Massapequa Public School Music Department ELEMENTARY PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE HANDBOOK
A Reference Guide for Parents & Students Welcome The Massapequa Music Department staff welcomes you and your child to our program. We are very proud of its quality and of the many talented students who contribute to its success. We are looking forward to working with you and your child. This handbook will serve as an easy resource for information concerning your child s involvement in our music program. Its primary purpose is to present an overview of opportunities available to your child throughout the elementary years. Please keep this handbook in your home during your child s participation in the Massapequa Schools Elementary Music Program. Elementary Music Ensembles Philosophy Involvement in a performing group carries with it many valuable benefits. Through the process of rehearsals, practice, and performance, students develop a number of skills inherent in music such as self-discipline, cooperation and an increased ability to listen and follow directions. These disciplines carry over into all phases of your child s development in and out of school. Beyond this, students gain an ability to communicate on a level not accessible by the spoken or written word. It is the goal of the Massapequa Elementary School Performance Program to give each student a strong musical foundation as well as an opportunity to be part of a group working towards a common goal. It is our belief that the strong foundation provided will serve as a basis for successful participation and continuation into the Secondary Music Performance Programs.
Elementary Performance Opportunities Each of our elementary schools offers Choral, Band and Orchestral performances for all interested students. Upon completing 3 rd grade, all students may begin lessons on an Orchestral or Band instrument of their choice and join the Chorus. A six week Instrumental Music and Theater Program is run in the summer in conjunction with the district Summer Recreation Program. Beginner students have the option of getting a jump start on their new instrument at this time or waiting until the fall to begin instruction. Older students have a wonderful opportunity for continued instruction. The summer program includes one hour of small group instruction and one Band or Orchestra rehearsal per week for students entering grade 5 and above or two one hour long lessons per week for beginners. Grades, 4, 5, and 6 are invited to join Chorus with the understanding that good attendance, enthusiastic attitude, and appropriate self-discipline are expected. Membership in Orchestra or Band is recommended by the instrumental teacher and is based upon readiness and successful participation in the instrumental lesson program. Rehearsals for all ensembles are held one day per week. Ensembles rehearse before school. Transportation to all rehearsals is the responsibility of the parents. Participation agreements will be handed out at the beginning of the year. Concert dates are noted on the district calendar and reminder letters are sent home with each child prior to the concert. Specific ensemble dates are given to the students early in the fall. Although public performances are not the entire focus of rehearsal activities, a concert is considered to be a culminating event and an important part of the course work. All students are required to attend all scheduled concert performances of the ensemble(s) in which they are enrolled. As an extension of participation in the Massapequa Schools Performance Program, some fifth and sixth grade students may be selected to participate in the Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Concert held at C.W. Post College in January. Additionally, fifth and sixth grade string students may be selected for the Long Island String Festival in March. Also, selected sixth graders may be in the All-Elementary Festival at Berner Middle School in May. The audience is a vital part of each concert. Please make every effort to attend your child s concert performance. Also, please plan to stay for the entire performance. Concerts generally begin at 7:00 pm and last approximately one hour.
Elementary Ensembles The 4 th Grade Band and Orchestra represent first year students. These groups will develop basic techniques and perform entry-level concert literature. Participation in this band or orchestra serves as an introduction to ensemble playing. Rehearsals are held once a week before school supplemented by half hour group lessons, which meet on a rotating schedule. The 4 th grade band and orchestra students participate in the Spring Concert as a culmination of their first year of instrumental instruction. The 5 th and 6 th Grade Band and Orchestra prepare and perform concert literature at both Winter and Spring Concerts. Rehearsals are held once a week before school supplemented by half hour group lessons, which meet on a rotating schedule. Students in fifth and sixth grade are also given the opportunity to participate in the NYSSMA solo and ensemble festival in the spring. The 4 th Grade Chorus Program is the first year of vocal music performance. This group will develop basic vocal technique and perform repertoire designed for young voices. Participation in this group serves as an introduction to ensemble singing. Rehearsals are held once a week prior to the start of the school day. The 4 th grade chorus students participate in the spring concert as a culmination of their first year choral experience. The 5 th & 6 th Grade Chorus Program prepare and perform concert literature at both Winter and Spring Concerts. Rehearsals are held once a week prior to the start of the school day. Students in this ensemble may also be considered for participation in the NYSSMA solo and ensemble festival in the spring. Instrumental Performing Group Membership Successful participation in the lesson program leads to joining the Band or Orchestra. As a member of either of these groups, your child is responsible for: 1) Punctual and weekly attendance at rehearsals. 2) Bringing his or her instrument, necessary equipment (reeds, rosin, etc ) and his or her own folder. 3) Being musically prepared. Concert material should be prepared at home. 4) Proper behavior at rehearsals includes: -when the conductor calls for attention, all warming up and talking stops. -when the director stops to correct something, everyone must listen carefully. 5) Cleaning his or her instrument at the end of the rehearsal. 6) Returning large instruments and percussion equipment to their storage areas. New York State Music Association (NYSSMA) The Solo & Ensemble Festival run by NYSSMA is a voluntary program that students are encouraged to attend if eligible. Student s who attend prepare various materials and perform for an adjudicator from outside the Massapequa School District. Your child will receive written feedback and a rating. Honors Ensembles like All-County and Long Island String Festival may use NYSSMA ratings as their basis for selections.
