INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC HANDBOOK 2017 Currumbin Primary School Instrumental Music
Aims of the Instrumental Music Program To Provide: Opportunities for musical development of students through instruction on a group basis. Ensemble experience so that students develop ensemble performance skills as an integrated part of their music education. This will be provided by students becoming members of a school band or string ensemble. Opportunities for students to perform in the community. An extra dimension to the overall school music program. Added social and mental stimulation for students. Instrumental Music Programs Conducted at Currumbin Primary School Entry into the band program occurs from Year 4 * Woodwind- Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone * Brass- Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium * Guitar- Bass Guitar * Percussion- Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Auxiliary Percussion, Entry into the strings program occurs from Year 3 * Violin * Viola * Cello * Double Bass
Which Instrument is Which? String Instruments Woodwind Instruments Brass Instruments Violin Flute Trumpet Viola Clarinet Trombone Cello Saxophone Euphonium Double Bass Bass Guitar Percussion
Instruments Students with their own instrument should inform the relevant instrumental music teacher, as this may increase the opportunity for participation in the instrumental music program. Band: School instruments are available for hire for the first year of tuition. After this time, parents are encouraged to purchase or externally hire an instrument, so that school owned instruments are available to students joining the program in the following year. More expensive instruments such as bass clarinet, euphonium or tenor saxophone are available for the full duration of the students involvement in the program. Care of school instruments is the responsibility of the student and his/her family. Strings: Violins and Violas (which are less expensive) are available for hire for the first year of tuition. After this time, parents are encouraged to purchase or externally hire an instrument, so that school owned instruments are available to students joining the program in the following year. More expensive instruments such as the double bass and cello are available for the full duration of the students involvement in the program. Care of school instruments is the responsibility of the student and his/her family Tuition One half hour group lesson is provided weekly at the school, free of charge. In addition to this, students are involved in weekly ensemble rehearsals, which occur outside of school hours, with the possibility of additional rehearsals when preparing for performances. Ensemble participation is compulsory for all students learning an instrument.
Student Selection Students are selected through a range of testing criteria including: A test of music aptitude carried out by school music staff. Selected students are tested for timbre (tone colour) preference Selected students are tested on their physical suitability to their nominated instruments conducted by the instrumental music teacher references by class teachers about behaviour and work habits A letter is sent home towards the end of term four to notify students of the instrument they have been selected to play. Instrument selection is subject to: Student preference Timbre preference results Physical suitability Instrument availability (when hiring from the school) Creating a balanced ensemble This process is conducted with particular attention paid to selecting the most suitable instrument for your child, though it may not be their first preference. Attendance Each year students re-enrol for the program with the understanding that membership and commitment is for the whole year. Students are expected to attend all lessons with their instrument, music and any other relevant material. They are expected to participate fully in all lessons; and in ensemble practices and performances. If students have a genuine reason for absence, they are to bring a signed note from home. If the student is ceasing enrolment in the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the music teachers must be notified in writing, and any equipment on loan returned.
Music Uniform In 2017 we are excited to be launching our new music uniform shirt. This uniform will be worn by all performing ensembles. Each student will be supplied with a music shirt to keep pending the payment of fees (please see financial commitment below). For performances this shirt is matched with school uniform shorts, black shoes and white socks. Students may also wear their music shirt as a part of their school uniform on their band/strings/choir day. Communication Due to the itinerant nature of an instrumental music teacher s timetable, and the timeframe they have in which to conduct lessons, it can be difficult to contact them without disturbing valuable learning time. Email is the most efficient form of communication, as this can be accessed regardless of staff location. Justin Hart- Band jhart198@eq.edu.au Elizabeth Chandler- Strings echan12@eq.edu.au If you wish to speak face to face or by phone, please contact the front office and leave your name and contact details. The teacher will contact you as soon as possible to attend to your needs.
Financial Commitment Whilst tuition is free, there is a cost for program provision. All ensemble participants pay this amount which covers the cost of music scores, photocopying, music stands and other expendable items. This cost is payable for all students once, regardless of the number of ensembles the student participates in. Ensemble provision feepayable once by ALL STUDENTS $70 non-refundable (payable at the beginning of the year) This fee contributes to the cost of: Purchase and Photocopying of sheet music Payment/subsidising of bus costs Purchase of Music Uniform Shirt Students Who Use a School Instrument Fees payable by week 3 of the school year. 1. Strings -Instrument Hire- $80 (Includes Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass) Own Instrument No further cost incurred 2. Band - Instrument hire $100 (Includes Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass) - Percussion $40 A pro-rata refund will ONLY be available if the student leaves the school. NB Percussion players pay a reduced fee as percussion equipment Instruction at the beginning of the year will commence after the payment of the yearly costs are made, together with the lodgment of completed enrolment form. If payments are not received within the allocated times, the instrument may be reallocated to another student.
Other costs will include: String Instruments Students will require rosin, a substance used on the hair of the bow to help it stick to the string and improve the sound of the instrument. Rosin is very cheap, lasts for years and is available at most music instrument retailers. All students will be required to purchase the book Essential Elements Book 1 for their specific instrument. In order to facilitate the development of correct posture, essential in preventing long term neck, back and shoulder problems, students who are considering purchasing a violin or viola viola should also purchase a shoulder rest. For cheaper alternatives please contact the strings teacher for advice. Band Instruments Students will require consumable items such as o Reeds for Clarinets and Saxophones o Valve oil for Trumpet o Slide oil/cream and water sprayer for trombones All students will be required to purchase the book Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 1 for their specific instrument. These items are readily available from local music retailers for a low cost. A detailed list of requirements will be prescribed for specific instruments after students have been selected. Smart Music Home subscription to Smart Music software (strongly recommended) o This is software that we use at the school during our instrumental lessons o It uses interactive technology to encourage home practice, and can act as a teaching facilitator when students work from home. o Get more information on Smart Music from your instrumental teacher, or by visiting http://www.smartmusic.com/products/students/
All Instrumental Students A cheap music stand for home practice (this is essential to develop good posture when playing) Transport of students to some performances, workshops etc. Repairs to, or replacement of school-hired instrument if damaged (other than through normal wear and tear) Repairs and upkeep of privately owned instruments. Parental Commitment Being a parent of a beginner musician is not always easy on the ears! It is likely that you will hear some very unusual sounds from your child as they begin to develop their instrumental technique. Parental encouragement is crucial for your child s musical development. You can help by encouraging regular practice, and by ensuring that your child is organized with regards to attending rehearsals, lessons and performances, as well as providing correct equipment. Thanks for your interest in the instrumental music program here at Currumbin Primary School! Justin Hart Elizabeth Chandler Mary Hughes Instrumental Music- Band Instrumental Music- Strings Deputy Principal jhart198@eq.edu.au echan12@eq.edu.au mhugh24@eq.edu.au
!! Did!you!know!?! Studies(have(shown(that(students(who(participate(in(music(are3( *!More!cooperative!with!teachers!and!peers,!more!self<confident,!and!better!able! to!express!their!ideas!! *!Less!likely!to!have!discipline!problems!! *!Achieve!higher!test!scores,!regardless!of!socioeconomic!background!! *!Able!to!better!plan,!sequence,!and!coordinate!actions!in!their!daily!lives! *!Make faster and more precise corrections in many academic and physical situations! Did you know.