BAND IS AN OPPORTUNITY OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS
In the past, some of Carter’s most successful band students have been ones that are challenged by other subjects, as well as those students who are average and above average in the classroom. Instrumental music provides experiences for students to learn and grow in different and exciting ways
WHAT BENEFITS ARE IN STORE FOR STUDENTS IF THEY TAKE BAND?
1. They learn to read music notation.
2. They learn a new form of communication and expression.
3. Students can develop an appreciation of music that lasts throughout life.
4. They learn a team attitude (rather than a "by myself attitude") by working together toward common goals.
5. Students can improve their self images by mastering a new skill.
6. They can form lasting friendships with other band members as a result of being part of our band "family."
7. Students can improve their reading skills.
8. Band helps develop self-discipline and confidence.
9. It helps develop eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.
10. It helps students develop good posture and breathing habits.
11. Most importantly...making music is fun and rewarding!
CAN MY STUDENT PARTICIAPTE IN BAND IF THEYARE INVOLVED IN SPORTS, DANCE, BOY/GIRL SCOUTS, AND OTHER AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES?
Yes! Most CMS band students participate in sports, clubs and other activities while they are band members. Even Mrs. Witham was active in groups like Softball, basketball, Dance, Book Bowl, and Student Council!
HOW MANY CONCERTS WILL MY CHILD HAVE?
During the 5th grade year, your child will have two concerts. he reason we have so few concerts is because we spend the majority of time teaching and mastering the basic skills. The concert activities do increase in later years of participation in the program.
WHAT INSTRUMENT SHOULD MY CHILD PLAY?
Port Huron Music Center (PHMC) services our school, and they have experienced music representatives that will work one-on-one with your student in what is called an “instrument fitting”. This “fitting” takes into consideration each student’s physical characteristics and coordination, specific skills, AND also the student’s interest and preference to certain instruments – ALL of this helps guide and determine the best instrument choice for your student to succeed in band.
WHAT INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE OFFERED IN 5TH GRADE BAND?
Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet/Cornet, Trombone/Baritone, and Percussion
HOW DO I GET AN INSTRUMENT?
As far as obtaining an instrument, PHMC has a variety of new and used instruments available at different costs. A “Rent-to-Own” program is available allowing you to spread out monthly payments over the course of several years. They also offer a repair service/maintenance plan for these instruments so that when they need a little “TLC”, it will be fixed for little or no cost. You are not obligated to rent/purchase from PHMC – but every child will get fitted for an instrument giving them an idea what will be best for them to play!
There are other instrument retailers/sources that Mrs. Witham can recommend if you would like other options after your student’s instrument fitting. We even have former Band families with used instruments for sale. AND some students may already have instruments in their households that they will be using for 5th Grade Band – that is fine!! However, it is important that they are looked over and repaired by a reputable instrument technician before the first day of Band class.
*VERY IMPORTANT!!!! There are also certain school instruments available for students/families with special financial needs. If this is your situation, please contact Mrs. Witham – we will help those who indeed want to commit and are truly interested.
ONCE MY CHILD IS IN BAND, ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS?
Those students who play a reed instrument will be required to provide their own reeds, typically $3-4. A reed guard is required to protect and prolong the life of your reeds. The brass players are responsible for supplying their own valve oil, slide grease, and slide cream. Cleaning brushes and tools are also recommended to help keep your instrument in good working order. At the beginning of 6th grade we sell a cleaning kit that includes brushes, oil, grease, etc. The cleaning kit cost is $11-13, depending on the instrument. Students will need to purchase their own band method books each year, usually at a cost of about $10.00.
WE HAVE UNCLE CHARLIE'S TRUMPET IN OUR ATTIC AND WE WERE WONDERING IF OUR CHILD COULD PLAY IT.
The answer depends on many factors. First of all, can the child physically play the trumpet? Trumpet players often have straight teeth and rather thin lips. If these characteristics are not present, the trumpet could be difficult to master. Secondly, is the instrument in good working condition? When an instrument has not been used for several years, quite often the valves and slides are frozen on brass instruments and the pads will need to be replaced on woodwind instruments. If this is the instrument your child ends up selecting you will want to bring it to a local music shop, such as Meyer or Marshall to get it in good playing condition.
SAXOPHONE POLICY
Yes, we need saxophone players, but we need only 6-9 every year. In the past at least 25-30 students wanted to begin on saxophone. If we were to let all 25-30 take saxophone, we would suffer a disaster in regards to the balance of proper band instrumentation. The popularity of saxophone probably stems from its use in jazz bands and rock groups. Because we can only have a limited number of saxophone players, the following policy will be maintained this spring when the 5th graders sign up for band. Students wishing to play saxophone should start by playing clarinet and indicate to us that they would like to be considered for a switch to saxophone during the 6th grade year. This group of saxophone candidates will be evaluated throughout the school year with regards to attitude, attendance and playing ability. A playing audition on the clarinet will be necessary to determine which students will be allowed to switch to saxophone part way through the 6th grade year.
PERCUSSION POLICY
Percussion is also an extremely popular instrument choice among 5th Graders. Of course, only a limited number can be taken in this area as well or it would be very easy to cover up the entire band. Also, as students get older, we only have so many drums and mallet instruments for students to play. Scores from the rhythm section of the music aptitude test, their ability to play back rhythms with Mrs. Witham or Mr. Mufarreh, and/or their background with private piano lessons will be used to determine which students are eligible to play percussion.
DOES BEING IN BAND INTERFERE WITH TAKING OTHER CLASSES?
NO! Band will meet 2 days a week and every other Friday for the entire year and is set up so that you can have Band and the other Creative Arts classes!
DOES CLIO HAVE A GOOD BAND PROGRAM? IS IT WORTH MY CHILD'S TIME TO BECOME INVOLVED?
We have a very strong band program that is still improving.. Our Middle School and High School bands continue to receive superior ratings at band festivals and are invited to play at conferences throughout our state. Our Marching Band is highly respected throughout the state. We are proud to let our bands travel and represent our school and community. Being a part of an excellent band can be a very rewarding experience.
WHAT SHOULD I (AS A PARENT) DO IF MY CHILD TAKES BAND?
Verbal encouragement is very important. Take time to listen to your child practice and encourage your child with positive statements as much as possible. The following things are easy to check and correct:
1. Make sure he/she has a desk type chair (with no arms) to promote good posture while playing.
2. Make sure that he/she has some sort of a music stand. (These will be available for purchase in the fall)
3. Make sure that he/she holds his/her instrument properly and taps his/her foot
One of the worst things a parent can say to a young band member is, "I never had band in school so you are on your own". Even if you have not had musical training, the beginning book is very easy to understand. You may see helpful hints in the book that your child may have overlooked in his or her eagerness to begin playing. You can easily learn the basic concepts just by following the book.