To Rent Or To Buy? As a young student begins instrumental music, to rent the instrument until the child shows a on the instrument. Rental instruments should be clean, and in proper working order. it is advisable for the family commitment to continue and free of excessive wear Maintenance of School Owned Instruments A yearly maintenance fee will be charged for each instrument loaned by the school district to help defray the expense of their repair and upkeep. A bond slip is issued with each instrument. This is signed by the parent and returned to the child s teacher. Repairs of School and Non-School Owned Instruments For district owned instruments, the district assumes responsibility for the cost of repairs which are the result of normal wear and usage. Any unusual damage is the financial responsibility of the family to which the instrument is rented. For instruments not rented from the Massapequa School District, the district assumes no liability for damages or repair. DO NOT ATTEMPT REPAIRS AT HOME! Instrument Security It is wise to take several precautions to assure the safety of your instrument. 1) The school is not liable for stolen instruments 2) Label your case with your name, address and telephone number 3) Copy the serial number of your instrument and file it at home 4) Check with your insurance company regarding listing the instrument on your homeowner s policy Instrumental Lesson Program The Instrumental Lesson Program provides small group instruction. Lessons are scheduled for thirty minutes, one day per week, during the school day. These lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis. During the lessons, students work with a basic method book, technical exercises, and small ensemble collections. Band and Orchestra literature from student folders may also be reviewed. Supplies Items such as folding music stands, lesson books, reeds, valve oil, cork grease, rosin, cello, bass stops, drum pads, snare drum and stand are purchased by the student. These materials are available at local music stores. Please confirm with your child s music teacher which materials your child will need.
I m A Success! - How to Practice A. Suggestions for Students: Developing good musical skills requires DAILY PRACTICE. You need to practice your instrument every day to stay in shape just like a good athlete. Good Practice Habits 1) Find a quiet place in your home where you can work without interruption 2) Make a 30 minute practice session part of your daily schedule. Try to practice at the same time each day (such as right before dinner) 3) Your 30 minute practice should include: a. 5 minutes warming up b. 15 minutes for practicing your lesson book assignment c. 10 minutes for practicing your band or orchestra music 4) Have a pencil handy to write in fingerings, bowing, sticking, breath marks, etc. 5) Most of your practice time should be spent on the most difficult sections of your assigned work. Make sure you are playing something correctly the first time, even though you may have to play it very slowly. The speed will come as you become more familiar with the exercise or piece. 6) Play an exercise through once and then work out the hard parts. After spending some time doing this, play it through again. Tomorrow it will be a lot easier! B. Suggestions for Parents: Here are some ways you can help: 1) Encourage your child to stick with his or her original choice of instrument. Young children have difficulty realizing that playing an instrument (like academics or athletics) requires a long term commitment involving years of steady effort. Changing instruments obviously defeats these goals. 2) Arrange a regular time and place for your child to practice, and help him or her follow that schedule. Daily practice is the key to success.same time, same place, and daily! Please review and sign your child s practice record weekly. 3) Arrange the practice schedule so that it does not conflict with outdoor play, a favorite television show, or household duties. 4) Most students do not remember to practice every day. A gentle reminder is helpful. 5) Encourage your child to organize the 30 minutes practice session as previously suggested. 6) Your child will need good lighting and a folding music stand. Select a place where other family activities will not distract your young musician. 7) Never criticize mistakes or strange sounds that your child may produce, especially at the beginning. Make a point of complementing your child for his or her efforts during practice. Encourage your child to play for family and friends. However, do not force a child if he or she does not feel ready to do so. 8) Help your child to remember the day and the time for his or her weekly lesson and rehearsal. See that the instrument and the music folder are brought to school on those days. 9) Keep in touch with the instrumental teacher. Questions and concerns should be resolved quickly. 10) You and your child should try to attend the fine concerts presented by our middle and senior high school performing groups. This will present a tangible goal toward which your child can aspire. These dates are noted on the district calendar.
It s Concert Time! Guidelines A concert is a very special event. It is the culminating event of many weeks of hard work. Below are some guidelines to insure a successful performance. 1) Mark your family calendar as soon as you receive your district calendar. Keep these dates clear and avoid any conflicting activities. 2) Attendance at all concerts is mandatory unless there is illness or a family emergency. A note from home must be furnished to the music teacher. 3) The concert dress code is included at the end of this handbook. This is a special occasion and students want to look and sound their very best. 4) Before you leave for the concert, double check to see that you have your instrument and supplies, and that ALL music is in your folder. 5) A respectfully audience is an important part of a successful concert. Following proper concert etiquette for classical concerts will provide for a positive experience for everyone. Concert Dress Code In an effort to have all our students dress professionally for school concerts, we would appreciate the following dress guidelines be followed: Dress is black and white for all music students in all ensembles Girls: White blouses with short sleeves (no spaghetti straps) Long, dark pants (preferably black, navy blue is acceptable) Preferably black, flat or low-heeled shoes. Please keep safety in mind when considering footwear. (No high heels or backless shoes). Boys: White, short sleeve shirts Long dark tie (preferably black, navy blue is acceptable) Long, dark pants (preferably black, navy blue is acceptable) Black footwear Private Instruction When to Consider Private Instruction Private instruction will help to improve your child s musicianship and performance ability. It is important to realize that musical development is different with every child. The sooner a young musician can learn from the expertise of a specialist on voice or an instrument with the concentrated attention of one-on-one learning, the faster and more correct the development will be. The Curriculum Associate maintains a list of private teachers in the area.
REMEMBER Please plan to stay for the entire concert so that you can enjoy the efforts of the other performing groups. Don t forget your camera! Pictures and printed programs are wonderful souvenirs to include in your family scrapbook. Just be sure not to take photos during the performances. This could distract the musicians. It is also dangerous when students are getting on and off the risers. In summary, Massapequa can provide your child with a thorough background in music. Music is a part of everyone s life, whether it is rock or grand opera. To create that music oneself is a unique and inspiring experience, and we trust that you and your child will enjoy this involvement to its fullest. If you have any questions that have not been addressed in this handbook, please do not hesitate to call the appropriate ensemble teacher in your child s school.