BEGINNER BAND MEETING FOR PARENTS

DATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2008

Welcome to the USD 489 Middle School Beginning Band!  The band is the largest organization at Kennedy or Felten with a long tradition of excellence.  This excellence continues through to our local high schools.

• inform you of the instrument testing/matching process
• discuss methods of obtaining the instrument once decisions have been made
• answer any other questions you may have

Shortly after school starts in the fall we will have a short meeting with all parents of students enrolled in beginning band.  In this short (less than an hour) meeting, we will discuss the evaluation period and what we are looking for when matching the students with an instrument.  We have a short presentation, then open the floor for your questions to better prepare you for the band experience.

Which instrument should I play?

Click on the links below for information on beginner instruments.

Woodwinds?   Brass?   Percussion?

The 6th grade beginner band will begin in the fall with instrument selection. Students will be shown all instruments and have the opportunity to play any or all instruments they are interested in playing.  We ask each student for their top three choices and usually match them to one of them.  While the students try out the instruments, the teachers will evaluate their natural ability on each instrument.  Teachers evaluate physical size, hand size, lip and teeth shape and natural ability on the instrument.  We also try to fill out the entire instrumentation of the band.

The Beginning Band Directors will be available to lead you through the evaluation process.  All percussion students must be approved by Mr. Bishop.  We will be happy to answer questions you may have regarding the USD 489 band program.

Please do not buy anything until both parent(s) and student have met with a band director.

Frequently Asked Questions about Beginning Band

Before talking to one of the band directors, here are the answers to frequently asked questions about beginning band:

1. My child has no music background. Can he be in band? Yes. We teach the basic aspects of playing a musical instrument and continue this teaching process through high school.

2. How often does band meet? Band meets every day during school time.

3. What is my schedule? Classes meet every day.  Common instruments are grouped together.  This class counts as one of your electives.

4. Can I take both Band and Orchestra? Yes.   For Kennedy students choosing to do so, they alternate class days according to the Hays High maroon/gold calendar. Students will be issued a calendar. For Felten students, students are in band and orchestra every day and do not take the art/P.E. exploratory class.

5. Can my child participate in Athletics and Band? Yes. The administration, coaches and band directors work to avoid conflicts so those students who wish to participate in both may do so.

6. How do I sign-up for band?  Mark band as one of your elective options on your sixth grade registration form.  We will hold an information meeting this fall to answer questions.  If you decide to not participate in band, your schedule can be changed to another elective.

7. How many performances are required outside of school time? Four:  one in November, December, March and May. These are graded and considered an extension of the classroom. The 2008-09 dates are posted on the school band web sites.

8. Are there other performances? Other opportunities for performance may arise, but none are scheduled for beginning band at this time.

9. What about practice time?  For normal progress, a minimum of 25 minutes at home practice daily is expected. Students may be asked to turn in a weekly practice report. Students who live in apartments (which restrict practice) may practice in a practice room at the school (either before or after school). As another option, special mutes are available for some instruments (at an additional cost) which would allow for quiet practicing. These mutes are not recommended unless absolutely necessary.

10. What instruments are available to beginners? Brass instruments include Trumpet/Cornet, F Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba. Woodwind instruments include Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone and Bassoon.  Percussion is also available, but piano experience is recommended. A test by Mr. Bishop can certify a student’s estimated proficiency at a percussion instrument, as well as other instruments.  Other instruments will be evaluated by any band director working at the August meeting.

    Please do not buy anything until both parent(s) and student have met with a band director.

11. Are there school instruments available? Yes. The school provides F Horn, Baritone (Euphonium), and Tuba for students chosen to play these instruments. There is no rental fee for the use of these instruments. There are two expectations: 1) students purchase their own mouthpiece and maintenance equipment, and 2) parents provide insurance against theft and damage. Due to the limited number of available instruments, private lessons are encouraged.

    Side note: Oboe and Bassoon are also school instruments, but these instruments are not always available, depending on the enrollment in the seventh and eighth grade. These instruments are more specialized and REQUIRE private lessons in order to be successful. (Pending the availability of funds, scholarships may be available to those on free or reduced lunch.)

