their instrument each and every week. Think of it as musical homework, but much more fun. What instrument should my child play? The answer depends on a variety of things, but in the end, it is most important that the play something that they enjoy. I encourage you to visit our website at watch the different instrument videos with your child, and discuss the different options. I will also help guide your child based on his/her musical interests, physical make-up, and instrument availability. Your child knows what she wants, you know your child, and I know music. Together we will find the instrument that she will not only enjoy but will give her the best chance of musical success. What are the costs? The costs associated with band depend on which instrument your child chooses and if you already own an instrument. We wish funds were available for us to provide every child with an instrument, however, this is simply not possible. The school may have certain instruments available for at school use. If not, you can rent a quality instrument from a local music store at a very reasonable price. If financial constraints prevents you from being able to do this, please contact me and allow me to help. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating. How do I procure an instrument? The school provides many of the larger and more expensive instruments. We encourage students playing smaller, less expensive instruments to either rent or purchase their own instrument. More information regarding instrument availability will be mailed as the new school year approaches. What if I have other questions? Please know that I am here to answer any and all questions that you may have. Due to the busy nature of our program and schools in general, it is sometimes difficult to contact me by phone. The best way for you to reach me is electronically at smith@beulahband.com. This will allow me to respond to your query, whether you are available by phone or not. You may also contact me via our school website at If you would like to know more about the individual instruments or band in general, visit

4 Rob Smith, Director (334) TH GRADE BAND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS I am thrilled to have the opportunity to make music with your students. It s going to be an adventure! We have a great time learning our instruments and playing music together in this class. Students also gain important skills such as self-discipline, self-confidence, cooperative learning and teamwork, how to read music, music history, and music theory. Many studies have shown that learning to play an instrument helps your brain develop in ways nothing else can, and that music performance improves student s skills in math and language arts as well. Band is a great place to meet people and develop lasting friendships. By Christmas, the 7 th Grade Band will be able to perform many tunes at our Christmas Concert. THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR THAT STUDENTS AT BEULAH WILL START BAND IN THE 7 TH GRADE INSTRUMENTS: In order to be in band, your student needs to have their own instrument. The school generally does not have any instruments to rent or sell. When school starts on August 5th, we will learn and demonstrate all of the instruments so that the students can decide which instrument is best for them. We will then begin instrumental instruction on Thursday, August 28, While there are several music stores in the area, we allow Gadsden Music Company into our school to service our instruments. Gadsden Music offers competitive rent to own plans as an option while your student gets accustomed to playing the instrument. Our Gadsden Representative is Mr. Daniel Burnett. You may contact him at to discuss rental options or you can wait for the Instrument Selection Nigh Presentation at the BHS bandroom at 6:00 CST on Thursday, August 28, 2013 to rent/buy an instrument or supplies in person. Their approximate pricelist is as follows: Instrument New Instrument Monthly Rental/Purchase Price Used Instrument (if available) Trumpet $40.00 $25.00 Trombone $40.00 $25.00 Percussion Kit $25.00 Flute $40.00 $25.00 Clarinet $40.00 $25.00 Alto Saxophone $60.00 $50.00 Ultimately, the choice is yours as a parent where you choose to get an instrument. I like Gadsden Music is a family owned business and because Mr. Burnett comes to our school weekly and repairs the instruments on site free of charge.

