SELAHS BAND INTRODUCTORY LETTER Southeastern Louisiana Home School Music & Band Program 2018

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1 SELAHS BAND INTRODUCTORY LETTER Southeastern Louisiana Home School Music & Band Program 2018 Dear Parent/Guardian: First off, allow me to first introduce myself. I m Braden Eymard, a 24-year-old musician from Cut Off, LA. I have been studying Music Education for four years at Southeastern Louisiana. I am currently the band director at Holy Ghost Catholic School in Hammond. I have taught with many schools on the Northshore including Fontainebleau High, Covington High, Ponchatoula High, Hammond High, and SELU s Pride of the Southland Marching. I have taught private lessons ranging from elementary to advanced music levels on each instrument. I also enjoy music ministry at masses and praise and worship. Let s get into the music. This program s focus is to bring the art of music to any student open to learning and performing. It is an opportunity for students to be part of something bigger than themselves. This program will develop lifelong skills in students that will benefit them wherever they go. I will expect a high level of responsibility from each member of the group. This expectation is set because I refuse to let students accept mediocrity and want them to always strive to better themselves. The Levels of the Program Level I (Ages 6~9) Elementary Music: This group will focus on a plenty of fun ways to learn rhythms, notes, solfedge, and basics of singing. Essentially everything they need for sturdy music foundation. A major part will be students passing off and finishing their Ed Sueta books. Level II (Ages 8 and 9) Recorder: Once students show they are ready, they will move into the Recorder Choir. This allows for students to begin putting all their rhythm and note knowledge into practice while having to position their fingers on the right note in time. Level III (Age 10) Elementary Band: Now the students will take an assessment test and decide which instrument to play. We will use Essential Elements Book I at this level to learn the basics of their instrument and begin learning musical terms and their function. Level IV (Ages 11~14) Jr. High Band: At this point, students will begin playing music with individual parts. They will have the opportunity to audition for Honor Bands. As a group we will attend District Festival and get rated on our performance. Level V (Ages 14-Grad) High Band: By this point, students will have built confidence in their musical abilities. We will begin working on more advanced music. These students will participate in marching band and concert bands. They will perform for football games, concerts, District Festival, and Mardi Gras parades. Level VI (Ages 15-Grad) Advanced Ensembles: This group will be an assortment of ensembles for students who have shown great talent, work ethic, attitude, and dedication to the group. At the moment, this will only be for a jazz ensemble.

2 I recommend you now discuss the possibility of band with your child. A list of instruments upon which students may begin is given below. Use it to aid your decision in selecting an instrument, but be aware that too many students on any one type of instrument may adversely affect your child's development. The choices students make now will greatly affect the musical balance of the group they perform with in the future, and will either enhance or diminish their chances to perform in the more advanced groups like honor bands or college bands. BAND INSTRUMENT CHOICES WOODWINDS BRASS PERCUSSION** Flute Trumpet Snare Drum Clarinet French Horn Tenors Saxophone Trombone Melodics Oboe* Baritone FX Bassoon* Tuba* Timpani *These instruments are difficult to start on but offer little competition in honor bands and college bands. ** Percussion students will learn the basics of all percussion instruments. To aid you, below is an outline of equipment needed for band class and the usual options for acquiring it. INSTRUMENTS: After deciding on what instrument your child should play, the next step is how best to acquire it. Two standard options are usually given at most music stores. 1.RENTAL- The most flexible method of securing an instrument is renting an instrument from a music store, which has the added benefit of having the money paid in rent also applied toward purchasing the instrument at the end of the rental contract. Most policies have only a 1-3 month obligation, after which you may return the instrument with no further charges. Music stores offer loaner instruments, a music stand to use at home, and insurance. Check your rental policy for these items. New or like new instruments are also recommended when renting. 2.PURCHASE - Recommended for those students with one year of band. It is the most economical step for those planning to continue in a musical group. Some real "deals" can be made on used instruments, especially at this time of year. CAUTION!! It is recommended that "used" instruments be checked by a qualified instrument repairman prior to purchasing. This will enable the parents to get an estimate of the cost for having the instrument restored to proper playing condition. Most used instruments need some repairs. To the same end, while some good bargains may be available on the internet, discount stores, and at the fair, sadly, we have learned that most are inferior. We encourage caution to ensure your child has an instrument of the recognized standards that will ensure years of successful use. DO NOT HANDICAP YOUR CHILD BY MAKING THEM BEGIN INSTRUCTION WITH AN INFERIOR INSTRUMENT!!! METHOD BOOKS: I will purchase the books in bulk to bring families the best price. Books can also be passed down from older students as they graduate through each level. BAND: Ed Sueta Book 1&2 (Lvl I) ~$12 each Recorder Method Book (Lvl II) ~10 Elemental Essentials, Book 1 - (Lvl III) ~$10 Essential Elements, Book2 - (Lvl IV) ~$10 Foundations for Superior Performance (Lvl IV+)~$7

