North Iredell Middle School BAND! 2467 Jennings Rd. Olin, NC Phone:

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1 North Iredell Middle School BAND! 2467 Jennings Rd. Olin, NC Phone: Dear Parents of rising 6 th grade North Iredell Middle School students, As the end of elementary school approaches, I wanted to let you know of the great opportunity that will happen in middle school your child will get the chance to join band! Students can only join band at the beginning of the 6 th grade, so this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the many benefits offered through the study of a musical instrument. Through participation in our band program at North Iredell Middle School, children develop greater self-confidence, mental and physical discipline, teamwork, and, above all, an enjoyment and lifelong appreciation of music. How can your child get signed up for band? There are several ways. Simply return the attached form to me, Ms. McDaniel, at NIMS. You can return it to your child s 5 th grade teacher, who will return it to me in the school courier. You can me at school with your request and information (cdmcdaniel@iss.k12.nc.us). I check this frequently during the day, and this is the quickest way to reach me. However, it is VERY important that we get your request to enroll in band before our scheduling is completed next year. For next school year, all scheduling must be complete before the end of this school year. So we can schedule your child for band, please return this form by June 2. Band is a wheel class. All students will also have PE as a wheel class. NIMS is special in that not only do our students get to take band, but they will also get to be in computers, art and shop as well. So students do not miss out on our other exciting wheel classes if they join band. There are also no after school practices with middle school band. Therefore, band does not interfere with sports practices and games. You can do both! Also, please keep in mind that 6 th grade is the only time students can join band. Rising 6 th grade orientation nights are Tuesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 29 at NIMS. I will be available both nights to answer any questions you may have about your child joining our band program. The instruments that students will be able to play for 6 th grade are: flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and percussion/bells. In order for your student to be successful, there needs to be a balance of all of the instruments. There is usually such a demand for percussion instruments that this section fills very quickly. If your student is interested in drums, they need to also pick a second instrument they would be willing to play.

2 North Iredell Middle School works with the Music Center, located on Signal Hill Drive in Statesville. Because it will be necessary for you to obtain an instrument for your child, they have a special Rental-Purchase Plan designed for beginning band students. The Music Center knows the instrument brands we use and also has the band book and accessories that are necessary to have in class next year. If your child is interested in joining band, but money is a concern, this is not a problem! There are a limited number of school instruments that students may check out and use. Please get in touch with me so we can talk about this. Already have an instrument? Great! The Music Center or I will be more than happy to check it out and make sure it is in proper playing condition. I urge you to have it looked at before the school year starts. Please contact me with any questions that you may have. Musically yours, Crystal McDaniel Band Director, North Iredell Middle School cdmcdaniel@iss.k12.nc.us

3 Frequently Asked Questions about: Involvement in Band Will there be any after school practices or involvement? No. Middle school bands don't usually practice after school. Sometimes there are sectionals or individual practices, but these are rare usually voluntary. However, there will be two week night performances, one in December and one in May, which are required attendance for the students, and a big part of their grade. And a lot of FUN! Can my child still participate in sports? Yes!! However, sixth graders are not involved in team sports through the shool yet. But if they are in band in later years, it is still possible for them to play sports and be in band. How much time is involved? I like students to be prepared to practice 20 minutes a week night (five nights total) whenever possible. I know this isn't possible every night, but as near to it as possible would be the best case. That amount of practice nearly guarantees your child would be a success in band. Children that do not practice at home do not experience success in band. Students are required to take their instruments home as often as they need to keep up with their practice. Will there be performances? YES!!!! The biggest events of the year in band are our Winter and Spring concerts. Students are REQUIRED to participate in these events. This is a wonderfully exciting evening. I try to make concerts last no more than an hour, and students are asked to stay for the entire event, start to finish. 8 th grade students may be allowed to participate in a Band Festival at Carowinds in the spring, depending on the behavior and ability of their band. Any more questions? me at cdmcdaniel@iss.k12.nc.us

4 Band Supply List Besides the instrument itself, these are the items to be sure to have for band: ALL BAND STUDENTS: Every band student is required to have their own copy of the band book. It is called Essential Elements for Band, Book 1 (6 th and 7 th grade). It is specific for each instrument, so be sure your instrument is pictured on the front. Students should also have a small 1/2 or 1 inch binder with a pocket (for the band book) to keep their music in. Also be sure to have a pencil with you at EVERY band class. All instrument cases should have a luggage tag with the student s name on it. Each instrument also has a specific set of needs. Listed below is each instrument and a few additional items they will need: Flute -Band Book: Essential Elements Book 1 for Flute - Cleaning rod and cloth (to clean the inside) Clarinet - Band Book: Essential Elements Book 1 for Clarinet - At LEAST 3 reeds - number 2 or 2 ½ strength - Reed case - Cork grease - Cleaning swab (cloth on a string for cleaning inside) Alto Saxophone -Band Book: Essential Elements Book 1 for Alto Saxophone - At LEAST 3 number 2 or 2 ½ reeds - Reed case - Cork grease - Cleaning swab (cloth on a string for cleaning inside)

5 Trumpet - Band Book: Essential Elements Book 1 for Trumpet - 3C or 5C mouthpiece -Valve oil - Slide cream (for tuning slide) - Cleaning snake - Be sure all valves and slides on the trumpet move freely Trombone - Band Book: Essential Elements Book 1 for Trombone - 6 ½ AL mouthpiece - Slide cream (for tuning slide) - Slide oil (for main slide) - Cleaning snake - Be sure both slides move freely Percussion - Band Book: Essential Elements Book 1 for Percussion - Percussion kit that contains xylophone, stand (for the xylophone) and practice pad (students will use school snare drums) - Snare drum sticks and bell mallets!

6 North Iredell Middle School Band Enrollment Form Return to Ms. McDaniel, NIMS Band Director By June 2, 2014 Please Print: Student s Name: Address: Home Phone Number: Parent s address: Student s first choice of instrument: Flute Clarinet Alto Saxophone Trumpet Trombone Baritone Percussion (Xylophone to start with, then drum later in the year.) If the student has chosen percussion as their first choice, please also put a 2 beside of their second choice instrument.