Band students meet 3 days a week: 2 mornings before school with all players; one afternoon by instrument as a pull-out from the classroom. 

1:40-2:15-Clarinet Group 1     2:15-2:50pm-Clarinet Group 2      2:50-3:25-Percussion

Dear Parents,  I am excited to bring new students into the world of music-making.  I got my start as a fourth grader teaching myself the piano by working my way through my neighbor's piano books.  In 5th grade, I was introduced to the flute at the recruiting assembly, much like the one we present annually here; thus began a life-long journey in music.  I did not know as an enchanted 5th grade beginner that the start of playing an instrument would shape my joys in life and even lead me toward my profession.  Nor did I know at that point how many amazing memories awaited me: musical challenges to proudly conquer, friends forged through teamwork, creativity, fun and interdependence, and places to go as I shared my music on band tours, in the community, and in honor groups.  The fact is, the journey through music has the potential to challenge and grow your child in many positive ways.  But that is not to say it will be easy or all fun or without frustrating moments.  What is true: kids learn to trust the challenging moments more and more as they get to the other side of each one.  That builds confidence in music and in life.  Music requires discipline,perseverance, patience, practice and consistency.  It fosters delayed gratification and mastery over time.  With these thoughts in mind, I ask that you and your child honor the commitment you make to the band by honoring the following expectations.  Whether the experience lasts a year or a lifetime, there are many valuable lessons to be gained:

1) Do not quit early.  Band is a year-long commitment, renewed annually at the start of each new year and new level.  The kids need time to grow their skills.  This happens on a different time line for each player.  Know that the group becomes interdependent: we rely on each other in our performances.  Stay the course.

2) That said, IF your child is wanting to quit band, it is the parent that needs to communicate with me, not the child.  You can email me, call me, stop by.  In this way, I am assured that communications are clear and we've worked through any concerns first.  Yes, I admit that I will likely encourage you to continue and will try to work through the situation first.  But I will also respect your decision once we've communicated.  

3) Your child is making a commitment to this group.  WE ARE A TEAM.   This means your child needs to attend the rehearsals with the team.  Keep missed rehearsals to a minimum.  Send a note if the student missed for an excused reason, such as illness, absence from school or a medical appointment. Students MUST come to band if they are at school.  If there is a reason they cannot stay, we will negotiate a time to make-up.

4) Be sure your child has the proper supplies.  In addition to the instrument, music supplies, and method book, the kids need a 3 ring binder with paper and pencil everyday.  Please make sure your child is well-prepared, just as they are expected to be in other classes such as math or science.  I can't stress the importance of this enough.  Kids need ALL of their required supplies at rehearsal. 

5) Communicate your concerns with me. I want to help your child grow confidently through this experience.  I think you will find me approachable and hopefully you will know that my heart is behind the actions I take.  Your child becomes my band kid. If you as a parent have not played an instrument, you may be flustered by your child's possible discomfort along the way, but I can give you a lot of perspective on what is normal and what possible remedies can be offered to help solve problems. 

 

ATTENDANCE, FIELD TRIPS, PERFORMANCES, REWARDS: