|
Beginning Band Information
Rieman's Nights
4th Grade Parent Letter
Beginning Band Information
Quick links:
•Greetings to all 4th Grade Parents!
•
Frequently Asked Questions
•
What is 5th Grade Band All About?
•
Class Description, Schedule, Curriculum
•
Thoughts about Practicing
•
Band Performances
•
How do we know what instrument to play?
•
Instrument Supply List
•
Where do you recommend we buy an instrument and supplies?
•
Rent vs. Buy
•
How soon do we need an instrument?
•
Questions and Contacting your band director
Return To Top
Greetings to all
4th Grade Parents!
During May we will be meeting with the
4th graders and begin recruiting for 5th grade
band next year! As you read through this material, remember that
participating in the band program can be fun and rewarding. There is
so much research out there about the positive affects of music.
Forming new friendships, building self-confidence, and developing musical
skills are just a few of the many lifetime benefits your students will
enjoy. If you have any questions or prefer your child not be included
in the band, please contact your band teacher at school. We are
looking forward to a wonderful year helping fifth grade band members
become successful as young people and musicians! Thank you for
your consideration of instrumental music.
Return To Top
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is 5th
grade band all about?
CLASS
DESCRIPTION
We are very excited about the 5th
grade band program and look forward to many successful musical experiences.
Unlike some activities, band is a year-long process. We ask you
to think carefully about your membership and willingness to practice
for the whole school year.
Schedule
Band is a class open to all fifth graders.
It meets twice per cycle for 40 minutes during the school day. Students who are not in band will remain in their regular classroom during this time.
In addition, each band member will receive
a 20 minute small group lesson once per cycle. These lessons happen
on a pull-out schedule. During lessons, the student will
learn specifics about playing his/her instrument that cannot be taught
during the full band rehearsal. Therefore, small group lessons not only
contribute greatly to the individual's musical achievement but to the
entire ensemble's as well.
Curriculum
Curriculum will focus on learning proper
fundamentals for performing on an instrument both physically and technically.
Students will learn a solid foundation of performance fundamentals including
tone production, rhythm, blend, balance, intonation, dynamics, articulation,
musicianship, rehearsal behavior, and practicing.
Band Responsibilities
1) ATTEND ALL BAND REHEARSALS.
Student attendance is vital to individual
success and group achievement. In full band rehearsal, students learn
ensemble skills and gain musical independence.
2) ATTEND ALL LESSONS.
In lesson time, fifth graders learn
the basics of instrument assembly and maintenance. Skills are developed
by learning new notes, key fingerings, and various rhythms.
3) ATTEND ALL CONCERTS.
Concert participation is a required
fulfillment. Your band teacher should be notified of any unavoidable
conflicts or situations prior to the performance.
4) MAKE TIME FOR PRACTICE.
Home practice is essential in order
for students to make sufficient progress on their instrument. Students
should practice their instrument at least 20 minutes daily, or the equivalent
of 140 minutes per week. Colorful stickers may be awarded to students
who consistently meet their practice goal of 140 minutes per week.
Return To Top Thoughts
About Practice
Playing a musical instrument can be
exciting and rewarding. Expressing your creativity through sound while
contributing to the success of a group is an incredible thrill that
is second to none. When a student begins to study a musical instrument,
it is important that he/she establishes a productive practice routine.
With this routine in place, success will be just around the corner.
To help establish a consistent routine,
try not to take two days off in a row. This disruption can stifle progress.
Daily practice is strongly encouraged, but less could potentially lead
to frustration.
Every good musician has to practice
his or her instrument regularly. Some students naturally make time for
practicing while others need additional ways to help schedule their
time. One way to avoid frustration is to keep your weekly practice sheet
in a highly visible place (like the refrigerator door). This can be
a helpful reminder for both student and parent.
Here are some other helpful hints to
consider when practicing:
1) Concentrate on what you are doing
and why you are doing it. Don't practice for the sake of practicing.