12. How do I get an instrument? Once we have checked all students for instrument interest compatibility and balanced the instrumentation, we will have an instrument display night. For your convenience and for competitive prices, two music stores are present at the late August meeting. You are not required to sign a contract, but it is important that you make arrangements as soon as possible after that date for your child’s instrument. Feel free to talk to the music dealer about all of the possible purchase/rental options. If you do close a contract on an instrument that evening, you will take the instrument home that night. Students will not begin on their instruments on the first class day, but will start right after Labor Day.
    
    Please do not buy anything until both parent(s) and student have met with a band director.
    
    There will be three band directors at the August 25th informational meeting.  If you are unable to attend, a special date can be arranged by calling Mr. Bishop 785-623-2470 (Kennedy) mbishop@usd489.com or Mrs. Filbert 785-623-2450 (Felten) mfilbert@usd489.com.
     
    PLEASE NOTE:  Once a section is full, it is closed.  Students who wait too late to tryout mouthpieces will not have as many instrument choices.

Obtaining an Instrument

1. Who are the participating music stores and what is their role? Midwest Music, Inc., 807 Main, Hays, KS (785/628-2803) and Tom's Music House, 121 West 6th, Concordia, KS 66901 (800-462-8667) will be represented at the display night for your convenience.

• The above mentioned stores are but two of the several school music stores in western Kansas with similar quality service. Tom's Music House has a representative who calls on the USD 489 schools each week. Midwest Music is a local store that has their repair shop in their Salina store.
• For the Concordia store, they pickup and deliver at the school site if it is necessary to take the instrument to the repair shop. For Midwest Music, students should take the instrument to the local store. They take care of the travel to Salina.
• Both stores may offer an optional, but recommended, maintenance and repair policy during the instrument’s rental contract. Check with the stores for details.
• They can make new and used instruments available on a rental agreement.
• The stores have no agreement with the school district or with any band director other than the understanding that they will provide efficient service to their customers .

2. What is the renewable rental with option to purchase agreement?

• This plan is designed to give your child the opportunity to begin band with only a small initial investment.
• Your child can have the advantages of a brand new instrument, such as pride of ownership, freedom from error due to poor equipment, opportunity to be the best player by having the best available instrument for this grade level.
• The students have the instrument and mouthpiece recommended by the band director.
• The instrument can be returned to the company at any time without further obligation.
• The instrument may be purchased with the rent being applied to the purchase price.
• MORE information and plans will be available at the August meeting.

3. May I purchase an instrument from another music store?

You are free to purchase an instrument from any source. Please be aware of the following:
• There are other brands of instruments available for less money; HOWEVER, they may be inferior in quality of workmanship and materials.
• The store you deal with should have a repair shop and be able to service the instrument after you purchase it.
• The recommended mouthpiece should be included. An unsatisfactory mouthpiece can be a detriment to a student’s progress.
• The most convenient and economical way to get an instrument is through the plan offered by the companies represented at our display night.
• Please click the following link for special information regarding what we refer to as ISO's (Instrument Shaped Objects)

4. May I purchase a used instrument? Yes, but care must be taken not to purchase an instrument whose condition would be a stumbling block to your child. It is important to consult with one of the band directors concerning the condition of the instrument before you buy it. You might check with the stores represented at our display night concerning the availability of good used instruments. If you decide to look for a used instrument, we would still strongly urge you to purchase the brand and model on our recommended list of instruments, along with the recommended mouthpiece for that instrument.
   
   Please do not buy anything until both parent(s) and student have met with a band director.

5. What happens next August?

• Band class starts on the first day of school.
• We begin the process of showing the instruments to the students with a video. We will have an informational question and answer meeting with parents shortly after school starts. The display night will be approximately two weeks later after all instrument auditions are completed.
• During the first few class meetings, general items will be discussed like class procedures, rhythm and simple music theory.
• Once we have completed the audition procedure, a final letter will be sent home to parents informing them of the details of Display Night and the instrument assignment.
• As soon as we have had our display night, we begin learning the care and assembly of the instruments. This helps to avoid unneccessary damage. As instruments are assembled, handling of the instrument and mouth formation (embouchure) are explained. The initial sounds from the instrument will begin as noise but quickly evolve to recognizable melodies.
  

