Instrumental Beginner Program Information Dear Parents, In a few weeks, your child will have the opportunity to begin learning to play an instrument and become part of their school s instrumental program. Recently, your student participated in an instrumental orientation program and expressed interest in learning to play an instrument. We hope you will encourage your child to be a part of this group at Conewago Elementary School. Instrumental lessons are scheduled to begin on Monday October 2, 2016. Students will have 3 lessons during their first week of lessons. After the initial lesson-week, students will have one lesson per cycle at a designated time. We will send a schedule home so that you will know when your child s lesson is scheduled. Schedules will also be up on the music website. Music is an important part of your child s education. Music develops creativity. Music builds self-confidence and adds to social development. Last but not least, music is FUN. I m sure your child will find all of this to be true when lessons start in a few short weeks. If you would like your child to participate in the beginning instrumental program this year, please return the consent form by no later than Friday September 22, 2017. Students who turn in forms after the deadline may be asked to wait until next year, as scheduling constraints may not allow for last minute edits. If you have any questions concerning the instrumental programs at Conewago, please feel free to email Mrs. O Donnell about band at jodonnell@ldsd.org and Miss Marrs about orchestra at jmarrs@ldsd.org. We are looking forward to making some great music! Mrs. Jessica O Donnell, Band Miss Jamie Marrs, Orchestra
Where Do I Get an Instrument? Option 1. Rent or purchase an instrument from Central Penn Music Complete the contract and send to Central Penn Music along with payment. Central Penn Music will deliver the instrument and materials to school in time for the first lesson on October 3 rd. Option 2. Rent or purchase an instrument from another music store Visit the music store to make the necessary arrangements for the instrument and other materials. Send the instrument to school with your child on the morning of the first lesson, October 2 nd. Please do not play or assemble the instrument before the first lesson to avoid accidental damages to the instrument. Option 3. Purchase or borrow a privately owned or used instrument Take the instrument a music store or have a knowledgeable repair person check it to make sure it is in good playing condition. Purchase all the necessary materials for the instrument. Have all tune-ups, fix-ups, clean-ups, etc. completed early so that you can send the instrument to school with your child on the morning of the first lesson, October 2nd Option 4. Borrow a school-owned instrument Let me know ahead of time that you d like to borrow so I can make check our inventory and make sure we reserve it for you. School owned instruments are first-come-first-served! Purchase all the necessary materials for the instrument. Complete the usage agreement form I will send home, and return it to school as soon as possible. School owned instruments vary from year to year. Check with your director. Equipment Checklist All String Instruments Need: All Band instruments Need: Instrument and bow Case with nametag Rosin Shoulder rest (violin or viola) Lesson book: Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 1 Music stand (for home practice) Cleaning cloth (lint-free cloth) Case with nametag Lesson book: Sound Innovations for name of instrument, Book 1 Folder (I have several if the store does not give you one) Music stand (for home practice)
Specific Needs for Instruments: Flute Oboe Cleaning rod (should come with the instrument) Cleaning cloth (a clean, lint-free cloth) Pad Saver (optional) 2 oboe reeds with reed cases Thumb rest cushion (for right thumb support) (Alto Sax cont.) Neck cleaner Mouthpiece brush (for cleaning the mouthpiece) Trumpet, Baritone Horn, French Horn Trombone Valve oil Tuning slide grease Cleaning cloth (a clean, lint-free cloth) Mouthpiece brush Snake for cleaning Clarinet Box of #2 reeds 2 reed cases Thumb rest cushion (for right thumb support) Mouthpiece brush (for cleaning the mouthpiece) Alto Saxophone Box of #2 reeds 2 reed cases Slide oil Tuning slide grease Cleaning cloth (a clean, lint-free cloth) outside of the instrument) Mouthpiece brush Snake for cleaning Percussion: Purchase one of the following kits: Percussion Kit o Snare drum and drum stand or drum pad and drum pad stand o Drum sticks Orchestra Bell Kit o Orchestra bells and orchestra bells stand o Mallets
Instrumental Program Sign Up Sheet Please complete this form and return it to Mrs. O Donnell by Friday September 22, 2017 My child will participate in the Conewago Instrumental Program. I give permission for my child to begin lessons on the. (Instrument) Please review and check off the following notes with your child before signing and returning your form: I understand that all materials need to be ready for the first lesson on Monday October 2 nd. I understand my child will be graded on their logged practice time at every lesson (filled out and signed for full credit) I understand my child will be asked to stick with their first year ensemble until the Spring Concert in May. Parent Signature Email Address Phone Number Student Signature