Find your mistakes, assess what you are doing wrong, and try to correct
it.
2) Eliminate all outside distractions.
Don't practice while watching TV, listening to the radio, etc.
3) Divide your practice time evenly.
Every session should include the following:
- Long tones (holding a long, steady
pitch)
- Scales
- Essential Elements Book (short musical
exercises)
- Band music
Remember; take responsibility for your
success! Your performance, and the sound of the band, depends on you.
Good luck, and happy practicing.
Return To Top
Band
Performances
Listed below is a summary of the performances
each elementary school may have throughout the year. Specific
dates and times are not listed. This is just a brief description
of each event for your reference. Your band director will communicate
the dates and times to parents each year after calendars and events
have been finalized.
1) The first performance will happen
in the Gym in the month of December. This will be like a small
school assembly to show off everything the band has learned so far.
5th grade band parents are welcome to attend at their convenience.
2) The second performance will happen
on the Fifth Grade Fine Arts Night held in the Waukee High School Auditorium.
This usually occurs in the spring during March or April. Fifth
Grade Music and Band will be featured at this concert.
3) A final performance opportunity
exists for all individuals in the fifth grade band. Each student will
perform a solo with a piano accompanist at the "Fifth Grade Band
Solo Night". This usually happens in late April or early
May. More information about that will come to you later on.
As musicians, the reason we practice
is so that we can perform. This is the time that we realize that all
the hard work is worthwhile. A performance also requires that every
member put in his or her best effort to make the performance a success
for everyone. See yourself as part of the team!
In the unlikely event you will miss
a concert, a voice mail/phone call from a parent will be expected
to explain your absence from the concert performance. If you become
ill after school on the day of a concert, please call the school and
leave a message! If a sudden family emergency occurs, please notify
your band teacher and the school as soon as possible. These situations
will be handled on an individual basis.
Return To Top
How do we know
what instrument to play?
In May, during the school day, we will
give all the 4th graders an opportunity to see and play the
different band instruments. Your students may choose from a variety
of instruments: trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, flute,
clarinet, saxophone, and percussion.
We encourage students to consider all
of the instruments in addition to their favorites. Sometimes students
are fixed on what is popular or what their friends are doing, like the
saxophone for example. We need balance in each section to have
a good band. Likewise, there can only be a limited number of percussion
students at each elementary building. If your child is interested
in percussion, we will test their rhythm and note reading skills.
We ask that they have at least two years of piano experience in order
to be prepared for testing.
After the students have tried the instruments,
a letter will be sent home to you. There will be a recommendation
from the band director as to what they might play. We will then
ask you to cut off the confirmation section at the bottom and return
it to school. At that point feel free to contact your band teacher
to share considerations or if you need help finalizing your decision.
In the meantime, here are some other
points to consider. Please read the information carefully and
save it for reference as you and your child think about what instrument
to play.
• Parents and students will have
plenty of time over the summer to review choices, and finally select
an instrument. Some students may need more time to decide.
Others may wish to drive out to Rieman’s Music store and spend more time trying different instruments.
• Percussion: Students interested
in playing percussion will be selected by the band director. We
ask that these students have at least two years of piano experience.
Typically there are only 4 students that will be selected to play percussion
at each elementary building. In the 5th grade band,
there are four main percussion duties: snare drum, bass drum,
bells, and auxiliary percussion. These are the only percussion
instruments required for most band music. Only one person is required
to play each percussion part. Similar to a baseball team:
you can only have 1 pitcher, 1 catcher, 1 first base, etc. That
is why there is a limited number of percussionists in the 5th
grade band.
• When band starts in 5th grade,
the program is designed so that students excel on one instrument from
start to finish. This way the band will have balanced sections,
and we can make music during rehearsal and in performance. Then
students are prepared to move on to the demands of middle school, and
eventually high school.
• There are exceptions. For
example, if a student is extremely frustrated or physically unable to
play the instrument. I want to provide everyone with an opportunity
to be in band.
