Band Materials List
Please label dividers: Music, Theory and Other
Pencil (to be kept in instrument case at all times)
Gr. 7 students: Standard of Excellence Book 1
Gr. 8 students: Standard of Excellence Book
Gr. 9 students: Standard of Excellence Book 2
Uniform: Band Sweater
White blouse / dress shirt
Solid black pants or long skirt
Solid black socks (or tights)
Solid black shoes (if possible)
Flute: An inside cleaning swab
Oboe:
An inside cleaning swab, cork grease 2 med. soft reeds
Clarinet: An inside cleaning swab, cork grease, a box of Rico Royal (or similar) reeds (strength; 2 ˝ and a few 3's) and mouthpiece cleaning brush.
Saxophone:
An inside cleaning swab, cork grease, a box of Rico Royal (or similar) reeds
(strength; 2 1/2) and mouthpiece cleaning brush.
Trumpet, Euphonium & Tuba: Valve
oil, slide grease, mouthpiece cleaning brush and a leadpipe cleaning brush (also
called a “snake”).
French Horn:
Slide grease, a mouthpiece cleaning brush and a leadpipe cleaning brush (
also called a “snake”).
MORNING REHEARSALS
Full band rehearsals for both Junior and Senior Band will be held at 8:00am. Tuesday's will be Junior Band and Thursday's will be Senior Band. All students are expected to attend as this is one of the outcomes for each grade level. In order for the band to work at a high level it is important to have full attendance. As for bus students, they are expected to make other arrangements if possible. If a student is absent they will only be marked excused if they are sick or have a note from home. If a student has another school activity they should speak to me before the rehearsal.
Rehearsal Times
Senior Band Tuesday 8:00-9:00am
Junior Band Thursday 8:00-9:00am
LUNCH TIME SECTIONALS
At different times throughout the terms there will be sectional rehearsals, which all band students are expected to attend. This is when I have the chance to work with just one section of the band at a time. During sectionals we work on difficult passages in their band pieces. Times for these rehearsals will be handed out later and also posted on my website.
CURRICULUM OUTCOMES
All band students have been given the curriculum outcomes. Please become familiar with these outcomes which are found in your child’s band binder. The instrumental program is performance based and therefore practicing at home and playing in class is most important. One aspect is learning scales. Students have been given their terms scales with the dates due. These are also posted on my website. These must be practiced at home.
EVALUATION
Students in each grade level will be expected to achieve several curriculum outcomes in the following areas: scales, band music, technical exercises, theory and rehearsal and performance conduct. Students are evaluated throughout the term. Class preparation is extremely important. Please remember that the emphasis in band class is playing the instrument. Practicing is most important.
PRACTICING
Please encourage your child to practice daily. If he/she is too busy on certain days, suggest practicing longer on the days he/she can. Help your child by selecting a time during the day when he/she can practice without interruption. You can have your child write the number of minutes on the calendar and total them up at the end of the week. The recommended is 20-30 minutes daily (140-210 min. per week). Students have been given their work for the term so there is plenty to practice. Your child should have a music stand to allow for proper posture and good breath control. Listen to your child practice. You will be amazed at the improvement.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are an excellent way to ensure progress. If you are interested in names of teachers, please contact me.
FUND RAISING
During the year students will be involved in some fund raising projects to raise money for music, band equipment and trips. These projects are necessary due to the high cost of maintaining the program. One selection of band music can cost $100-$135. Both bands can read as many as 20 selections of music a year. Percussion equipment and repairs can cost $150 -$200 and bus transportation to a festival can cost $400. These are just a few of the expenses the band program will need to cover this year. I am always looking for parents to help out throughout the year with these so if you think you have some time please fill out the sheet at the back of this handbook.
JUNIOR AND SENIOR BAND UNIFORMS
The students will wear black pants (or skirt) and white shirt (or collared blouse) and an EPEC Band sweater. Students will be required to purchase the sweater in October. The sweater is V-neck, acrylic and is royal blue in colour. The cost of the sweater will be $31.00. Students will be sized up and orders taken in October. At the end of the year, students who are leaving the band may have their sweater purchased for $15.00 if it is returned in excellent condition, washed and folded.
NAME TAGS AND SERIAL NUMBERS
Please make sure that there is a name tag on your child’s instrument. It is also important to keep record of the serial number. Many of these instruments look alike and the only visible difference is the serial number. Please look into your insurance policy to make sure the instrument is properly insured.
ACCESSORIES
In order for your child to get as much out of the band classes as possible, it is very important to have the necessary supplies. Please ask your child what he/she needs for the year – reeds, oil, grease, neck straps, etc. Besides the materials needed for the instrument, students will also need a 3 ring binder with 4 dividers. These dividers should be marked as Music, Skills, Theory, and Other. It is very important that they also have the Standard of Excellence Book 2 (Blue) and a pencil.
PERCUSSION PLAYERS
All players should have the following: stick bag, sticks, timpani mallets, bell mallets, yarn mallets, practice pad and a set of bells (2 ˝ octaves). A snare drum is also very worthwhile. These should all be clearly marked with the student’s name. Please remember that there is a usage fee of $20.00 for all percussion players which should be paid by the end of October.
IN CLOSING
You might want to consider saving this handbook as it contains information you might need at a later date. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss your child’s progress.
School 462-8401 ext #252
Email jarnold@staff.ednet.ns.ca
Website http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/jarnold
Sincerely
Jean Arnold
Band Director
Band Student & Parent Registration
Band Student Name: ____________________________________________
School: _______________________________________ Class __________
Bus Student? Yes ________ No ________
Instrument _________________________ Make _______________
Serial # ______________________
Home Phone Number(s): __________________________________________
Mailing Address: ________________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Will the above named student be able to attend morning rehearsals?
Yes _____ No ______ When drive is available ______
Parent/Guardian Names: _____________________ __________________
(please print)
Parent’s Email Address (if you have one) ____________________________
(you may receive the notices via email so please print clearly)
Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________________