Berwick Area School District Elementary Band

Berwick Area School District Elementary Band

Berwick Area School District Elementary Band

I’m glad to hear you have interest in learning to play a band instrument! Let’s get started!

Lessons

  • Students receive one half hour lesson in the rotating school day cycle on a specified day. The lesson time changes weekly so that they never miss the same subject in one marking period. In addition, the students meet as a band at recess time to prepare for the Christmas Concert and Spring Concert. Students who miss too many band rehearsals may be excluded from the concert performance.
  • Lessons for beginners will begin Friday, September 18th.
  • Students may attend lessons once an instrument, book and supplies are obtained. Students can start anytime, but if they wish to participate in the Christmas Concert they need to attend enough lessons to prepare for the performance.

Obtaining an Instrument

  • For your convenience, there will be a rental meeting on September 14th at 6:30pm in the High School Cafeteria. Robert M. Sides Family Music Centers will be present. Please be prepared to pick up an instrument that night. Rentals can also be done ahead of time by going to their website and filling out the online rental form.
  • It is of no interest of the school district where you obtain an instrument from. Here is a list of recommended makes of instruments: Jupiter, Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Bundy, Selmer, Vito, Bach, Olds, Holton, Eastman Winds, Pearl, Mapex.
  • All used instruments should be checked over by a music teacher. Servicing an older instrument is a good idea before playing. Instruments that are not in good condition can be discouraging and create a negative experience for your child.

Necessary Supplies

Each student is responsible for having all materials necessary for instrumental lessons.

  • Instrument: Everyone needs an instrument available to practice at home and to play at school
  • Book: A lesson book-Accent on Achievement Book 1
  • MusicStand: A music stand for band rehearsal at school
  • Reeds: Saxophone and clarinet players need at least 4 reeds at all times (Brand:Juno Size:2)
  • Oil: Brass players need to always carry valve oil or rotary oil and slide oil
  • Sticks: Percussionists need their own sticks (size 2B)
  • CleaningKit: Wind players will need a cleaning kit (swab, brushes, polish, etc)

Practice and Parent Involvement

Only playing at school 3-4 times a month is not enough to successfully learn an instrument. It takes time, patience, and practice at home. Students are given practice sheets at each lesson. Please work with your child and encourage them to practice daily. Please sign your child’s practice sheet and make sure it is shown to Mrs. Ziegler at each lesson.

If you have any questions about the Elementary Instrumental Program please email me at r leave a message at your child’s school.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Amanda Ziegler

Elementary Instrumental MusicTeacher

FAQs

1.What do I have to do to join Band? Step one: Attend the in school assembly and try out an instrument. Step Two: Get an instrument. Step Three: Fill out registration form and hand it in. Step Four: Receive a lesson schedule from Mrs. Ziegler.

2.Does it cost anything? Yes, you will have to invest some money into your child’s instrument and supplies. Instruments can be rented at a reasonable monthly payment. Most instruments need supplies that the school does not cover such as reeds, oil, and sticks.

3.Where can I get an instrument and supplies?The music teacher will have some supplies to be purchased at school. Please inquire about these supplies. Here are some reputable music stores that carry band instruments and supplies:

Robert M. Sides Family Music Centers: Williamsport (570) 326-2094 Wilkes-Barre (570) 824-9636

Rynhart Music: (570) 204-2458

4. Are all lessons and rehearsals during the school day?All lessons are during the school day. There will be 1 after school rehearsal to prepare for the Christmas Concert and 4 after school rehearsals for the Spring Concert. There will be a bus to transport the students from their elementary school to the middle school or high school. Parents will be responsible for picking up their child after rehearsal is over. Permission slips will be handed out.

5.Can I quit the instrumental program? Yes, your child can discontinue at any point. A hand written note must be given to the music teacher. If you are renting an instrument you must contact the music company. The music teacher will not be responsible for rental instruments. Please keep in mind that in band everyone participates, and everyone has a part. So, quitting part way through means that someone else will have to cover your part.

6. Can I switch instruments?Although I do advise playing one instrument throughout the whole school year, it is possible to switch. If your child ends up switching to a new instrument please understand they will be starting over and will have to catch up with their fellow band members if they wish to perform at concerts. Lesson time is limited at school and concert participation is not guaranteed.

7.I want to be a percussionist!Percussion is such a fun instrument to play! However, you should play percussion only if you really WANT to. Don’t be a percussionist because you think it’s the cheapest. All percussionists in Elementary Band have to learn ALL the percussion instruments, not drums. They will be expected to play the bells, auxiliary instruments, ALL the drums, etc. If you think that you can handle learning lots of different techniques, and play lots of different instruments, then percussion is the place for you!Students are required to have a bell set and drum pad for lessons at school and to practice at home.

8.What if I’m in basketball, and football, and cheering….Students are able to do other activities. The 4 after school band rehearsals are done by 5:00 when most activities, such as spring sports begin. The schedules typically do not conflict.

9. What if I’m in Chorus?Wonderful! Band and Chorus complement each other! Being in both will help you to advance your musical skills. Band and Chorus are offered on different days. They will not conflict with each other.

10 What if I miss my lesson? Students who miss a lesson may be able to receive a make-up lesson, but it is not guaranteed. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Mrs. Ziegler about a make-up lesson.

Berwick Area School District

Elementary Instrumental Music

Registration Form

Student Name: ______Grade: ______

School Building:______Homeroom Teacher: ______

Instrument: ______

Do you own an instrument? Y or N Will you be renting an instrument? Y or N

Contact Information:

Parent’s/Guardians Name:______

Primary Phone Number:______

Secondary Phone Number: ______

Email Address(es)*: ______

By providing your email address you agree to participate in the weekly email newsletter about the instrumental music schedule and announcements. ****Strongly Encouraged*****

I have read all the information pertaining to the elementary instrumental music program. If my child decides they no longer wish to participate I will notify the music teacher in writing.

Parent Name: ______

Parent Signature: ______Date: ______

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