• If you have any questions, please
contact your band teacher and schedule a time to talk individually,
to: review choices, answer additional questions, and finalize the decision.
Thank you for your continued support
and happy instrument hunting!
Return To Top
Instrument
Supply List
During the year you will learn about
the care and maintenance of your instrument. A well-maintained instrument
will not only look better, but it is also less likely to cause problems
during rehearsals and concerts. Taking proper care of your instrument
will PREVENT problems from developing, and will also help you play your
very best.
The following supplies will need to
be kept in your case. We will have periodic checks to make sure
you are using them correctly. Check what you need for your particular
instrument.
BRASS SUPPLIES (Trumpet, Trombone, French
Horn, Baritone, Euphonium)
- mouthpiece brush
- cleaning brush (snake brush)
- valve oil (Al Cass Fast is
recommended)
- rotor oil (french horn only)
- slide grease and/or slide
cream
- brass or silver polishing
cloth
WOODWIND SUPPLIES (Oboe, Flute, Clarinet,
Alto Saxophone)
- *mouthpiece brush
- swab (flutes use a flute
rod and thin, soft cloth)
- *reeds (3 good, playable
reeds should always be available. Rico Royal, VanDoren, or Mitchell
Laurie reeds recommended)
- polishing cloth
- *cork grease
- *reed guard (to hold and
protect extra reeds)
- *Feather cleaner (oboe only)
(* Items do not apply to flute players)
PERCUSSION SUPPLIES (For all percussionists)
- percussion practice kit featuring
a drum pad, concert bells, collapsible stands, and carrying case.
- SD1 General snare drum sticks,
or equivalent
- Balter #10A bell mallets,
or equivalent
** HAVE MANY REEDS ON HAND SO THAT THEY
LAST LONGER AND YOU'LL ALWAYS HAVE A SPARE IN CASE YOU NEED IT.
• Each student will also need to
purchase his/her own method book. We will use the Essential Elements
2000 book #1. Each book comes with a DVD and prerecorded play along
CD for practicing at home. The book is published by Hal Leonard Corporation
and can be purchased at Rieman’s Music Store or your local music dealer.
• Lastly, a music stand is necessary
for home practice.
Return To Top
Where do you recommend
we buy an instrument and supplies?
Rieman's Music Store: Rieman’s
is one of the top local music stores in our area with over 50 years
experience and impeccable service. They have three locations in
the Des Moines area:
• Urbandale: 6501 Douglas Ave
Ph: (515) 278-4685
• Des Moines: 4420 E. Broadway
Ph: (515) 262-0365
• W. Des Moines: Rieman Music Express,
1905 E.P. True Pkwy Ph: (515) 225-8755
• Website: http://www.riemanmusic.com/
Rieman’s Nights:
As an added convenience, representatives from Rieman’s Music will
come to Waukee with instruments and supplies available for purchase
or rent. We will notify you of this special date prior to the
start of your 5th grade year
by sending a letter home with your child. This is a special
night provided as a service to our district by the music store.
Waukee band directors will be there to assist and answer questions.
Everyone is welcome to come and take advantage of this time.
Return To Top
Rent vs. Buy?
Should I rent or buy an instrument?
What if my child changes their mind and wants to try a different instrument?
Can I use my aunt’s clarinet? I saw a trumpet for sale in the
paper for $50 – is this a good idea?
We know a lot of parents struggle with
these questions. First of all, sit down with your son or daughter
and discuss the pros and cons of band. Band is a lot of work,
but it has so many rewards. We always suggest renting for a few
months and see how well your child likes the instrument and how well
they progress. Usually after 3-4 months a child is enthusiastic….
Or you are pulling teeth to get them to practice. After 4 months
you’ll know whether you want to purchase or continue renting the instrument.
The Waukee School District has a limited
number of baritones for rent. These instruments are in good/used
condition. Contact your school band teacher for availability and
cost.