5 SPECIAL NOTE: Please understand that the instruments are not being rented from Beulah High School. Unfortunately, we do not have any instruments to rent. We do have a small selection of larger, more expensive instruments that are available to 7th graders like the French horn, tuba, and baritone. All monthly rental fees are made payable to Gadsden Music Company or ANY store that you choose. No money is to be sent with your child to the school. BEWARE OF INEXPENSIVE INSTRUMENTS: Sadly, these instruments are usually not bargains. In many cases, the instruments are of poor quality and the parts cannot be replaced. Local music stores will often not be able to repair them. Students with poor quality instruments tend to do poorly in band and get frustrated because they don t sound as good as the other students. Often, this problem leads to dropping out. Before purchase, ask about the repair policy, replacement/trade in value, and service agreement. I will be glad to evaluate any instrument new or used prior to purchase. CLASSROOM MATERIALS: For class, your student will need a notebook with pockets, a pencil, and the beginning band book which can be purchased on the instrument night. RECOMMENDED INSTRUMENT MANUFACTURERS: The following instrument companies have demonstrated quality instruments over time. Any instrument from these manufacturers should be fine for band. Instrument Flute Clarinet Saxophone Trumpet Trombone Percussion Kit Recommended Brands Yamaha, Jupiter, Gemeinhardt, Artley, Armstrong, Selmer Yamaha, Jupiter, Buffet, Selmer Selmer, Jupiter, Yamaha, Conn, Armstrong Jupiter, Yamaha, Selmer, Bach, Blessing Jupiter, Yamaha, Selmer, Bach, Blessing Ludwig, Premiere, Pearl After renting or purchasing an instrument, I understand that students are anxious to get started and want to try to play it. However, these instruments are fragile and adjusted to precise calibrations. A band student with the best intentions can accidentally damage the instrument in one or two days, causing expensive repairs. Therefore, I would request that new students do not attempt to assemble or play their instrument until they are instructed when school starts, so that proper instruction of an instrument s handling and maintenance can be given. My primary intention is to save you needless and costly repairs and frustration. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at smith@buelahband.com or by telephone at (334) Congratulations on beginning this journey in music! As always, GO BOBCATS! Rob Smith, Director

6 Flute Alanis Morrisette (singer) Halle Berry (actress) Celine Dion (singer) Calista Flockhart ( Ally McBeal ) Alyssa Milano (actress) Noah Webster (Webster s Dictionary) Gwen Stefani (singer from No Doubt) Jennifer Garner (actress from Alias ) Clarinet Rainn Wilson (actor from The Office ) Julia Roberts (actress) Woody Allen (actor/director) Gloria Estefan (singer) Tony Shaloub ( Monk ) Eva Longoria ( Desperate Housewives ) Jimmy Kimmel (comedian/talk show host) Allan Greenspan (former Chairman of the Federal Reserve) Steven Spielberg (movie director) Bass Clarinet Zakk Wylde (Guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne) Saxophone Jennifer Garner ( Alias ) Bill Clinton (former U.S. President) Trent Reznor (lead singer for Nine Inch Nails) Roy Williams (NFL Dallas Cowboys) Vince Carter (NBA Star) David Robinson (Retired NBA Star) Tedi Bruschi (NFL New England Patriots) Bob Hope (late comedian/actor) Lionel Richie (singer, father of Nicole Richie) Tom Selleck (actor from Magnum PI ) Trombone Bill Engvall (Blue Collar Comedy Tour) Nelly Furtado (singer) Tony Stewart (NASCAR Driver) Trumpet James Woods (actor) John Glenn (Astronaut and U.S. Senator) Michael Anthony (Bass player for Van Halen) Drew Carey (actor/comedian) Stephen Tyler (lead singer for Aerosmith) Prince Charles (future King of England) Montel Williams (talk show host) Richard Gere (actor) Shania Twain (singer) Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) Jackie Gleason (actor) Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu from Star Wars I, II, III) French Horn Ewan McGregor (Obi Wan Kanobi from Star Wars I, II, III) Vanessa Williams (Singer/Actress) Otto Graham (NFL Hall of Fame quarterback) Baritone Neil Armstrong (Astronaut - first man on the moon) Tuba Andy Griffith (actor) Harry Smith (CBS s The Early Show ) Dan Aykroyd (actor) Aretha Franklin ( Queen of Soul, singer) Percussion Mike Anderson (NFL) Eddie George (retired NFL) Trent Raznor (Nine Inch Nails) Dana Carvey (actor/comedian) Vinnie Paul (Pantera) Walter Payton (NFL Hall of Fame running back) Johnny Carson (TV Host) Mike Piazza (former MLB catcher)

7 7th Grade Band Registration Name: first last Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Which instrument(s) are you intersted in playing Flute Oboe Clarinet Saxophone Trumpet French Horn Baritone Trombone Tuba Percussion Undecided - No problem, we spend 3 weeks trying out every instrument Do you already own or have access to an instrument? Yes No If so, which instrument(s) do you own or have access to? If you have any questions, just ask them here and We'll get back to you ASAP! Return this form to your homeroom teacher or submit this form online at