3 INSTRUMENT BRANDS TO LOOK FOR Flute Gemeinhardt (e.g. 52SP, 2SP) Armstrong (e.g. 104) Yamaha (e.g. YFL221) Clarinet Leblanc (e.g. 7214, 7212PC) Buffet (e.g. B12, E-11) Selmer (e.g. CL301, CL201) Yamaha (e.g. YCL450N for wood clarinets) Vandoren 2 ½ clarinet reeds (Box of 10) Saxophone Selmer (e.g. AS300) Yamaha (e.g. YAS23A, YAS23) Borg Rico Royal or Vandoren 2 alto sax reeds (Box of 10) Trumpet Holton Selmer/Bach (e.g. TR300H) Yamaha (e.g. 2335A) Mack Brass French Horn Yamaha (e.g. YFR314, YHR314 II) Holton (e.g. H602) Bach (e.g. 1101) Conn (e.g. 14D) Mack Brass Trombone Bach (e.g. TB300) Conn (e.g. 22H) Yamaha (e.g. YSL354) Baritone Yamaha YEP201 Bach B1104 Tuba Bach Yamaha Mack Brass Percussion Remo Yamaha Sabian Lone Star Recorder Will be bought from me INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES: Necessary supplies are needed to play the instruments and to keep them in good working condition. Please be sure to purchase the following items for your instrument. Some "kits" are available at music stores at a reduced price. FLUTE: Cleaning rod, Soft cloth CLARINET: Soft cloth, Cork grease, Cleaning swab, 5 reeds (1-1/2 strength), Flexible snake brush SAXOPHONE: Neck Strap, Cork Grease, Fuzzy Stick, Reeds TRUMPET: Soft cloth, Valve oil, Tuning slide grease, Mouthpiece Brush, Cloth Rod, Snake Brush FRENCH HORN: TROMBONE: Soft cloth, Slide oil, Mouthpiece brush, Tuning slide grease BARITONE: Mouthpiece, Valve oil, Polishing rag PERCUSSION: Heavy Snare Sticks, Practice Drum Pad Private Instruction For students who wish to reach advanced levels of musicianship sooner, I would highly recommend private instruction. This allows for one on one instruction tailored specifically to your child s level, instrument, and needs. Private lessons give your child an extra day of professional technical instruction that gives them the tools to succeed at a faster pace than just in the classroom. I highly recommend this for students who show a major interest in music. I also suggest to use me for private lessons as some people teach poor technic to students. Once a student requires more advanced training toward graduation I will recommend private instruction from someone who majors on their instrument. My private lessons are taught at your home with at least one parent in the home. I focus on bettering specific instrument technique, understanding and reading music, high levels of musicality, and effective practicing. My rates for private instruction are $25 for 30 minutes* or $45 for 1 hour*. I ll also do group rates for families. *rates will vary slightly on location of home

