Dutch Hill Elementary Band Handbook What s The Program? The Snohomish Schools offer beginning instruction on the basic band instruments to interested 6th grade students. Students may select from Clarinet, Trumpet/Cornet, Trombone or Percussion (Drums & Mallets). Students wishing to play Flute or Saxophone are encouraged (but not required) to start on clarinet. Strings and Piano instruction are not available at school. Who s Eligible? ANY 6TH GRADER IS ELIGIBLE! It is important, however, that your child keep up in studies with this added activity. Therefore, you are asked to keep in close contact with the band teacher as well as your child s classroom teacher in case problems should arise. Your child's responsible for making up any work missed because of band activities. What Instrument? Every student is encouraged to play the instrument he or she prefers. However, students should consult both parents and the band teacher before making a final decision. A hand me down instrument is often the best way to go, not only because it is cheaper, but often the students can get additional help from home. The middle school bands are still continuing to get too many saxophones and percussionists. Unless your child has their heart set on playing a saxophone or a snare drum with bells kit, I would like to encourage your child to play clarinet or start on a brass instrument, such as the trumpet. The middle school band directors never seem to get too many brass players. It may be that your child s friend just happens to be playing that instrument, or maybe your child has dreams of performing with a specific type of group (ex- Jazz band; which does not include flutes). Please take time to discuss what works best for you and your child, not just this year, but possibly their future years. If your child s heart is set on playing percussion (snare drum & bells), it is highly recommended that they participate in private lessons.
What Brand? Stick to major brands of instruments. These include: Flutes - Gemeinhart, Yamaha, Bundy Woodwinds - Bundy, Selmer,Yamaha, Armstrong Drums - Ludwig, Rogers Brass - Conn, Yamaha, Selmer, King, Cleveland, Getzen,Bundy What About Good Deals? Avoid pawn shop and catalog horns. You could be paying good money for junk! However, you can find good deals in the want ads or from band graduates. If you find a used horn, have it checked at a music store. What About Performances? It is very important to your child s musical development that you and your child attend concerts. There will be least three opportunities for your child to perform - (music programs, sixth grade ceremony, field trips, assemblies and/ or classroom demonstrations). Where Do I Go? Most music stores offer excellent rental/purchase plans. You will find a list ofl band stores on our band website. Call around to find the best deal for prices and service.
.What About Repairs? Some of the minor repairs can be handled by the band director at school. Major repairs should be handled by the dealer for whom you rented or purchased your instrument. Be sure to insist upon a loaner so your child can keep playing music while the instrument is being repaired. Most repairs should take no longer than a week. What About Insurance? Be sure your instrument is covered by insurance. Many dealers offer instrument insurance with rentals. The school district does not offer insurance on privately owned instruments, and will not be responsible for loss or damage. The music stand, the instrument and all music materials should have your child s name on them for easy identification. What About Private Lessons? There are many highly qualified private music teachers in the Snohomish/ Everett/Monroe area who can give your child additional instruction and attention on his/her instrument. Private instruction is encouraged. If you have any questions about private instruction, please talk to the band director.
What is the rehearsal schedule for band? Band is a before school program. Most students will be asked to rehearse three mornings a week. Percussionists are expected to play the glockenspiel (bells), and the snare drum; therefore they are expected to rehearse four days a week. To insure your child a proper start on his/her instrument, during the first several weeks, the rehearsals are divided into specific instruments, and meet only once a week (percussionists meet two times) until approximately mid- November. All rehearsals start promptly at 7:40 a.m. Later in November (date to be determined depending upon progress) we will begin our regular schedule, with most instruments (except percussion) meeting 3 days a week. Percussionists are learning two instruments (bells and snare drums); thus they will meet 4 days a week. Beginning Of The Year Schedule Tuesdays: flutes & glockenspiels (bells) Wednesdays: brass & snare drums Thursdays: clarinets & saxophones Percussionists rehearse two days Band will begin in October. You will rehearse on your assigned sectional day (s). Sometime in November the band schedule will look like this: Regular Band Schedule Mondays: Full band Tuesdays: Flutes & glockenspiels (bells) Wednesdays: Brass & snare drums Thursdays: Clarinets & saxophones Fridays: Full band Percussionists rehearse four days **It s possible with the enrollment numbers, that the above schedule could change.
