GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT
BEGINNER BAND 2010
♫ You may acquire your instrument from Taylor
Music, from any reputable music store, or from a private source. I recommend the Taylor Music plan, but
it is not required. Please don’t buy the
“off-brand” instruments that are now available at some discount and retail
stores. They tend to be of poorer
quality and may not be easily repaired.
The school has a limited number of instruments available for student
use. See Mrs. Beck if you need help
locating an instrument for this year. I
will do what I can to help you secure an instrument so that every student who
wants to play in band will have an opportunity.
♫ Please make sure that your instrument is in
good working order. I also recommend
Taylor Music for repairs. If you are not
sure if your used horn needs repair, see Mrs. Beck.
♫ If we discover that a student needs to
change instruments, it may be a possibility. Please see Mrs. Beck before any changes are
made and we will work together to do what is best for your student.
♫ HOME PRACTICE is essential to the
success of each student and to the entire band. PARENTS must encourage their students to
practice at home regularly and be supportive of their progress. I
request 100 minutes of practice per week. Please help your student develop a good
practice routine by designating a specific time and place that is reserved for
practice each day.
♫ Students will be keeping a journal of
how many minutes are spent practicing each week. Parents will need to sign the journal each
week to verify the times. This keeps
the lines of communication open among student, parents, and teacher. Students are not graded on the number of
minutes they practice each week, but on the progress they make. Of course, getting adequate amounts of
practice will help them achieve success.
♫ Fifth grade band meets on M-W-F from
♫ Students will begin lessons as soon as
their instruments arrive. I will let
them know when they need to bring their instruments to school. We will have a
temporary lesson schedule for the first week or so, and a permanent schedule
will soon follow. Students will receive
the lesson schedule as soon as it is completed.
Most lessons will be after school in the high school music office.
♫ Please make sure to complete the care and
maintenance worksheet for your instrument.
This is an activity for students and parents to complete together. Please return the completed worksheet to me
by Friday, September 3.
♫ The enclosed contract is optional, but
recommended. If you feel you can
meet the conditions of the contract and are willing to make a commitment to
band for at least one year, please sign and return the contract to Mrs. Beck at
your earliest convenience.
♫ I didn’t type out my entire beginner band
night speech for you, so if you have any questions that are not covered in
this general information sheet, please feel free to contact me. I want your student to have a successful band
career and I am willing to work with you to do what is best for your
student. My contact information is:
♪
854-3674 school
♪
605-352-3147 home
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING
YOUR CHILD’S INTEREST IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.
Here is a sample of your child’s practice record,
found on the inside front cover of their lesson book. Please fill in and sign this journal every
week before lessons.
Date assignment/comments M T W Th F S
Su Total Parent Signature
9/3 |
Pg 1, #1-6 |
0 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
10 |
15 |
15 |
85 |
|
9/10 |
Pg 2, #7-10 more air |
20 |
20 |
15 |
20 |
15 |
15 |
10 |
115 |
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