Recommended Instrument List

The following instruments are the recommended brands and models for beginners at the USD 489 middle schools. Parents and students may ask for another brand or model with approval. In some instances, other instruments will be approved, but in most cases, all students should use these brands. Any district band director can give approval. Also, all students must obtain the mouthpiece listed.

Please do not buy anything until both parent(s) and student have met with a band director.

Instrument	Recommended Brands	Mouthpiece
Flute	Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Selmer , Armstrong
Clarinet	Yamaha, Bundy, Buffet, Selmer
Alto Saxophone	Yamaha, Bundy, Selmer, Conn
Trumpet	King, Bach, Conn, Yamaha	UMI or Bach 7C
Trombone	King, Bach, Conn, Yamaha	UMI or Bach 6 1/2AL
Percussion	Yamaha, Ludwig, Pearl	see kit supply list below

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School provided instruments:	Mouthpiece:
F Horn	UMI or Bach 11
Euphonium/Baritone	UMI or Bach 6 1/2AL
Tuba	Conn Helleberg
Oboe (if unavailable through the school, then rentals may be available:	Necessary reeds and supplies
Bassoon	Necessary reeds and supplies

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2008-09Supply List

(Most of these supplies are usually included with a rental contract from the music stores)

FLUTE

Cleaning Cloth (swab)

Essential Elements 2000 Flute Book 1

Wire music stand for at home practice

CLARINET

3 Clarinet Reeds # 2 1/2 (Rico Royal or Mitchell Lurie)

Hanky Swab

LaVoz Reed Guard

Thumb Saver

Essential Elements 2000 Clarinet Book 1

Wire music stand for at home practice

ALTO SAX

3 Alto Sax Reeds # 2 1/2 (Rico Royal or Lavoz)

Swab or Pad Saver

Reed Guard

Essential Elements 2000 Alto Sax Book 1

Wire music stand for at home practice

OBOE

3 Oboe Reeds (medium)

Oboe Reed Case (holds 2-3 reeds)

Silk Swab

Essential Elements 2000 Oboe Book 1

Wire music stand for at home practice

BASSOON

3 Bassoon Reeds (medium)

Bassoon Reed Case

Essential Elements 2000 Bassoon Book 1

Wire music stand for at home practice

TRUMPET

Size 7C Trumpet Mouthpiece

Essential Elements 2000 Trumpet Book 1

Mouthpiece Cleaning Brush

Valve Oil

Tuning Slide Lubricant

Wire music stand for at home practice

F HORN (School loaned instrument)

Bach or UMI Size 11 Horn Mouthpiece

Essential Elements 2000 F Horn Book 1

Mouthpiece Cleaning Brush

Rotary Valve Oil

Tuning Slide Lubricant

Wire music stand for at home practice

TROMBONE

Size 6 1/2AL Baritone/Trombone Mouthpiece

Essential Elements 2000 Trombone Book 1

Mouthpiece cleaning brush

Slide Oil

Tuning Slide Lubricant

Wire music stand for at home practice

EUPHONIUM/BARITONE (School loaned instrument)

Size 6 1/2AL Baritone/Trombone Mouthpiece

Mouthpiece Pouch (usually included with the mouthpiece)

Essential Elements 2000 Baritone, B.C. Book 1

Mouthpiece cleaning brush

Valve Oil

Tuning Slide Lubricant

Wire music stand for at home practice

TUBA (School loaned instrument)

Conn Helleberg Mouthpiece

Mouthpiece Pouch (usually included with the mouthpiece)

Essential Elements 2000 Tuba Book 1

Mouthpiece cleaning brush

Valve Oil

Tuning Slide Lubricant

Wire music stand for at home practice

PERCUSSION

Bell Kit including practice bells and drum pad (snare is optional)

Essential Elements 2000 Percussion Book 1

Recommended stick size is 2B if purchasing extra sticks

Wire music stand for drum pad practice at home