What About Supplies? All students will need the book, Standard Of Excellence Enhanced Version, Vol. 1, a portable music stand, and a pencil. You will also need the following supplies: Flute: Clarinet & Saxophone: Trumpet/Cornet: Drum & Glockenspiel: Trombone: Students will need a clean, lint free cotton cloth to dry and clean their instruments after playing. A piece of old bed sheet or a man s handkerchief works well. The cleaning rod/ tuning rod is usually included with the flute. Students should keep several extra (#2) reeds in their case at all times. They will also need a cleaning swab and cork grease to keep their instrument clean and lubricated. Valve oil is a must! Slide grease (or Vaseline) will be needed to lubricate slides occasionally. A buffing cloth and cleaning snake are recommended. A pair of drum sticks and a practice pad is a must! (To keep everyone happy and sane.) The glockenspiel sometimes comes with the snare drum as a kit, or it can be packed separately. A tuning key for the snare drum is recommended. Slide cream will be needed to lubricate the slide. A buffing cloth and cleaning snake are recommended. A small spray bottle (for water) will also be necessary. Important Notice If your child is planning on playing a large instrument such as a saxophone, tenor saxophone, trombone and/or drum kit, they must get permission from the bus driver - to see whether or not they have room to transport the instrument from school. This will depend on the size of the bus, and the number of students on that particular route.
What is expected in band? Progress will be monitored by: Playing tests performed in class. The materials will consist of musical studies or band music that will be performed by the band. At times, students will receive different assignments depending upon individual needs. Written tests that indicate the student s basic understanding of music fundamentals such as time and key signatures, counting rhythms, and musical terms, etc... The student s personal conduct and efforts as the student is observed during the class period and performances. The student s attendance at rehearsals and performances. While it is possible for a student to make-up playing and written tests, it is not possible for a student to make-up the rehearsals and musical experience encountered in a performance. it is most important that students be most aware of the concert dates and be able to participate in those performances for any other reason than sickness or extreme family emergencies. The student s practice habits. Practice habits are recorded on a practice slip every week, and signed by the parent. Your child is responsible for turning in his/her practice slip every week. This will take place the first couple of months to establish a good routine. Will My Child Succeed? Contrary to popular opinion, natural musical talent does not have much to do with success in music. The key ingredients to success in music are: Practice - This is the key, but sometimes kids need to be encouraged to practice, and that takes... Patience - Hang in there! The rewards start showing down the road a ways. Don t forget to... Praise - Even the slightest progress. Ask the child to play for you often. Do not criticize if he/she goofs, but applaud his/her sincere efforts. Be there when they have a concert.
About Practice? Your child will always have something to practice. If you child says, the band teacher did not assign anything today, he or she should go back and review the last few lessons. Your child should always have a regular place and regular time to practice. Practice sessions should be no less than 15 minutes. Depending upon your child s progress he/she may decide to take one or two days off. Let your child decide which day(s) it will be. We will solicit parent support in providing a practice time, practice area and practice reinforcement. Weekly Practice Slip Sample (USED IN THE FIRST COUPLE OF MONTHS TO ESTABLISH GOOD PRACTICE HABITS) Practice Slip Name Ringo Starr For the week of October 16-21 *There is a 15 minute practice minimum; you must practice 15 minutes to count it towards one day. Write the number of minutes you have practiced Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. sample 15 sick 20 15 My night off... 15 25 I practiced a total of PRACTICE POLICY: days this week. My grade is: 5 3 REMARKS: 6-7 days 4 Exceeds standard 4-5 days 3 Meets standard 2-3 days 2 Progressing towards standard 0-1 days 1 Not progressing toward standard PARENT Mr. & Mrs. Starr Practice/Assignment SIGNATURE The instrument was in the repair shop, so I was unable to practice on Thursday. I was sick, and didn t go to school on Monday. Due Date: Warm-Up on long tones *3 minutes Practice Numbers 1-19 *10 minutes Wed. Oct. 22 Important: Concert on November 1st at 7:00 pm in Liverpool