It’s fine to get a Used or family
member’s old instrument – please have a music store do a check on
it to see if it is in good playing condition.
Be careful. These days
you can buy an instrument just about anywhere. Newspapers, garage
sales, and online auctions have many “off-brand” instruments for
sale. From a repairman’s standpoint, the real problem with these
instruments is poor quality and lack of parts. These instruments
do not play in tune with themselves, to say nothing about playing in
tune with the rest of the band. Remember: Nothing is more frustrating
for your child than trying to learn how to play an instrument when it
doesn’t work properly. To help you, I have made a list of well-known
brands of instruments you can trust:
Flutes Clarinets Trumpets
& Brass Saxophones
Gemeinhardt Vito Bach Selmer
Yamaha Le Blanc Conn Yamaha
Armstrong Selmer/Bundy King Conn
Artley Buffet Yamaha Bundy
Conn Yamaha Holton Vito
Return To Top How soon do we
need an instrument?
Band will begin soon after the first
day of school. Everyone should plan to have an instrument by
September 1st.
Questions?
Contact Your Band Teacher:
Brookview Elementary, 987-5166
Eason Elementary, 987-5200
Maple Grove Elementary, Opening Fall
2007
Walnut Hills Elementary, 987-3585
Waukee Elementary, 987-5193
Return To Top
Rieman’s Nights
in the Waukee High School Auditorium
This is where you can rent or buy beginning
band instruments for your child. Rather than drive out to Rieman’s
Music Store on your own, they are bringing their instrument inventory
to the Waukee High School Auditorum! We will provide two evenings
as a convenience for parents and encourage you to rent or buy an instrument
from them at the following dates/times:
Tuesday, August 28th,
2007, 5:30 – 8:30pm, for parents whose child will attend Waukee
Elementary, Maple Grove, and Walnut Hills. Your
band teacher will speak and a sales representative from Rieman’s will
explain the rental and/or purchase procedures to parents at these meeting
times:
Thursday, August 30th,
2007, 5:30 – 7:30pm for parents whose child will attend Eason
Elementary and Brookview Elementary. Your band teacher will
speak and a sales representative from Rieman’s will explain the rental
and/or purchase procedures to parents at these meeting times:
PLEASE NOTE:
• Students are not required
to attend Rieman’s Night; only one adult representative from each
family is necessary to fill out the paperwork. Please remember
your check book or credit card.
• If you already have an instrument,
you do not need to attend Rieman’s Night. Your band teacher
will be there throughout the evening to say 'hello' and answer questions,
however, there will not be any curriculum/band information presented.
Rieman’s Nights are simply a place for renting and buying instruments.
You will have an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher at their
individual school during Open House and Back-to-School-Night.
• Each student will also need to
purchase his/her own method book and maintenance supplies (valve oil,
cork grease, slide grease, cleaning swab, cleaning brush, reeds, etc.)
We will use the Essential Elements 2000, book #1 published by Hal
Leonard. Books and maintenance supplies can be purchased at
any Rieman’s Music Store or at our Rieman’s Nights on August
28 or August 30.
Return To Top
4th Grade Letter
April 2007
Dear Parents and Guardians of all fourth
grade students:
We are looking forward to next year
and an opportunity for you to become part of the Waukee School Band
program! This letter is sent to give you some preliminary information
about joining the band.
During the month of May, your son or
daughter will be given a brief opportunity to see and actually play
some of the different band instruments. After the students have
tried the instruments, a letter will be sent home indicating his or
her choice and our recommendation.
Thank you for your consideration of
instrumental music for your child. If you have any questions or
prefer your child not be included in the testing at this time, you may
contact your band director at either school.
Sincerely,
5th Grade Band Staff
Eason Elementary, 987-5200
Brookview Elementary, 987-5166
Maple Grove Elementary, Opening Fall
2007
Walnut Hills Elementary, 987-3585
Waukee Elementary, 987-5193
| 