4 FAQs ABOUT THE MUSIC PROGRAM... Does band cost? Yes, for a student to be in the band program, a fee of $75 a month is required. There will be family deals starting at 3 siblings Progress between Levels? The ages set for levels are the expectation of how long it will take for students to advance to each level as a whole, but individual talent and work ethic can bring a younger student through the levels more quickly. How will new students be split into levels? Every new student will receive an assessment to determine their musical skill and knowledge. i.e. A new 13 y.o. to the group with no knowledge may be placed in Lvl 1 with the expectation they will pick up the elementary music standards much quicker and may graduate through the levels in a month or two. Who is eligible? Anyone from 6 18 grade who is interested in making. No previous experience is required, even in reading music. That's perfectly OK. That's what we learn in SELAHS. Is music hard? Yes & no. Most people have the necessary skills and aptitude to succeed in the music program. The problem lies in that music takes a fair amount of dedication. Like most things in life, to be skillful at something a person needs to work at it. In other words, PRACTICE. Practice is by far the single most important element in being successful in a music program. Without sufficient practice (at least 1 hour a day), students most likely will stagnate in their abilities, and then get discouraged because they can't play the parts the other students can play. The most challenging part of music comes where a person's natural talent ends and hard work and dedication must take over. To a certain extent, it's the "hardness" of anything that makes an endeavor valuable and worth doing. Otherwise anyone could do it! This work ethic is extremely important for the parent to push their child at home since we will only be meeting once a week. Do they have homework? Yes and no. Since we have so little time together, practice will be a requirement. I will keep track of each student s practice times and will reward them as they reach certain milestones. I am restating the importance of practice because this will strengthen or weaken the band. The standards set for practice at home will make a major influence in the student s success. How to keep track of Practice? Students will receive a chart to keep track of how they practiced. It will require them to record what they practiced and for how long. The parent will need to sign off on it and then I will sign it if there are no discrepancies. This is for two reasons. 1.) This way, I can see how they practice and help them to alter their practice routines to benefit them most. 2.) There will be rewards set up when each student reaches a milestone and when each grade and the entire band reaches certain goals. How many times a week do we meet for music? We will meet once a week to have class/rehearsal from 2:30-5pm. Class will be fast passed as I move between the groups and I will need the assistance of some parents to help keep students on task. With this little amount of time to meet I recommend that music practice get scheduled for at least 1 hour daily. Will the students be able to eat/drink in rehearsal? I will give some time for students to take a quick break after school. They are more than welcome to eat and drink before rehearsal (excluding anything greasy or sugary) as this causes build up and possible damage to instruments. During rehearsal students are only allowed water. ABSOLUTELY NO GUM IS ALLOWED BEFORE OR DURING REHEARSAL! What about concerts? Two concerts are scheduled for the year (Christmas and Spring). These concerts are required for the band members and are scheduled and communicated well in advance of the concert date. Most parents cannot believe how quickly the skill level develops in these young musicians. As the band progresses I would like to add more events and performances. i.e. Mardi Gras parades, football pep band, Christmas parades, concert festivals, honor bands, solo and ensemble festivals, and travel performances.

5 Which Levels perform for concerts? The Christmas and Spring concert will showcase each level. Does a student get credits toward graduation? Yes. Each year counts as 1 credit toward Fine Arts. Do we have to buy our own music? No. The only music expense is the instrument and method books. All sheet music is supplied by myself for students to use. Students are asked to mark their music in PENCIL ONLY and to keep their music in music folders for protection. Lost, stolen, and thoroughly damaged music will need to be replaced for $0.50 per page. Is band fun? Most definitely!!! It is like no other class in school. Instead of reading about a subject or doing paper work on a topic, students in music learn by every style (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic) Most all senses are active while playing an instrument (sight, touch, and hearing). Students also enjoy the camaraderie of learning something new with their friends and progressing together. Band allows its members to be part of something bigger than themselves, a team. In addition, many challenges of music leave students with a sense of accomplishment and heightened self-esteem. The skills they learn in this program will be with them for life. Individual and team goals are monitored and rewarded when achieved. Can parents get involved? ABSOLUTELY! Parents are always welcome at rehearsals and events. I will need several parents to help regularly at rehearsals each week as I move between groups. Concert Dates: Christmas Concert Early December Spring Concert Late April/Early May I am so blessed and excited to teach your child and I look forward to seeing you at the meeting on September 14 th. The following pages provide info for personnel that I know personally to give great quality and service when purchasing and renting instruments. Sincerely, Braden Eymard Director of Music SELAHS Music Program selahsband@gmail.com

6 Specializing in clarinet purchases and rentals!!! Our motto is simple: get better quality clarinets for less money. Tested and guaranteed by a university clarinet professor! We only rent and sell the brands that I believe as a professional clarinetist are the best available Backun, Buffet, and Yamaha. I personally test each instrument to make sure it is in excellent working order for each student. What do we offer? Brand New Backun Student, Intermediate, and Professional Clarinets Used student level clarinets for purchase: Yamaha Model 20 student clarinets: $225 Yamaha Advantage and Model 250 clarinets: $299 Buffet B10 and B12 student clarinets: $275 Intermediate wooden Buffet and Yamaha clarinets starting at $475 OR if you aren t ready to purchase: Student clarinets for rent for $25 per month: Yamaha Model 20, 250, 255, Advantage 200 and Buffet B10 and B12 *Month to month contract no long-term commitment *Optional Repair and Replacement Agreement available for $5 per month covers fire, theft, and accidental damage during the rental term. *The first four months of rent will be applied to the purchase price if you decide to buy *Other clarinets, reeds, and clarinet equipment are also available for sale Call Victor Drescher at (225) , DrescherMusic@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook at Drescher Music, LLC!